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TENS Units Precautions

A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation unit, or TENS unit, electrically stimulates the production of endorphins, enkephalins and serotonin to relieve pain. Used by patients suffering chronic or acute pain, the TENS unit is successful in reducing pain up to 50 percent to 80 percent.

  1. Patients Who Should Not Use TENS

    • Some classes of patients should never use TENS therapy. Patients with a demand pacemaker, implanted defibrillator or other implanted electrical device should not use a TENS unit. TENS should not be worn over the chest area of patients suffering from cardiac problems. Likewise stroke patients and patients with venous or arterial thrombosis or thrombophlebitis should not use TENS therapy.

      Do not use TENS therapy for undiagnosed pain. Patients with malignancy should not use TENS, except in terminal cases.

      Patients with impaired movement or thought processes should not use TENS. All patients should avoid using the TENS unit while driving or operating heavy machinery. Avoid using TENS while exercising. Keep the TENS unit out of the reach of children.

    Skin Care

    • Wash and dry the skin before applying the electrodes. Use fresh electrodes, lead wires and alcohol wipes. Apply the treatment for 15 to 60 minutes each treatment, up to five times per day. Move the electrodes slightly with each application. Overuse can cause burns, skin irritation, muscle spasms and soreness.

      Avoid using the TENS unit over tissues that might hemorrhage or form hematomas or on irritated, inflamed or infected skin or on mucosal tissue. Do not use TENS on areas with reduced sensation.

    Electrode Placement

    • Electrodes should never be placed on the front or side of the neck, over the heart or over the carotid sinus areas. Cardiac patients should not use TENS on the chest area.

      Pregnant patients should not use TENS therapy over the abdomen, back or pelvis, except during labor and delivery.

    Medication Interactions

    • Avoid using narcotic medications and caffeine in combination with the TENS unit. Narcotics and caffeine reduce the effectiveness of the therapy.

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