What should you know about a TENS digital therapy machine?

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. The device delivers a small current between pads placed on the skin. People often describe the sensation as tingling. The aim is to make pain easier to tolerate so gentle movement, rest, or rehabilitation is more manageable; it does not repair a disc, joint, nerve, or muscle by itself.

Digital controls may change pulse strength, pattern, or timing. More intensity is not automatically more helpful. Pad placement depends on the painful area and should follow the manual or a professional demonstration.

Use the machine only on clean, unbroken skin. Begin with the lowest comfortable intensity, remain awake while using it, and inspect the skin afterwards. Remove pads before bathing or swimming, and keep the unit away from water. Never place pads across the chest, on the front of the neck, over the head, or directly over irritated skin.

Seek advice before use if you have a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device, reduced sensation, epilepsy, or pregnancy. For lower-back symptoms, combine any device use with an assessment and a suitable movement plan rather than relying on stimulation alone.

Book a clinical review when pain persists, spreads down a limb, or comes with numbness or weakness. Urgent assessment is needed for new bladder or bowel problems, numbness around the groin, major trauma, fever with severe back pain, or rapidly worsening weakness.

Ask whether TENS is suitable for your diagnosis, where to place the pads, which mode to try, and how it should fit with physiotherapy or medication. Ask what improvement to look for and when to stop.