What should you know about electrode pads for TENS?

The pads are conductive adhesive patches attached to lead wires. They spread the pulse over a skin area, allowing a TENS programme to feel like a gentle buzz or tapping. A pad that is dry, curled, dirty, or partly detached can concentrate the sensation in one place.

Pads support symptom management only. They do not establish whether pain comes from a muscle, joint, nerve, or another source, so ongoing symptoms still need appropriate clinical assessment.

Use clean, dry skin without cream, oil, or loose hair where possible. Follow the placement shown by your clinician or device instructions, keeping pads away from the front of the neck, eyes, broken skin, and areas with poor sensation. Turn the unit off before changing position.

After use, remove pads gently, cover the adhesive surface, and store them as directed. Replace them when they stop adhering smoothly or the surface becomes damaged. Keep the unit and pads away from children and water.

Stop using the pads for burning, worsening pain, blisters, swelling, or a lasting rash. Seek urgent care for new weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, fever, or serious injury-related pain. Arrange review when pain keeps returning or restricts daily movement.

Ask where to place each pad, which settings are appropriate, how to protect sensitive skin, and when replacement is needed. Mention a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, pregnancy, epilepsy, reduced sensation, or skin conditions before starting.