How to Use a TENS Machine

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

• What is Pain?
• What is EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulation)?
• How to Use a TENS Machine
• TENS Machine – Private Health Insurance Rebate
• What is a TENS Machine?
• What is Nerve Pain?

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.