How TSE Works - The Basics

All pain signals need to pass through the spinal cord in order to be perceived as pain. If pain signals can be suppressed before they reach the brain, then pain can be reduced or eliminated.

In 1991 Dr Alexander Macdonald and Dr Tim Coates discovered that very short but powerful electrical pulses penetrate deep tissues more effectively than longer pulses. But these short pulses do not cause unpleasant sensations such as muscle contractions, even at high intensity.

When applied to the skin, these signals activate nerves in the spinal cord, mediating the transmission of pain signals and providing effective relief from pain. Macdonald and Coates called their invention Transcutaneous Spinal Electroanalgesia (TSE).

TSE can be thought of as a high power form of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with the electrodes applied over the spine. However, in recent clinical work it has become apparent that the waveform is also effective when applied over the peripheral nerves, or over a site of injury.

In common with many drug therapies, the effects of TSE are well understood, but the exact mechanism(s) by which these effects are achieved are theoretical. However, several theories have been put forward as to how TSE interacts with the neurological system to produce pain relieving effects. If you would like to learn more about this subject read the clinical papers published on TSE.