Intelect® Portable Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy, or electrical stimulation as it is often called, is believed to block the transmission of pain signals along nerves. The therapy promotes the release of the body's natural painkillers, endorphins. Electrical stimulation is used to increase local blood circulation, relax muscle spasms, prevent or retard muscle atrophy, and maintain or increase range of motion.

Electrotherapy is administered using a device called a TENS unit. TENS is the acronym for transcutaneous (through the skin) electrical nerve stimulators. A TENS device delivers low-frequency electrical current through electrode patches placed on the skin over the painful area (e.g. low back).

Pictured below are two TENS devices from the Chattanooga Group's Intelect® line of portable high-volt electrotherapy units. The Intelect® units allow the patient to adjust the intensity of the current, select continuous or pulsed, and set the desired duration of therapy.

Intelect® Portable electrical stimulation device
Chattanooga Group© Used with permission.

Intelect® Portable electrical stimulation device
Chattanooga Group© Used with permission.

This article is an excerpt from Dr. Stewart G. Eidelson's book, Advanced Technologies to Treat Neck and Back Pain, A Patient's Guide (March 2005).

Last Updated: 02/28/2007
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