Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a targeted drug-free non-invasive therapy designed to reduce and relieve muscle or joint pain. A TENS machine usually comes in the form of a compact, battery-operated device that connects to gel pads. The gel pads are placed near the site of the pain (not directly on the pain area) and delivers gentle massage-like pulses to the body when the device is switched on.
TENS can work in several ways including:
Stimulate your nerves and blocks pain signals to the brain
Activates the release of endorphins into your body (=natural pain killers)
Contracts and relaxes the muscles to help improve blood circulation and loosen tight muscles
TENS is used to target and reduce pain and muscle spasms caused by a diverse range of conditions.
Here are some applications from OMRON TENS users:
Shoulder tightness
Sports recovery from sore muscles
Sports injuries
General relaxation before sleep
Some research and clinical trials have found TENS successful in reducing the pain caused by varying conditions1. Those who used TENS on top of their existing therapy sessions and medicine found a significant drop2 in pain levels and lesser need to consume pain relief medication. However, TENS should be used in moderation as excessive use could cause adverse effects on the body.
Discover more about OMRON TENS devices.
Here are what people said about Omron’s TENS device after trying it out:
"After working a lot on the dining table for the past 1 year, I do experience some neck and back pain once a while…There was one day that I had more serious neck pain and I quickly put the TENS device on. The pain didn't go away right after the 15 mins session but it went off in the evening. I was amazed! It's really helpful to me because I'm allergic to pain killers. This helps to manage the pain in a drug free method."
@ashlynthia on Instagram | Mum Blogger
“It’s been a week since I started using Omron TENS on my left calf. The pain that would usually occur after an intense training has miraculously gone away.”
@charmainesoh on Instagram I Netball Captain for National Team Singapore
“Foot and shin pain have been my biggest issues ever since I started running. Other than a foam roller, I had started using the OMRON pain relief device & it gave me surprisingly good results so far. I also tried using it to ease wifey’s back pain and now, she can’t do without the device everyday.”
@runnerkao on Instagram | Running Ambassador for Sport Singapore
“I train in the morning every day, 6x a week, before heading off to work, sitting for another 8 hours in front of the laptop. Who else sits for so long too and have nagging soreness? 🙋 Massage and therapy is actually very important to improve recovery and prevent injuries. But it’s hard to get a massage or therapy regularly because honestly who has that luxury of time.. usually by the time our schedule ends, it’s already in the night. 😟 Plus having the need to spend ~$60 every week for massage… the costs are too much😩…What I really like about Omron TENS is the fact that you only need to pay for this product once, and get to use it anytime, even every day! I love that I can easily stick it on and make a click of the button and I’m getting my recovery therapy.”
@kerstinong on Instagram | Athlete
“Just what I have been looking for. My sore arm is healed now. Highly recommended.”
Verified Omron TENS Customer
“The OMRON pain therapy works well to distract muscle aches. The product is well designed and is easy to use. This is very helpful especially for seniors. The skin pads are good and sticks well even with repeat use. A good design idea - the skin pad holder…”
Verified Omron TENS Customer
“I'm giving 5 stars because it's absolutely an awesome product. I regularly visit the TCM for frozen shoulders treatment. They also use a somewhat similar machine to stimulate the muscles which looks rather cumbersome. There was slight relieve after the treatment. So, I decided to browse online and happened to chance upon the Omron Electronic Nerve Stimulator HV-F021. After having used it for the very first time, it felt the same effect as the equipment used by the TCM. The Omron Electronic Nerve Stimulator is compact, convenient and easy to use. I use the device every night before going to bed and enjoy the comfortable massage with various modes”
Verified Omron TENS Customer
FAQs
After reading about the benefits of TENS for pain relief, you might have some questions about it. Here is an extract of the IG live chat hosted by the physiotherapist @mokyingrong about OMRON TENS device.
Qn 1: Can I put the gel pads on the back of my neck?
The gel pads can be put on the back of your neck to target neck stiffness. However, it is not advisable to go too close to the head.
Qn 2: Can I use TENS on my head for migraines?
It is not advisable to use the TENS device on your head.
Qn 3: Can I use the gel pads on each of my legs at the same time?
The pads should not be used simultaneously on the calves of both legs.
Qn 4: Can I use the TENS device on my frozen shoulder?
Let’s just first define what a frozen shoulder is. A frozen shoulder is when the shoulder is not moving in all directions. TENS can be used to relief the tightness in the biceps. This has to be done with rehab exercises to strengthen weak parts of the shoulder.
Qn 5: Can I use two TENS devices on different areas of my body at the same time?
It is not advisable to use two TENS on your body concurrently.
Qn 6: Does TENS only relieve muscle tightness?
TENS does not only relieve tightness, but also muscle strains. Muscle strains are caused by trauma, and they usually require more blood circulation in the area to relief pain. However, it is important to note that TENS can only be used on the strained muscles 48 hours after the muscle is inflamed.
Qn 7: Traditional methods of massaging and stretches are used to break scar tissues in an injury site. How does TENS come into play here? Can it replace traditional methods?
It is important to note that both traditional methods and TENS cannot take away the root cause of the injury. They help to promote recovery. Muscle strains and stiffness can be caused by reasons such as poor posture. TENS can only help relief pain caused by bad posture temporarily. Only by strengthening body parts and correcting your posture will resolve pain that comes with muscle strains and stiffness.
Qn 8: How is TENS different from acupuncture session where needles are inserted into the skin and wires with electrical pulses are attached to the needles?
TENS is a non-invasive treatment method which does not require needles to be poked through the skin. As such, TENS can be regarded as a safer temporary pain relief method.
How to use Omron TENS device for optimal therapy?Where to place the pads?
Place pads on either side of pain (not directly at the pain area)
Must use TWO PADS for it to work.
Place pads at least 1 inch apart.
How to take care of the pads?
Omron Long Life Pads are designed to last and washable, should you find it not sticky after a certain time of usage. It can be washed after 15 uses, approximately 10 times for up to 150 uses. Check out How to Use? tab to find out more about how to wash it.
TENS cannot be used on pregnant ladies, children, or anyone who has an implanted metallic or electronic device.
TENS cannot be used on the heart, on both sides of the thorax or near the chest as the electric pulse from the device may cause heart rhythm disturbances which could be lethal.
The TENS device should not be used for more than 30 minutes per session and 3 sessions per day. Excessive use of TENS could lead to adverse effects.
Make sure that the entire gel patch is placed nicely on the skin. If only parts of the patch are on the skin, the electrical pulses generated may not be evenly spread across the patch. This can be dangerous and affect the effectiveness of the treatment session.
Sources of reference:
1. National Library of Medicine, Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Hyperalgesia and Pain, accessed on 12 Jun 2023
2. National Library of Medicine, Immediate Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain and Physical Performance in Individuals With Preradiographic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial, accessed on 12 Jun 2023
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