Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the use of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes.
TENS, by definition, covers the complete range of transcutaneously applied currents used for nerve excitation although the term is often used with a more restrictive intent, namely to describe the kind of pulses produced by portable stimulators used to treat pain.
The unit is usually connected to the skin using two or more electrodes. A typical battery-operated TENS unit is able to modulate pulse width, frequency and intensity. Generally TENS is applied at high frequency (>50 Hz) with an intensity below motor contraction (sensory intensity) or low frequency (<10 Hz) with an intensity that produces motor contraction.
NOTE: Calmare is an atypical TENS device in that it is not battery powered--but plugged in. It uses other frequencies. Calmare uses "transcutaneously applied currents".
So, by definition, Calmare falls under the category of TENS--yet is not the same TYPE of TENS device as the those devices that have been used for acute and chronic pain for minimal pain relief.
To say that ALL devices delivering electrostiumlation through the skin (transcutaneous) are identical is patently absurd.
