Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy - An International Journal

Patients with multiple rib fracture face high rates of pulmonary complications. Effective pain relief instituted early in these cases would be of immense benefit. The aim therefore was to find out the immediate effect of TENS on pain relief in patients with rib fractures.

This was one time observational design, convenient sampling used, 7 consecutive patients with rib fracture were recruited from the Shree Krishna hospital, Karamsad. The patients were explained about Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy & were given dual channel high TENS parameters for 30 minutes covering the site of pain. Before and immediately after TENS therapy, their Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) & oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded & response was compared.

After data analysis the mean difference in VAS is from 6.43 to 3, which suggests that after application of TENS there is relief in pain by pain gate mechanism. There is markedly increase in PEFR from 90 to 121.43 (l/min). It reflects that patients breathing capacity is improved because of pain relief following TENS therapy. There is also increase in SpO2 level from 97.28% to 99%.

It is concluded that TENS therapy is an effective, reliable and practical method in controlling pain and thereby improving pulmonary functions in the patients with rib fractures.