What should you know about an EMSI TENS unit?

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Adhesive pads sit near, rather than directly on, the painful area. The device produces a tingling sensation that may alter how pain signals are processed and may encourage the release of the body's own pain-relieving chemicals. Relief varies and may fade after the device is removed.

TENS addresses symptoms, not every cause of pain. A clinician may combine it with mobility work, strengthening, education or other treatment. Read the dedicated /technology/tens-unit/ guide for device features and practical use.

Ask a clinician to show you pad placement and settings before first use. Apply pads to intact skin, begin at a low intensity and increase only to a comfortable tingling. Keep the unit off while attaching or removing pads. Do not use it in water, over the front of the neck, across the chest, on the head or over infected or broken skin.

Check the skin after use and stop if you develop a rash, blister, burning sensation or persistent irritation. Discuss TENS first if you have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, reduced sensation, epilepsy or are pregnant.

Seek urgent help for new weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, chest symptoms or severe pain after an injury. Arrange an assessment when pain is unexplained, steadily worsening or limiting sleep and daily activity.

Ask whether TENS is appropriate for the suspected cause, where pads should go, how long to use it, what other treatment should accompany it and when to stop.