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Many brands offer transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units that can help reduce pain. They are suitable for people with sciatica, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. However, they may not be safe for people who are pregnant or have other conditions.
This article describes what TENS units are and explores some products available to buy online. It also lists some considerations a person should make before purchasing and answers frequently asked questions about TENS units.
Medical News Today chooses TENS units based on the following criteria where possible:
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
The PowerDot 2.0 Duo connects to a person’s smart device via Bluetooth. It uses TENS and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).
It comes with a Therabody app that serves as an intensity controller and guides a person through program selection and pad placement.
The app also offers personalized adjustments based on the data the user provides as well as access to its community.
The company recommends it for period pain and muscle recovery.
In addition, the product features 12 stimulation modes and 20 intensity settings. It also comes with:
A person can use the company’s 60-day trial to test the product before committing to a purchase.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This device comes with 15 modes, nine auto-stimulation programs, and 20 levels of intensity. It uses TENS and EMS.
A person can choose which area of the body they wish to target with visual diagrams on the screen. Settings are labeled according to the area of the body for which they are suitable.
The EMS settings aim to mimic the feeling of massage. Users can choose their preferred method of massages, such as kneading, acupuncture, and cupping. As a result, this TENS machine may be best suited to people who wish to simulate the feeling of massage while they use the machine to relieve pain.
This device has four outputs that allow a person to use eight pads simultaneously. It also comes with a built-in belt clip.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
The iReliev has a wireless, low-profile design for discreet, convenient use. A person can wear the pods on the go.
The unit has two pods that can be programmed as an isolated channel or paired.
It uses TENS and EMS.
The hand control supports up to four channels, allowing people to upgrade their devices for expanded coverage.
The device also has other features, such as:
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This wireless TENS machine has four modes. The manufacturer describes it as lightweight, portable, and suitable for people to use on the go.
The manufacturer claims it is suitable for muscle recovery for short-term pain. Buyers can use it on their back, hips, abdomen, and joints.
This TENS machine may suit people who would like to support their muscle recovery and reduce short-term post-workout pain.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This TENS machine is an affordable, rechargeable option.
It has 24 TENS modes and 20 levels of intensity. It also has a timer that people can set for between 10–60 minutes.
This machine features dual output, meaning a person can simultaneously use different settings for different body areas.
The manufacturer writes that the battery lasts for 10 hours.
This machine is significantly more affordable than other options, making it suitable for people working with smaller budgets.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This TENS machine from Omron may be best suited to a person with foot pain, as it has a preset program to ease pain in the legs and feet.
It also has preset programs for arm and shoulder pain and for the lower back. There is a knead and steady massage mode available and 10 intensity levels.
Its design is small and discreet, and it is designed for people to use on the go.
The TENS unit comes with one pair of long-life electrode pads that the manufacturer claims can be used up to 150 times.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This TENS machine is specifically designed to ease period pain.
The pack includes two pads, a TENS machine, charging cables, and a storage pouch. It has a very discreet, small design so people can wear it all day under their clothes. The machine clips onto underwear.
The company writes that a person should stick the electrodes onto their stomach or back. The machine sends electrical pulses to redirect pain signals.
According to Ovira, the battery lasts all day.
The company offers a 100-day free trial, and a person may be able to claim this purchase on their health insurance. The device also comes with a 2-year warranty.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This device features dual channels for individuals who want to pre-program different modes and intensities.
A purchase includes a TENS machine, twelve electrode pads, two lead wires, a USB charging cable, a dust-proof storage pouch, and an instruction manual.
There are three color options a person can choose from.
The device has 20 levels of intensity and 24 preprogrammed massage modes with adjustable times. It also features a rechargeable battery which the company claims can provide 10 hours of use.
AUVON offers a 12-month warranty and a 30-day worry-free returns policy.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
TechCare provides a lifetime warranty for this TENS unit. The company also gives a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Included in a purchase is the TENS unit controller, three large electrodes, one pair of extra large pads, one pair of small pads, two electrode cables, users manual, a USB and wall charger, one small electrode pad and wire holder, one treatment points chart, and a belt clip.
The unit has FDA approval and features 24 preprogrammed massage modes. A person can adjust the timer for these modes anywhere between 20-60 minutes.
It has a rechargeable battery which the company claims has 20 hours of use from one charge.
The device has a large LCD display which TechCare says is easy to use and read.
