TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, using low-voltage electrical currents to reduce nerve activity and provide pain relief. It works through two main mechanisms: stimulating your body's natural endorphin production and interfering with pain signals reaching the brain, providing temporary relief even when underlying conditions remain. TENS machines use 2-4 electrodes placed at pain sites or along nerve pathways to stimulate associated nerves effectively.

TENS therapy effectively manages various types of physical pain, including back pain, arthritis, headaches, neck pain, rheumatism, diabetic neuropathy, tendinitis, sciatica, and many other chronic and acute pain conditions. It's particularly valuable for patients seeking drug-free pain management alternatives.

Yes, TENS therapy is safe. The electrical current used is not strong enough to cause harm or shock the skin. However, individuals with cancer, pregnancy, epilepsy, or pacemakers should avoid electrotherapy.

Electrodes should never be placed on the face, front of the neck, or over the heart, as the current can adversely affect these areas. Additionally, avoid placing electrodes on open wounds or areas with reduced sensation.

No, TENS therapy is designed to reduce pain, not increase it. Some patients may feel a tingling sensation on their skin during extended treatment sessions, but this can usually be alleviated by reducing the intensity.

For optimal results, TENS therapy should be conducted at an intensity that is "tolerable" but not "uncomfortable."

Individual TENS sessions usually last between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the specific therapy being applied. Many patients report immediate relief following a session, with the effects lasting for hours afterward, making TENS an effective method for pain management.

You can use your TENS machine as often as needed to manage your pain. TENS therapy triggers your body’s natural pain relief mechanisms, and there are no known side effects from regular use, except for potential skin irritation where the electrodes are placed.

For personal use, analog and digital are two primary types of TENS units: 

• Analog TENS units have rotary dials and switches. These typically require setup assistance from a healthcare professional for your specific condition. Once set, you only need to turn it on and adjust the power levels.
• Digital, pre-programmed TENS units come with various preset programs designed for specific conditions or body parts. These require less professional assistance but may need you to input settings for each use. Some devices include a LOCK feature, allowing you to save your settings for future sessions.

TENS units are available at various price points depending on features and intended use (clinical vs personal). Some offer additional waveforms beyond basic TENS, expanding treatment options. There's a TENS machine for every budget, making it a valuable long-term investment for managing physical pain effectively.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) delivers low-frequency electrical stimulation, typically between 2–150 Hz, directly through electrodes placed on the skin to target superficial nerves and manage localized pain.

In contrast, Interferential Current (IFC) therapy uses two medium-frequency electrical currents, usually around 4000 Hz, which intersect beneath the skin. The intersection of these currents creates a lower-frequency "beat" (typically 1–150 Hz) deeper within tissues. IFC's higher carrier frequency reduces skin resistance, enabling deeper penetration and more comfortable stimulation for deeper sources of pain, such as joint or muscle pain.

So, TENS is best suited for superficial, localized pain relief, while IFC is preferred for addressing deeper tissue pain comfortably. Many professional electrotherapy devices offer both modalities to provide comprehensive treatment options.