TENS and targeted muscle therapy: what to know

TENS sends low-level electrical impulses through adhesive electrodes placed on the skin. The sensation may be tingling, and settings are adjusted for comfort. Targeted muscle therapy may include guided exercises, stretching, strengthening, or hands-on techniques aimed at a specific area. In oncology, the plan depends on pain, weakness, surgery, treatment effects, blood counts, skin condition, and the location of any tumour or device.

Use equipment only after a trained professional has shown where electrodes belong and how to check the skin. Keep electrodes away from broken skin, numb areas, and sites where placement has not been approved. Stop if there is burning, worsening pain, dizziness, unusual weakness, or skin damage. A therapist can adapt exercises to fatigue, reduced balance, or treatment-related changes.

Contact the oncology team before starting if you have an implanted electrical device, a new neurological symptom, fragile skin, uncontrolled pain, or a treatment-related restriction. Seek urgent help for chest pain, fainting, sudden weakness, severe breathlessness, or a new loss of bladder or bowel control.

Ask whether TENS is suitable with your medicines or implanted devices, which body areas should be avoided, how exercise intensity should change during treatment, and how progress will be monitored.