TENS Machine - Natural Pain Relief

A TENS machine, short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation machine, is a device that delivers small electrical impulses to the body through electrodes placed on the skin. It is commonly used for pain relief and muscle stimulation.
Category
Device
Where to get
Available for purchase online and in some healthcare stores
Applicable for
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

TENS machine FAQ


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What is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)?

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of pain relief involving the use of a mild electrical current. A TENS machine is a small, battery-operated device that has leads connected to sticky pads called electrodes. You attach the pads directly to your skin.

What is a TENS unit used for?

A TENS unit is a small device that delivers the current at or near your nerves to block or change your perception of pain. Healthcare providers use TENS to treat a range of conditions, including osteoarthritis, tendinitis and fibromyalgia. What is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)?

What is a TENS machine?

What is TENS? A TENS machine is small -- about the size of an iPad mini. It’s connected to a series of electrodes, which are put on your skin to deliver a low-voltage electrical charge. The electrical pulses stimulate nerve fibers in the area where you have pain and reduce the pain signals to your brain.

What is tens & how does it work?

It is worth noting that the term TENS could represent the use of ANY electrical stimulation using skin surface electrodes which has the intention of stimulating nerves. In the clinical context, it is most commonly assumed to refer to the use of electrical stimulation with the specific intention of providing symptomatic pain relief.

What is a TENS machine used for?

For some people with certain types of pain, a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine is used as an alternative to painkilling medication. What is a TENS machine? A TENS machine is a small, portable and battery-operated device which is worn on the body. The box is attached by wires to sticky pads stuck to the skin.

What is a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine?

You have been recommended a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine for your personal use. It is a small, lightweight, battery operated device which will easily clip onto your trousers or skirt allowing you to continue with your daily routine.

How does tens work?

Some nerve cells carry pain signals others carry messages about touch and pressure. TENS is thought to work by blocking pain signals from pain-sensing nerves by overwhelming them with gentle input from touch and pressure-sensing nerves. This causes fewer pain signals to reach the brain and the child or young person feels less pain.

Are TENS machines portable?

TENS machines are portable. Does TENS work? TENS is not a cure for your pain but it can give you short-term relief whilst the machine is on. It needs to be used for a minimum of two hours at a time but can be used as little or as often as you require.

TENS machine References

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