What type of current is typically used for pain relief in TENS therapy?

Biphasic alternating current is the type of current typically used for pain relief in TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy. This current is characterized by its ability to fluctuate in polarity, which helps in effectively stimulating sensory nerves without causing discomfort.

The alternating nature allows for versatile adjustments in frequency and pulse width, which can be tailored to optimize pain relief for individual patients. Moreover, biphasic waveforms can help in modulating the pain response by engaging different types of nerve fibers, which is beneficial in managing both acute and chronic pain conditions.

This approach is more effective for therapeutic purposes compared to other types of currents, as they might not provide the same level of nerve stimulation or comfort necessary for pain relief. For instance, direct current is typically not utilized in TENS as it may lead to discomfort and not effectively stimulate the desired nerve pathways. Pulsating direct current is also less effective for pain relief, as it does not mimic the natural sensations and responses of the nerves as adequately as biphasic alternating current. Modified sinusoidal current, while also used in various therapeutic contexts, does not have the same specific application and adjustment capabilities for pain management as biphasic alternating current within the TENS framework.