TENS application for shoulder pain

Woman at the physiotherapist is treated for shoulder pain. This pain can also be treated with a TENS device.

Due to its functions, the shoulder joint has a very complex structure and unfortunately it is not uncommon for pain and tension to occur in everyday life. One way to relieve shoulder pain and shoulder tension without painkillers is a TENS device.

In the case of chronic shoulder pain, which can occur in rheumatic diseases, for example, the regular use of a TENS device has proven itself[1]. The electrical impulses from a nerve stimulator interrupt the transmission of pain through the nerves to the brain. This usually leads to pain relief very quickly. With TENS therapy you can treat shoulder joint pain, frozen shoulder, shoulder inflammation and shoulder pain[2][3]. Treatment with a TENS device can also help you with postoperative shoulder pain[4]. The TENS treatment also stimulates blood circulation[5], which can help you with tension or muscle hardening.

TENS electrode placement for shoulder pain

For the use of TENS stimulation current therapy for shoulder pain, we recommend the TENS EMS combination device STIM-PRO X9, which offers programs for pain relief as well as EMS programs for training the shoulder muscles and massage programs.

The specially developed shoulder electrodes adapt perfectly to the shape of your shoulder and noticeably facilitate the TENS application for shoulder pain.

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Alternative electrode placement for shoulder pain

Place the 5 x 5 cm electrodes as shown to relieve your pain. Alternatively, you can also use the pain point electrode patch. For this application you need a TENS device with at least two channels.

To the right electrode

  • This guide is for orientation purposes and does not replace the supervision of a doctor or therapist. Please follow the warnings and safety instructions of your device. Changes and errors are possible.

  • Number inside the circle: Channel number

    Circle color: Red = Electrode 1, Black = Electrode 2

The recommended programs for axion TENS units

Please note when using TENS:

The intensity should be adjusted so that it is felt as a pleasant tingling sensation. The duration of the application should be approx. 40 minutes in order to be able to achieve a lasting reduction in pain. It also makes sense to switch programs every now and then.

Where does shoulder pain come from?

The shoulder is built quite complex and very often affected by a wide variety of pain. This is because this joint is constantly in motion. Impingement syndrome is a very common pain in the shoulder, there is also frozen shoulder, calcified shoulder and a number of other clinical pictures in which the shoulder in particular is affected by pain.
Most shoulder pain is due to overuse, tense or overstretched muscles and fascia around the shoulder joints. The reason for this is mostly to work for hours sitting in front of the computer or in front of the television. As a result, the musculoskeletal system is exposed to one-sided loads that our body is not actually made for.

<h2> Rotator cuff pain</h2>
The tendons and muscles surrounding the humeral head are called the rotator cuff. These are also susceptible to injuries and tension, on the one hand due to sporting activities or also due to signs of wear and tear in old age. If the tendon tears, this is referred to as a rotator cuff tear, which should definitely be treated by a doctor. A TENS device can also provide pain relief for pain in the area of ​​the rotator cuff caused by irritation and overload. Since the tendons of the rotator cuff run from the head of the humerus to the acromion, a slightly different placement of the electrodes is recommended.

What can you do about shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain can make life hell for sufferers. There are many ways to get the pain under control. Apart from painkillers, which always have side effects, it makes sense to strengthen the muscles in the back, neck and shoulder areas. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is suitable for this, which you can also carry out with our combination device STIM-PRO X9. You can find out how to strengthen your shoulder muscles on the EMS shoulder training page. In addition, many doctors prescribe physical therapy for long-term shoulder problems. In some cases, osteopathy or manual therapy can also help.

Also very helpful and when used correctly without side effects is a TENS device for shoulder pain. With the appropriate electrodes for the shoulder, stimulation current is sent out specifically to the nerves, which suppresses the pain stimulus. At the same time, the production of endorphins in the body is stimulated, which in turn prevent pain. A simple and effective method with no side effects if used correctly.

A complete immobilization of the shoulder area or the shoulder joint is often not effective and can aggravate the problems due to muscle loss. It is therefore advisable to reduce painful movements, where kinesiology tape can help you. After taping the shoulder, the elastic properties allow you to limit painful movements without restricting complete mobility.

Video tutorial for TENS application for shoulder pain

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The advantages of pain treatment with TENS

  • From everywhere

    You can use TENS therapy anywhere. It doesn't matter whether you're sitting comfortably on the sofa or in the office.

  • Drug free

    TENS pain therapy is an alternative to drug pain treatment

  • At any time

    You can use TENS flexibly and at any time. Success can already be achieved after the first treatment

  • Free of side effects

    When used correctly, pain treatment with TENS has practically no side effects
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Studies and scientific sources

[1] Bachmann, J. &amp; Pothmann, R. (2010). TENS. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in pain therapy (4th ed.). Karl F. Haug Verlag.

[2] Yang H (2015). Observation on therapeutic effect of half puncture plus transcutaneous acupoint electric stimulation for infantile facial paralysis. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 13(3), 156-159. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11726-015-0841-y

[3] Frozen shoulder. (2021). DRK Clinics Berlin. https://www.drk-kliniken-berlin.de/unfalloperation-orthopaedie-koepenick/dienstleistungen/frozen-shoulder

[4] Likar, R., Molnar, M., Pipam, W., Koppert, W., Quantschnigg, B., Disselhoff, B. &amp; Sittl, R. (2001). Postoperative transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). The Pain, 15(3), 158-163. https://doi.org/10.1007/s004820170017

[5] Cramp, Gilsenan, Lowe &amp; Walsh. (2000). The effect of high- and low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation upon cutaneous blood flow and skin temperature in healthy subjects. Clinical Physiology, 20(2), 150-157. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2281.2000.00240.x

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