Tenker TENS unit: what patients should know

TENS means transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. A small device sends controlled pulses through adhesive electrodes placed on intact skin near, but not directly over, the painful area. The sensation is usually a noticeable tingling that should remain comfortable; it should not feel like burning or sharp pain. TENS can make movement or rehabilitation easier for some people, but it does not repair a torn tendon, remove a fracture, or explain why pain is present.

Follow the device instructions and a clinician’s electrode-placement advice. Start with a comfortable setting, check the skin before and after use, and stop if there is burning, rash, dizziness, or worsening pain. Keep pads away from broken skin, the front of the neck, the head, and areas with reduced sensation. Do not use TENS while driving, bathing, sleeping, or operating machinery. Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have an implanted electrical device, a heart rhythm problem, are pregnant, or are unsure whether it is suitable.

TENS should not delay assessment of new weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, chest pain, severe injury, fever with a hot swollen joint, or rapidly increasing numbness. Seek help for a skin reaction that does not settle after removing the electrodes. If pain needs repeated device use or continues to limit normal activity, arrange an evaluation to address the underlying problem.

Where should the pads go for my pain? Is TENS appropriate with my medical history or medicines? What treatment should accompany it, and what symptoms mean I should stop using it?