TENS Units for Pain Relief

A TENS machine is a low side-effect, drug-free type of pain therapy that you can use at home at any time. Learn everything you need to know about stimulation current devices and their safe use.

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What is a TENS machine?

TENS machines are a type of medical device for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) using low voltage electrical current. TENS units are designed to send small electrical pulses directly through the skin and into the underlying muscles, nerves and tissues. This stimulation helps to relieve pain and improve muscle function.

TENS units come in different shapes and sizes, from small hand-held units for home use to larger tabletop units used in hospitals and physiotherapy practices. They usually have several adjustable parameters that can be used to vary the strength of the stimulation current, the pulse width and the frequency. These settings can be adjusted to achieve maximum pain relief while avoiding possible adverse effects.

For those seeking an alternative form of treatment for their chronic or acute pain without resorting to medication or surgery, TENS units can be an effective option to consider.

Pain relief from TENS is achieved through the following:

  • Block pain transmission to the brain

    In the case of illnesses or injuries, we only perceive pain when the corresponding pain signals from the affected area reach the brain.High-frequency TENS superimposes the pain signals, blocking their transmission to the brain. As a result, you do not perceive the pain.

  • Stimulation of endorphin release

    The human body has a natural pain control mechanism. An essential part of this is the release of happiness hormones in the body, which reduce the sensation of pain. These are called endorphins. By using the low frequency "burst" mode of a TENS machine, the body is externally stimulated to release endorphins and thus reduce pain.

What kind of pain does a TENS unit help you with and where do I place the electrodes?

TENS machines can be used by healthcare professionals or individuals at home to relieve chronic or acute pain caused by a variety of conditions such as arthritis, back pain, neck tension, sciatica, headaches, muscle spasms, sports injuries and more. The electrodes are usually placed on the affected area for up to 30 minutes per session; however, this can vary depending on the needs of the individual. We have programme recommendations and electrode placements for the following types of pain:

    • Arm pain
    • Arthristis
    • Arthrosis
    • Elbow pain
    • Golf Arm
    • Wrist pain
    • Lumbago and sciatica
    • Knee pain
    • Lumbar spine
    • Migraine
    • Neck pain
    • Back pain
    • Shoulder pain
    • Ankle pain
    • Tennis elbow
    • Calf pain

Frequently Asked Questions

TENS Unit FAQ

What does TENS mean?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.

How does TENS treatment work

You place the adhesive electrodes in such a way that the painful area is delimited. Then you select a pre-installed programme that suits your type of pain or set the parameters manually. Finally, you select the intensity so that you feel a pleasant tingling sensation without pain.

What do I have to consider before using TENS?

In order to optimize the conductivity of the electrodes, you should remove dirt and fat from your skin before using the TENS.

If you have a lot of hair, we recommend that you shorten or shave your hair completely in the area to be treated.

After use, the electrodes should be stuck back onto the carrier foil and protected from dust or other dirt

When should you not use a TENS device?

Even if the TENS treatment is considered to be free of side effects when used correctly, you should not use the TENS nerve stimulation if the following applies to you (or explicitly clarify this with your doctor):

- Heart disease and cardiac arrhythmia

- Pacemaker

- open wounds

- pregnancy

- tumors

- Implants or metals

- Epilepsy

Can I use the TENS electrodes several times?

Yes, our adhesive electrodes have a strong adhesive surface and can therefore be reused.

If the adhesive strength decreases, you can extend the service life with the electrode contact spray or the electrode gel.

Nevertheless, the electrode pads are consumables that must be replaced regularly.

How long does the effect of a TENS treatment last?

The pain-relieving effect of TENS after stimulation can last between five minutes and 18 hours. 

Since TENS can release pain-relieving messenger substances, the pain can be suppressed for a longer period of time.

Are there TENS machine side effects?

The side effects of TENS units for pain therapy are generally mild, even with prolonged use. If any effects are particularly bothersome, a doctor can assess the continued use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation machines. Skin irritation and minor burns are possible side effects. If these occur, stop using the nerve stimulator immediately and consult your doctor.

How important are the electrodes for TENS devices?

The electrodes play an important role in TENS pain therapy. Depending on the body region to be treated, electrodes with a special fit are required in order to achieve effective pain treatment.

We at axion have been continuously developing our electrodes for over 10 years in order to make your treatment as effective and comfortable as possible.

Discover our huge range of electrodes, both for axion stimulation current devices and for all other common electrical stimulators.