Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate nerves through the skin’s surface. Typically employed for pain management, TENS devices aim to interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain. An example of its usage includes managing chronic back pain or arthritic joint pain.
While TENS is effective in pain relief, its role in muscle growth is limited. Although electrical stimulation can cause muscle contractions, the type of contraction induced by TENS is generally insufficient for significant hypertrophy (muscle growth). Strength training, with its focus on progressively overloading muscles, remains the primary method for building muscle mass. Exploring the intersection of electrical stimulation and muscle development provides valuable insights into the diverse range of therapeutic applications for these technologies.