What should you know about drive TENS unit?

A TENS unit sends mild electrical impulses through adhesive pads placed on the skin near a painful area. The sensation may feel like tingling or pulsing. It is intended to help manage pain signals; it does not repair a fracture, remove an infection, or explain why pain began. Learn more in [TENS Unit](/technology/tens-unit/).

Do not place pads over broken, infected, irritated, or numb skin, or across the front of the neck, head, or chest. Avoid using the device while driving, bathing, sleeping, or operating machinery. People with an implanted electronic device should obtain specific medical advice before use.

Read the device instructions and start with a low setting while seated. Apply pads to clean, dry skin with space between them, then increase only to a comfortable level. Turn the unit off before moving or removing pads. Check the skin afterward for persistent redness, blistering, or irritation, and stop if the sensation becomes painful or causes muscle spasm.

Use TENS as one part of a plan that may include movement, physiotherapy, rest from aggravating activity, or treatment of the underlying condition. Record what position, setting, and duration help you so your clinician can review the response.

Stop using the unit and seek advice for burns, marked skin irritation, new weakness, worsening numbness, dizziness, or a change in your pain pattern. Get urgent help for chest pain, fainting, breathing difficulty, or sudden loss of movement. New severe pain after an injury also needs assessment rather than electrical stimulation alone.

Ask where pads may safely sit for your pain, whether your medicines or implanted devices affect use, what setting to try, and how long to continue if symptoms do not improve.