Electrotherapeutics/TENS/Dyna-Therapy
What is TENS?
TENS is the abbreviation for Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation. This is accomplished with a device used for pain treatment or muscle stimulation & relaxation. The importance of the role muscles play in occlusion has become widely recognized by the dental profession in recent years. Additionally, muscle spasm has been identified as a significant factor in many Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) cases. A muscle in chronic spasm has impaired circulation and an accumulation of waste products of metabolism. Through the TENS device, gentle repetitive electrical pulses of the muscle creates a pumping action. This causes gradual increase of blood flow and washing away of stored waste products. As the muscle returns to a more normal physiologic state, the fibers lengthen and the muscle relaxes.
Why use TENS?
- To establish an occlusion based on “happy muscles” – those that are physiologically at rest.
- To provide drug-free pain relief.
- For relief of muscle spasms due to postural problems.