How to Use a TENS Machine

Depending on the advice of your healthcare practitioner, apply your TENS machine in one the following ways:

Sensory Level Stimulation

This is referred to as “conventional” TENS or “high rate” TENS.

High pulse frequency; short pulse duration.
TENS machine goal is to stimulate cutaneous afferents Aß (large diameter).
Pain is generally eased/relieved while the TENS machine is in use.
Pain tends to return upon ending treatment with the TENS machine.
Commonly used for acute or chronic pain.

Motor Level Stimulation

Referred to as “acupuncture-like” TENS or “strong low rate” TENS.

Low pulse frequency; long pulse duration.
TENS machine goal is to cause muscular twitches, thereby leading to the stimulation of muscle afferents (small diameter).
Pain is generally eased/relieved for many hours after the device is shut off.
Commonly used for the treatment of chronic pain.

Blended Sensory & Motor Level Stimulation

“Brief intense” TENS. As the name suggests, there is a blend of both motor and sensory level stimulation.

High pulse frequency; long pulse duration.
TENS machine goal is to stimulate small diameter cutaneous afferents.
Generally implemented while a painful technique is carried out (e.g., minor surgery)
“Burst mode” TENS – this method uses “pulse trains” or “bursts” of pulses.
Pain is generally eased/relieved for many hours after the TENS intervention.

Noxious Level Stimulation

Referred to as “hyperstimulation”.

Stimulation is administered through probe-like electrodes.
May be used when other TENS methods have failed.
Generally viewed as a last resort.
This type of stimulation is painful.
The desired outcome is pain relief following the stimulation.

TENS Machine FAQs

IMPORTANT

Use only as directed. A TENS machine and EMS machine are electronic medical devices. Always read the label and instruction manual. A TENS machine may assist you in modest short-term pain relief. Consult your doctor/healthcare professional prior to use and if symptoms persist.