Products
Pain Relievers (TENS Machines)
Why should I use a TENS machine?
Clinically proven TENS technology
Relieves back, shoulder, joints & muscle pain
Drug-free pain relief
What is a TENS machine?
A TENS machine (or nerve stimulator), is a portable electrical impulse generator connected to electrodes placed on your skin. It can be an alternative solution to pain medicaments or a complement to them. “TENS” stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. This is a technique that aims to relieve musculoskeletal pain using a low-voltage electrical current. This means that it uses electrical impulses delivered by a TENS unit via electrodes placed on the skin over a nerve pathway, or close to the painful area. At home, a TENS machine is easy to use for symptomatic pain relief including joint pain and muscle pain.
How do TENS machines work?
TENS machines work in several ways to reduce pain (triple action):
- The gentle electrical pulses move through the skin to nearby nerves to block or shut out the pain message from ever reaching the brain from the source of the pain.
- The gentle electrical pulses increase the production of the body’s natural pain killer, such as endorphins.
- The electrical stimulation improves blood circulation as well. Muscles contract and relax with the flow of the electrical stimulation. With repeated contracting and relaxing, the blood flows in and out and the blood circulation is improved.
How to use TENS machines?
To start using your TENS machine, first apply the pads, at least 2.5 cm apart, where you feel pain. For best results, make sure your skin is clean, dry and healthy.
Once the pads are applied, turn on your TENS unit, and use the arrow keys to navigate the on-screen menu and press the “set/ start” button to make your selections. Customise your treatment and pick your setting based on the type of therapy you want and begin your session.
Each of the TENS machines offer multiple intensity levels so you can choose exactly the level of relief you need. Read the instruction manual of your TENS unit to safely and correctly use it.
As soon as your pain begins. Start with one session and once it is finished, rate your pain again (1 low to 10 high) to compare your pain level before and after therapy.
If you get to your pain early, it may prevent the pain from becoming worse, or even chronic. It’s better for you to get it under control sooner so that it does not reach a high pain threshold where it limits your daily activities.
Expect variations of tapping, tingling, massage-like sensations or even mild muscle contractions. Always start with low intensity and increase slowly. If the sensation feels uncomfortable, decrease the intensity and/or change the program. If the sensation becomes weaker or disappears, increase the intensity.
Recommended treatment time is max. 30 minutes, up to 3 times per day.
You should stop using the TENS machine in the following cases:
If you experienced an adverse reaction (skin irritation/redness/burns, headache or other painful sensation, or if you feel any unusual discomfort).
If your pain does not improve, becomes seriously chronic and severe, or continues for more than five days.
The therapy works best on acute pain because it is localised. Acute pain is pain in one area for less than 3 months. If you have chronic pain, you may have pain in more than one area and for longer than 6 months. Chronic pain may be compounded by other issues that this unit cannot address. Remember, TENS machines do not cure your pain or the original cause of the pain. It provides temporary relief or reduction of pain so that you can control your life and activities better.
Most people can safely and effectively use a home TENS unit to obtain pain relief. However, there are reasons to not use a TENS unit. These include the following:
- Pregnancy
- Pacemaker or any implanted electronic device
- Over skin lesions
- Over the front of the neck/carotid artery
- On the head
If you have any questions about TENS units and whether or not electrotherapy is right for you, please consult with a medical professional like a physiotherapist.
Disclaimer
This content has been reviewed and approved by a Omron Healthcare Europe cross-functional team to ensure that the provided information is accurate.