Comparison of high frequency and low frequency TENS in management of type I complex regional pain syndrome

TENS is being used as an analgesic modality for the variety of chronic pains, but the parameters used have never been focused with reference to particular disease process. TENS has been used in complex regional pain syndrome successfully but the type of TENS which produces greater pain relief have not been studied. So this study was intended to find the impact of high and low frequency TENS on CRPS type I patients.

30 subjects including both male and female were included after fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were divided into three groups each consisting of 10 patients. Group A received high frequency TENS (70 Hz) plus exercise protocol, Group B received low frequency TENS (2 Hz) with exercise therapy and Group C received only exercise therapy. Outcome variables were measured; viz pain, range of motion (wrist joint) and hand function (Michigan hand outcomes questionnaire).

Statistically significant improvement in pain, range of motion and hand function has been seen in all groups with group A showing maximum improvement.

High frequency TENS produces more analgesia as compared to low frequency TENS and exercise therapy alone.