By rubbing the injured area, you stimulate large touch fibers, which helps "close the gate" and temporarily dampens the sharp pain. TENS Units:
: Integrates multi-modal pain therapies that target both large and small nerve fibers simultaneously, accelerating patient mobilization and discharge. pain gate ddsc 018
| Factor | Effect on Gate | |--------|----------------| | Strong A-beta activity (touch, pressure) | Closes gate (inhibits pain) | | High C-fiber activity (injury, inflammation) | Opens gate | | Descending brain signals (anxiety, attention) | Can open or close gate | By rubbing the injured area, you stimulate large
Stimulating larger nerve fibers—responsible for touch, pressure, or vibration—can override the pain signals. These large fibers activate inhibitory neurons that "shut the gate," reducing the amount of pain information that reaches the brain. Clinical Applications By rubbing the injured area