Do not
The new
apply electrodes to wet, damp skin or
over a skin allergy, blister or bruising.
wear while bathing or showering.
remove leads while machine is switched
on. This could produce a mild electric
shock. Always make sure the TENS
If your have any problems
is switched off at the end of each
please contact one of the
application.
clinical nurses at the Pain
wear TENS whilst driving? (this could be
a distraction and present safety issues)
Medicine Centre at Royal Perth
Hospital via switchboard.
TENS Therapy
apply to your spine, heart, the front
of your neck, face or area around Patient information
your heart unless specifically instructed.
You should not apply to the abdomen
during pregnancy.
attempt to repair any broken leads.
have intensity of TENS stimulation so
high that it is physically uncomfortable.
Instead of reducing your pain this could
aggravate your pain TENS = Transcutaneous
lend your machine to anybody else who Electrical Nerve Stimulation
could be masking a pain. Advise that
person to seek medical advice/approval
before using a TENS.
use TENS on new pain, make sure the
Compiled by: (J Hodgson, CNC, Oct 2011)
source of the pain has been identified by Authorised by: (D. John,Surgical Division Nurse Director,
a doctor and approval has been given to Nov 2011) Endorsed by: Service 4 (Surgical/Medical
RPH M150424004
Centres) Nursing Practice Committee, (Feb 2015)
use the TENS machine for that pain.
Reviewed by: (J. Hodgson, CNC Feb 2015)
Where tradition plus innovation equals excellence
© State of Western Australia, Department of Health 2015
rph.health.wa.gov.au healthywa.wa.gov.au
TENS also helps to increase the release insert TENS leads completely in to self
What is a TENS machine? of your own body’s natural pain relieving stick electrode pads prior to application.
chemicals (endorphins). Endorphins switch TENS on either prior to a painful
A Tens machine is a small box that
help block pain signals. A higher level of event, during an activity that you know
transmits small electrical pulses around
endorphins in your system can help you feel may increase your pain or immediately
or through the site of pain. The TENS more positive about yourself and move with after an event that has increased your
machine is battery operated. It has small greater ease. pain levels.
wires attached, at the end of which are
self - stick pads known as electrodes TENS is non-invasive, inexpensive and is a use for between 20-60mins according to
which make contact with the skin. self administered technique to relieve pain. your pain needs. Good Advice is not to
The TENS machine can vary in size, There are few side effects and no potential for leave a TENS machine constantly applied
although typically it is about as big as a overdose so you can use a TENS machine to your body only use when required.
pack of cards. All working parts of the regularly to assist in your pain management. Allow the same amount of rest period
TENS will be explained in more detail at TENS is naturalistic. It gives you more control equal to the time you have had the
your TENS fitting appointment and you and can potentially increase relaxation, TENS switched on in use.
will be able to ask questions to make improve sleep and reduce pain medication
sure you fully understand. have a rest period this will allow the body
requirements. not to become too immune to the TENS
reducing potential effectiveness this rest
Do’s and Do not’s when period will also allow you to assess how
using your TENS helpful the TENS therapy is.
apply the TENS according to your needs.
Do
be aware that the battery will wear down
How does it work? apply each day to Clean dry skin as and you may need to switch the machine
required to a higher number to ensure the same
A TENS machine works by passing an
output of stimulation.
electrical current across the surface of alternative site of TENS self stick
the skin stimulating nerve endings. Larger electrodes and observe skin daily for Keep your machine clean and safe
nerve endings stimulated by the TENS signs of redness or irritation and if you no longer require it please
machine aim to block smaller nerve return it to the pain medicine centre.
replace TENS self-stick electrodes onto
endings from carrying painful signals their backing. (Handy tip: Keep in fridge
to the brain. to prolong the stickiness of pads.)
