TENS Machines – What can I use them for?
Living with pain—whether chronic, post-injury, or menstrual—can affect every part of life making you feel miserable. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) offers a portable, non-invasive, drug-free option to help manage it.
What is TENS & how does it work?
TENS delivers tiny electrical impulses through sticky adhesive electrode pads placed on the skin, these stimulate nerves which are thought to help by:
· Blocking pain signals to the brain
· Leading to a decreased pain perception
· Leading to an increase in blood flow to the area, aiding natural healing.
· Helping to release natural endorphins.
Evidence shows TENS can reduce pain during use, although long-term benefits vary. Many patients find they get relief while using it—and some feel it helps even after a session ends.
Why do people use TENS?
TENS is non-addictive, inexpensive, non-invasive, and can be used in the comfort of your own home exactly when you need it—no appointments or monitoring required. It also has very few side effects or restrictions, making it an attractive choice for many.
It’s especially popular for:
Back pain
Joint and muscle aches
Period pain
Be careful or avoid if you have:
a pacemaker,
implantable device,
epilepsy,
or are in early pregnancy (13 weeks).
Can I use it in Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is such a precious time and keeping mum and baby safe is the ultimate priority. With aches and pains being very common in pregnancy, pain relief should be as risk free as possible for both mother and baby.
Tens machines can be used with care through all stages of pregnancy. However – although no side effects nor foetal abnormalities have been reported from the use of TENS during pregnancy, it is more widely used and recommend from the second trimester (week 13) onwards.
Usage tips:
Start with short sessions (20–30 mins).
Place pads around the pain or near the nerve pathway—never on broken skin, neck, eyes, chest if you’re pregnant, or over a pacemaker.
TENS units are portable—use them on the move, at home, at work.
TENS Devices Available at Shropshire Health
Choose the device that suits your lifestyle and pain management needs:
Kinetik Wireless TENS Machine – A cordless, compact solution with 15 intensity levels, a 20-minute timer and portable for convenience—perfect for on-the-go pain relief.
Kinetik TENS Machine – Dual Channel TENS, suitable for 2nd +3rd timester pregnancy, 24 modes, 15 intensity settings, portable with carry case.
Is TENS right for you?
Pros:
Non-drug relief, easy to self-administer, and discreet.
Portable—use at home, work, or on walks.
May reduce use of pain medications
Cons:
You feel a tingling sensation—some find it uncomfortable.
Not effective for everyone; effectiveness can lessen over time
In summary
TENS is a safe, accessible, and non-pharmaceutical way to manage many common pains. Designed to block pain signals and trigger endorphins, it’s a versatile choice—especially with our wireless Kinetik device and convenient replacement pads.