A visual guide illustrating optimal electrode positions for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy applied to the wrist and hand addresses the median nerve affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. This typically involves diagrams showing electrode placement options for symptom relief and potential nerve stimulation pathways. An example might depict two electrodes placed on either side of the carpal tunnel, or alternatively, one electrode proximal to the carpal tunnel and another distal to it.
Proper electrode placement is crucial for effective TENS therapy. Precise positioning ensures the electrical current targets the affected median nerve, maximizing pain relief and potentially promoting nerve healing. Inaccurate placement may render the therapy ineffective or stimulate unintended nerves, causing discomfort. While TENS therapy has become increasingly common for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, the underlying principles of electrotherapy have been understood and applied in various forms for centuries. These guides represent a modern, user-friendly application of this established therapeutic modality.