What should you know about a good TENS unit?

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Small adhesive pads send mild electrical pulses through the skin near a painful area. Many people describe the sensation as tingling or tapping. It should feel noticeable but tolerable, rather than sharply painful. TENS may change how pain signals are processed and can make movement or exercise more manageable, but it does not repair every underlying cause of pain.

Useful features include simple controls, adjustable intensity, a timer, secure leads, and pads that sit flat on clean, dry skin. A device that is easy to operate is more practical than one with settings you cannot understand.

Read the device instructions before the first session. Place pads around, not directly over, the painful spot unless a clinician has shown you otherwise. Keep pads away from the front of the neck, head, broken skin, irritated skin, and areas with reduced sensation. Start with a low setting and increase gradually only while the feeling remains comfortable. Do not use TENS while driving, bathing, sleeping, or operating equipment.

Check the skin after removing the pads and stop if you develop a rash, burning, worsening pain, or unusual numbness. Ask a clinician before use if you have a pacemaker or another implanted electrical device, are pregnant, or are unsure whether the pain has been assessed.

Arrange medical assessment if pain began after a serious injury, is accompanied by weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever, marked swelling, or a limb that looks pale or feels cold. Seek urgent help for sudden chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or new neurological symptoms. TENS should not delay evaluation of pain that is new, severe, or steadily worsening.

Ask where the pads should sit for your diagnosis, which settings and session length are suitable, and whether TENS fits alongside your medicines or exercise plan. Also ask how to tell temporary skin irritation from a problem that needs review.