What should you know about a TENS unit?

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Small adhesive pads deliver a controlled current across the skin near, or sometimes around, a painful area. The sensation may feel like tingling, tapping or buzzing. It should not feel sharply painful or cause a burn. TENS may make pain easier to tolerate for some people, but it does not repair a fracture, remove an infection or identify the reason for pain. Benefits can vary with the cause, location and duration of symptoms.

Follow the device instructions and the plan given by a clinician. Place intact pads on clean, dry skin, leaving space between them, and begin with a low setting. Do not put electrodes over broken, infected or numb skin, the front of the neck, the head, or directly across the chest. Do not use the unit while driving, bathing or sleeping. Stop if the skin becomes irritated, the sensation is painful, or symptoms worsen. Check the skin after removing the pads and keep the device away from children.

Arrange medical assessment for pain that follows a significant injury, limits movement, or keeps returning despite sensible rest. Seek urgent care for sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe swelling, a limb that looks deformed, chest symptoms, or pain with fever and feeling very unwell. Ask a clinician before using TENS if you have an implanted electrical device, reduced sensation, a seizure disorder, or are pregnant, because placement and suitability may need individual review.

Which pain pattern is this device intended to help? Where should the pads go, and what setting and session length are suitable for me? How will we know whether it is helping, and what symptoms mean I should stop or arrange review?