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Pain that triggers while doing working, standing, walking, running and even effect day to day life activity actually need an effective solution that makes life easier. Nowadays, people are more inclined towards non-surgical, drug free approach to pain relief rather than traditional way such as surgery and then rehabilitation. In this case, Shockwave Therapy and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) came into role and suddenly become more popular among Canadian. Physiotherapy clinics uses these therapies more often.
In today’s blog, we’ll understand Shockwave Therapy and TENS to better understand it and make you informed while making any decision.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
It is non-invasion treatment. It provides high energy acoustic waves to the discomfort area of the body that is similar to sound waves. Basically, it stimulates the body’s natural healing process by directly targeting nerve fibres of the pain and dysfunction.
Below are the common conditions treated by Shockwave Therapy;
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Patellar Tendinopathy
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Calcific Shoulder Tendinitis
What is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)?
It is a pain management technique that delivers mild electrical currents into skin through a small battery powered device. But TENS only focuses on pain management unlike Shockwave therapy that focuses on tissue repair.
Below are the common conditions treated by TENS;
- Labour pain
- Postoperative pain
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Chronic Low Back pain
Let’s better understand it
| S. No. | Feature | Shockwave Therapy | TENS |
| Purpose | It promotes tissue healing | It only reduces pain on temporarily basis | |
| Treatment method | It uses Acoustic Sound Waves | It uses Electrical Stimulation | |
| Best for conditions | Chronic Tendon | Pain management | |
| Treatment duration | Weekly sessions according to conditions | It can be used on daily basis | |
| Healing | It gives long term healing in selected conditions | It only delivers limited healing for limited time | |
| Pain relief | Often yes but sometimes it delayed | Immediately | |
| Usage | Only used in clinics through physicians | Yes, can be used at home |
Which is better?
It’s all depend on your treatment and problem diagnosis. Let’s understand it in other way; if your pain is caused by chronic tendon injury then Shockwave Therapy must be effective as it only supports healing. On the other hand, you only looking for short term relief then TENS will be useful as it makes you stay active during the course.
But entirely it’s really important to understand that neither treatment should replace an active rehabilitation program. However, Studies and examination shows that best outcome comes when both therapies are combines with exercise, strengthening programs, and mobility training. Improving movement, strengthening will boost the treatment as suggested by physicians and passive treatment provide relieve to symptoms.
You might face soreness after Shockwave therapy as it promotes healing in specific chronic tendon conditions. On the other hand, if any person has pacemakers, broken skin, or certain sensitive areas of the body then TENS should not be used as it may worsen the condition.
So, it’s always advisable to use Shockwave Therapy or TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) under proper assistance by physiotherapist.
