Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and iontophoresis help with what two types of pain?

• A. Acute and chronic pain
• B. Neuropathic and inflammatory pain
• C. Acute pain only
• D. Chronic pain only

Answer: (A)

TENS and iontophoresis are used to relieve pain across different time frames. TENS delivers electrical stimulation that modulates how pain signals are perceived in the nervous system and can also trigger the release of endorphins, making it helpful for immediate relief after an injury as well as for longer-standing, chronic pain. Iontophoresis uses a mild electrical current to push anti-inflammatory medication through the skin directly to the affected tissues, reducing local inflammation and the pain it causes. Since inflammation can drive pain in both the acute flare-up phase and in chronic inflammatory conditions, these modalities address both acute and chronic pain. They aren’t limited to a single duration or type of pain, which is why the best answer is that they help with acute and chronic pain.