The table below compares each TENS machine for price, the number of settings, and their advantages and disadvantages.
TENS is a noninvasive pain relief management device. It sends a mild electrical current through electrodes attached to the skin.
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is a physical therapy and fitness technique that also uses electrodes to transmit electrical impulses.
A TENS unit comes with:
A person places the electrodes on or around the painful area. The TENS device stimulates the nerve endings to produce endorphins to reduce pain. Endorphins block the brain’s transmission of pain signals.
Doctors may recommend using a TENS unit for acute and chronic pain that results from surgery and other health conditions, including:
A 2020 study reviewed the effects of a 4-week TENS treatment in women with fibromyalgia. Researchers found significant improvements in movement-evoked pain and fatigue.
A 2021 study also noted that TENS therapy provided immediate pain relief in people with chronic low back pain.
According to another 2021 study, TENS units are safe for people with endometriosis and menstrual cramps, as they can alleviate pain and manage primary dysmenorrhea.
Also, one 2020 review of 26 studies found that TENS can significantly reduce pain during labor.
Using TENS is generally safe and does not have side effects. However, the adhesive pads can cause allergic reactions, but special nonallergic pads are available.
TENS can also cause metallic or electronic implants, such as defibrillators and cardiac pacemakers, to malfunction.
A person should not use TENS machines while driving, operating machinery, or while in contact with water, such as bathing, showering, or swimming.
A person should never place TENS pads on the following areas:
Also, people with any of the following conditions should not use TENS units:
TENS is safe during pregnancy, but a person with a history of early miscarriage or a previous abortion should not use TENS while pregnant.
If a person has had complications in their current pregnancy, they should not use TENS.
A person should be careful when placing the TENS electrodes during pregnancy. Putting them in certain locations can cause labor contractions. These areas include:
If a person develops labor contractions while using TENS, they should immediately turn off the machine and speak with a doctor.
A person must always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and stop using a faulty TENS machine that makes pain worse or causes skin reactions.
People should consult a doctor or physical therapist to determine how and when to use a TENS unit.
TENS units can be used daily. A person should start on a low setting and gradually increase it to find the right intensity.
A person can use them to help ease pain from a wide range of conditions, including:
Generally, a person will place the pads at least 1 inch apart on the painful area.
If a person experiences side effects from using a TENS machine, they should stop using it and contact a doctor.
TENS units can provide pain relief with few to no side effects.
However, a person should speak with a doctor before using a TENS unit. A medical professional can diagnose the cause of a person’s pain. They can advise on whether a TENS machine will be a safe and suitable method of pain relief.
TENS machines are not safe for everyone. People should not use TENS machines without speaking with a doctor first if they:
Learn more about TENS for overactive bladder.
If a person develops skin irritation from the pads, they should stop using the TENS machine and speak with a doctor. There may be hypoallergenic pads available.
Features to consider when choosing a TENS unit include:
Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked TENS unit questions.
While TENS and EMS apply electrical currents in the body, TENS aims to relieve pain. EMS contracts the muscles and is suitable for rehabilitation and strength performance.
Typically, TENS does not hurt. However, people will have different thresholds regarding how comfortable they find higher-intensity TENS settings.
A person should start using lower settings and gradually work up, only using an intensity level with which they are comfortable.
TENS may relieve a person’s discomfort from sciatica pain and help them regain mobility to perform daily activities.
TENS is a noninvasive, nonaddictive pain relief option that does not cause any side effects.
TENS units can be an effective and affordable method of pain relief, depending on the TENS machine a person chooses. Additionally, research has found TENS to have few to no side effects.
A person should speak with a doctor to determine whether a TENS machine will be effective for their pain.
TENS machines offer different features. A person may wish to consider purchasing one with different modes to find the setting that works best for them.
People may think that TENS can cause damage to the nerves. However, they should consult with a doctor before using a TENS unit for the first time and notify them if they experience any side effects.
TENS machines are available for different budgets and conditions, such as foot pain, period pain, and nerve pain.
They also have a portable design, a controller, and a rechargeable battery.
One can also consider the intensity levels, power source, and timer options.
People who cannot use a TENS unit may use other electrical stimulation devices. These include:
TENS units can help reduce pain in people with arthritis, sciatica, period pain, and other conditions.
They are available without a prescription.
However, people should first consult a medical professional to diagnose their pain and help them find the best TENS unit that suits their needs.
Last medically reviewed on September 1, 2023
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