EFFECTIVENESS OF TENS THERAPY FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT BY PHYSICAL THERAPISTS WORKING IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF KARACHI

Abstract

Background and aim: Human illness treated electrically in old concepts back in 2500 BC, electric fish used by ancient Egyptian to manage pain through “Shock”. Electro medical devices gained popularity in 19th century. TENS was developed by Melzack & Wall for pain management which in turn found to be a big invention to the field of medicine. For pain relieve TENS is considered as low budget, easy to used and non-invasive electrotherapeutical equipment around the world. Study was aimed to evaluate the approach of TENS for pain management by physical therapist. Methodology: This cross-sectional study conducted through survey among physiotherapist of Karachi. A total No of 101 physiotherapists recruited in this study. A Self-administrated Questionnaire given to each participant for the evaluation of effectiveness of TENS for pain control. SPSS version 23.0 used for analysis. Results: Almost 90% physiotherapist recommends TENS with other modalities. This indicates high prevalence of TENS as main modality for the management of pain by majority of the participants either solely or in combination with other modalities. Conclusion: TENS found to have a significant effect in managing pain. Type and electrode placement also found important role in reducing pain.