Drug Free Arthritis Treatment Using A Tens Machine

By Author: Colin Sutton
Total Articles: 43
Comment this article

Arthritis is a painful condition that can affect the joints. This is a common chronic disorder that can not only cause pain and discomfort but can also be limit mobility. You can treat arthritis with many different methods including a drug-free tens machine.

Who Suffers From Arthritis?

Arthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints that occurs commonly as we get older. There are a number of different types of arthritis that can also affect younger people. For example rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that has been found to affect women from as early as their mid-twenties.

Why Use a Tens Machine?

A tens machine can offer a pain relief treatment for arthritis that does not involve drugs. Taking arthritis medication can be an effective way to treat the condition. However the long-term impact of these drugs can result in a number of side-effects. This is why doctors are keen to encourage other pain relief methods such as a tens machine as an alternative, particularly in younger patients.

How Tens Machines Work

A tens machine works by using soothing pulses of electricity. ...
... These are transmitted to areas affect by arthritis by small pads placed on the skin. The electrical pulses are used to suppress the pain messages that are travelling to the brain. This can relieve symptoms of pain without the need for strong medication.

A tens machine can also help to encourage the body to produce more natural pain killing chemicals (encephalins and endorphins). This can be an effective way to manage pain resulting from chronic conditions like arthritis without having to resort to powerful and expensive prescription medication.

Physiotherapy

A tens machine is often used alongside physiotherapy. These are both pain relieving treatments that do not require the use of drugs. Physiotherapy helps you to improve overall fitness and mobility with stretching and toning exercises.

Physiotherapists are able to assist you with managing your condition and can also provide tens machine treatments. You can also find out more about where to get tens machine therapies from your doctor or health care centre.

Pain Management Tips

To help you make the best out of your tens machine sessions here are a few essential tips:

- Pace Yourself – don’t push yourself too hard if you have arthritis. This can exacerbate the pain and make it more difficult to manage. Make sure you keep your activity at a comfortable level. Try to find the right balance between resting and working or moving around.

- Exercise Regularly – exercising can help you to improve your overall health and stamina. This can also help you to manage pain as exercise release natural pain relieving chemicals such as endorphins. When you have arthritis you do need to take more care when exercising. Speak to your physiotherapist or doctor about suitable exercises for your condition.

If you suffer from arthritis then a tens machine can be an effective part of your pain relief treatment. You will be able to use these devices long-term without worrying about any side effects.