When should I not use a TENS device?

TENS - Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation - is a clinically proven form of therapy for pain relief. By applying electrodes, gentle current impulses are conducted through the skin to certain nerves. Since it is stimulation current that is thus applied, there are certain cases or situations in which the use of a TENS unit is not recommended for health reasons. There are also situations when the electrodes should not be applied. If you are not sure if you should maybe not use a TENS device or electrodes for health reasons, please consult your doctor.

This concerns the following cases:
• if you wear a pacemaker
• if you have an implanted defibrillator or other metal implant or an implant connected to an electrical device
• if the pain symptoms persist despite therapy
• if you are taking strong painkillers or local anaesthetics
• if you suffer from infectious diseases
• if you have circulatory disorders (thromboses or embolisms)
• if you have sensitivity disorders (numbness)
• a doctor should be consulted when treating infants, toddlers or children
• if you are pregnant
• if you suffer from psychosis
• if there is a tendency to bleed
• if you have cancer
• if you suffer from extreme hypersensitivity or fear related to current
• if you suffer from heart problems, especially arrhythmia
• if there are undiagnosed pain symptoms
• when it comes to the treatment of the eyelids
• if you are suffering from severe arterial circulatory disorders (embolism) in the
legs
• if you suffer from symptomatic localised pain for which the cause is unknown or if a pain syndrome has been diagnosed
• if the area to be treated is in a precancerous stage
• no electrodes should be placed on swollen, infected, inflamed areas or in case of skin rash, e.g. phlebitis, thrombophlebitis (phlebitis with simultaneous thrombosis) or on varicose veins, etc.
• no electrodes should be placed on areas of the body with poor nerve tissue
• if you suffer from epilepsy
• in case of umbilical hernia, incisional hernia or inguinal hernia