Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain. A TENS unit is a small device that delivers the current at or near your nerves to block or change your perception of pain. A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit works by delivering small electrical impulses through electrodes with adhesive pads to attach them to a person’s skin.

Understanding the Context

A typical battery-operated TENS unit is able to modulate pulse width, frequency, and intensity. Generally, TENS is applied at high frequency (>50 Hz) with an intensity below motor contraction (sensory intensity) or low frequency (<10 Hz) with an intensity that produces motor contraction. Learn TENS machine (TENS unit) basics: what it does, side effects, safety tips, and advice to help you understand when movement-based rehab is needed. TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Key Insights

TENS is a type of pain-relief therapy that uses low-voltage electrical current. Discover the best TENS units based on extensive research into their cost and intensity level. Compare our top picks to find the right option for your needs. TENS and EMS are two physical therapy techniques that may help treat pain or stimulate muscle contractions. Both are sometimes called electrical stimulation (e-stim).

Final Thoughts

In this article, we’ll look at ... Find portable TENS machines designed for pain relief therapy. Explore rechargeable options with electrode pads for convenient, on-the-go muscle stimulation. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, can help to relieve and reduce pain. Exactly how TENS relieves pain is not known, however, medical scientists believe that electrical impulses disrupt pain sensations passing through the spinal cord or the affected area of the body.