Given that HF TENS is a more effective pain reliever, experts recommend that people apply the highest-intensity TENS that they can tolerate. In fact, many studies have found LF TENS to be ineffective. The range of intensities of the electrical stimulation may account for some of the differences in research findings.Īccording to a 2014 review, HF TENS treats pain more effectively than LF TENS. To prevent this from occurring, people can alternate between LF and HF TENS within each treatment session.Īlternatively, they can gradually increase the intensity or duration of TENS on a daily basis. Research shows that people who use a TENS unit on a daily basis at the same frequency and intensity can develop a tolerance to the treatment.Ī person who develops tolerance will no longer feel the same level of pain relief that they did when they first used the unit. Several factors may influence the effectiveness of TENS: Tolerance While there is a lack of strong clinical evidence for its effectiveness, TENS is a low-risk pain relief option for many people. One study found that TENS treatment provided temporary pain relief for people with fibromyalgia while the machine was in use. Low-frequency (LF) pulses range from 1 to 20 cycles per second and are suitable for the treatment of chronic pain.ĭuration: The duration is the number of microseconds that the current enters the skin for during each pulse.ĭue to a lack of high-quality research and clinical trials, researchers have not yet determined whether TENS is a reliable treatment for pain relief. High-frequency (HF) pulses range from 80 to 120 cycles per second and may help manage acute pain. Intensity: A dial allows the user to adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation.įrequency: The frequency refers to the number of electrical pulses per second. People can achieve this by altering the following aspects of the electrical current: They may also alleviate pain that results from the following conditions:Ī TENS unit has controls that allow people to administer an appropriate level of pain relief. TENS units may help treat the following symptoms: Share on Pinterest TENS units can help treat and manage pain.

Tens electric pulse massager