TENS machines: The Good, The Bad and Everything Nobody Tells You.

If you've ever found yourself lying awake at 2am because your back won't stop aching, or had to cancel plans because your knee decided today was the day it would flare up, you know how exhausting chronic pain can be. It's not just the physical discomfort, it's the way it chips away at your quality of life, bit by bit.

So when someone mentions TENS machines as a possible solution, it's natural to be curious. Maybe a bit skeptical too. After all, the idea of sticking electrode pads on your skin and zapping yourself with electricity sounds... well, a bit odd, doesn't it?

But here's the thing, TENS machines have been around for decades, and millions of people swear by them. They're recommended by physiotherapists, used in NHS pain clinics, and you can pick one up without a prescription. The question is: are they actually any good? And more importantly, would one work for you?

What actually is a TENS machine?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Bit of a mouthful, I know. In plain English, it's a small battery-powered gadget that sends gentle electrical pulses through your skin via sticky pads called tens electrodes.

You place the pads/electrodes on or near the area that hurts, switch it on, and you'll feel a tingling or buzzing sensation. Some people describe it as a gentle massage; others say it's more like pins and needles, but in a good way.

The science behind it? There are a couple of theories. The main one is called the "gate control theory" basically, the electrical signals from the TENS machine travel along the same nerve pathways as pain signals. Your nerves can only process so much information at once, so the tingling sensation essentially crowds out the pain messages before they reach your brain. The other theory is that TENS encourages your body to release endorphins: those natural feel-good chemicals that act as your body's own painkillers. Either way, the result for many people is real, noticeable pain relief.

The Good Stuff: Why People Love Their TENS Machines

You can use it almost anywhere
Modern TENS machines are tiny. We're talking smaller than your phone in many cases. You can clip one to your waistband, pop it in your pocket, and go about your day. Nobody needs to know you're using it.

The wireless ones are even better for this. The Combo 3, for example, does away with wires completely. The electrode + the module have the technology built right in, so you can move around freely without getting tangled up. It's the kind of thing you can wear under your clothes at work and nobody would be any the wiser.
No drugs, no needles, no fuss
This is the big one for a lot of people. If you're fed up with popping painkillers every few hours, or you're worried about the long-term effects of medication, a TENS machine can offer a completely different approach. There's nothing going into your body: no chemicals, no side effects from drugs. You're just using your own nervous system in a clever way. It's also completely non-invasive. No injections, no procedures, nothing scary. You stick some pads on, press a button, and that's it.
It works for loads of different things
Back pain, neck pain, arthritic joints, period cramps, sports injuries, sciatica, fibromyalgia: the list goes on. TENS machines are not a one-trick pony. Whether you're dealing with something that's been bothering you for years or recovering from a recent injury, it's worth a try. Some people use it for everything from post-surgery recovery to the aches and pains that come with sitting at a desk all day. The versatility of the machines can be quite impressive.
You're in charge
One thing users really like about a TENS is that you control everything. The intensity, the program, how long you use it for: it's all up to you. If something doesn't feel right, you just turn it down or switch it off. There's something quite empowering about that, especially when you've spent ages feeling like your pain is controlling you rather than the other way around.

The not so Good stuff

It doesn't always work for everyone
This is the slightly frustrating part: some people try it and think it’s amazing, while others may not enjoy it at all. That said, for a large majority of those who dislike TENS machines, the issue is usually due to incorrect electrode placement or misunderstanding the instructions on how to treat a specific condition or type of pain.
It's a Short Term Solution
TENS machines should always been bought with a short term solution in mind or the aim of pain relief whilst using the machine, once you have stopped using the machine, the pain is very likely to return gradually over time.

That's not a total dealbreaker though. Loads of people just use it whenever they need it. Pop it on for half an hour, get some relief and carry on with their day.
Skin Irritation
If you’ve used electrode pads in the past, you may have noticed that after prolonged use of a TENS machine your skin can become red, itchy or even irritated. This is quite a common occurrence.

To help reduce this, you should always clean the area of skin before applying the electrodes. We also offer both sensitive skin electrodes and non-sensitive skin electrode options. Sensitive skin electrodes are designed to help minimise skin irritation and improve comfort during use.
Some should not be using TENS
If you have a pacemaker, you should not be using a TENS machine, this is the same if you have epilepsy or a heart condition. That said, we'd recommend always checking with your doctor prior to using a TENS.

Additionally, don't put the pads on your neck, your eyes, broken skin or anywhere that's numb.
Your body may get used to it
If you're using a TENS every single day with the exact same settings, your body may become used to it. Then it could stop working as well as it did.

This is an easy fix, all you need to do is mix it up. Different programmes, different intensities. Machines like the Premier TENS and EMS machine have loads of different settings so you can continue changing things up.

Which TENS should you buy?

There are many machines available on Amazon, eBay, OnBuy, and other online retailers. A key consideration when purchasing a TENS machine is whether it is medically certified. It’s also important to ensure you can easily contact the company if anything goes wrong, that they provide clear and appropriate instructions, and of course that replacement electrodes compatible with your machine can be repurchased easily.

But depending on your preference;

If you aim to buy a wireless device: We'd recommend our Combo 3 TENS, EMS and massage machine. No wires. 18 programmes. Comes with TENS, electrical muscle stimulation and massage programmes. Nearly 100 reviews and they're almost all five star. People love it. One person said it sorted their back pain in two days, with another calling it a life saver.

If you aim for a TENS with lots of options: The Premier Pro TENS and EMS machine is a solid choice. Wired, but packed with features. 11 TENS programmes, 10 muscle programmes and 11 massage programmes. Big screen. Fantastic for those who like to tinker and find exactly what works for you.