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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): Uses and Effectiveness
There are a few variations of TENS therapy that may be used. Your provider will likely recommend a type that’s been shown to help your specific type of pain.
Types are categorized according to their levels of frequency, intensity, and pulse duration. Frequency (measured in hertz [Hz]) is the number of electrical pulses delivered per second, intensity is the strength of the electrical current, and pulse duration is the length of time each electrical pulse lasts, which is measured in microseconds.
Conventional TENS Also called high-frequency TENS, it delivers short-duration pulses at a high frequency and is often used for acute pain relief. The sensation is typically a light tingling, and it can be used for extended periods throughout the day.
Acupuncture-Like TENS This mode uses low-frequency (1–4 Hz), high-intensity stimulation and is intended to mimic the effects of acupuncture. It’s often used for chronic pain that doesn’t respond to conventional TENS and may produce stronger, rhythmic muscle contractions.
Intense TENS This is both high-intensity and high-frequency, and is most often used for pain related to cancer treatment.
Burst Mode TENS Burst mode delivers short bursts of high-frequency stimulation at low frequencies, combining features of conventional and acupuncture-like TENS. It’s thought to be effective for both acute and chronic pain.
Modulated TENS In modulated mode, the frequency, pulse width, or intensity is automatically varied to prevent nerve adaptation. This maintains the effectiveness of the treatment over longer sessions.
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