Best TENS Machines 2024
Pain management is an ever-evolving area of wellbeing, with innovative new solutions quietly revolutionising the way we treat and manage both chronic and acute pain. TENS therapy - which stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation - is one such innovation. Little electrodes are attached to your skin to deliver electrical impulses to the painful area, reducing pain signals and stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Don't worry - you'll feel some tingling, but it isn't painful.
Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or simply curious about the latest advancements in health technology, you're sure to find something life-changing amongst our impressive range of Best TENS Machines.
What's Covered In This Guide?
- How Do TENS Machines Work?
- Best TENS Machines
- How To Keep Your TENS Machine In Tip-Top Condition
- What Types of Pain Can TENS Machines Be Used For?
- Who Shouldn't Use a TENS Machine?
How Do TENS Machines Work?
Using a TENS machine is easy. Simply attach the electrode pads to the affected area as described in your user manual, and adjust the strength to suit your preference. You should feel a light tingling, but it shouldn't feel painful or uncomfortable.
Biologically, TENS Therapy is thought to work in the following ways:
- Gate Control Theory: This theory is based on the idea that TENS therapy can reduce our perception of pain. The electrical stimulation from the TENS device activates the sensory nerves, sending signals to the brain which can effectively 'close the gate' on the pain signals being sent by damaged or irritated nerves, meaning the brain receives fewer pain signals.
- Endorphin Release: This theory says that TENS therapy stimulates our natural painkillers, helping to reduce pain and promote a sense of wellbeing.
- Improved Blood Flow: TENS therapy can increase blood flow, improving circulation of oxygen and nutrients, which can aid in the healing process.
- Muscle Relaxation: TENS therapy can help relax tense and spasming muscles.
Best TENS Machines
Providing exceptional pain relief for a wide variety of conditions, we at Health and Care have curated a list of our favourite TENS machines for the most common types of pain to help you discover a TENS device that suits your needs perfectly.
Best Overall TENS Machine
Winner: TPN 200 Plus Dual Channel TENS Machine
Why We Love It:
✔ Works for a wide range of types of pain
✔ Easy analogue controls
✔ Recommended by the NHS
Perfect For:
✔ Those who want an affordable device
✔ Long-term and chronic pain management
✔ Use with multiple areas of pain
Not the Best For:
✘ We're hard-pushed to find fault with this fantastic little device! Perhaps they could've made it a bit prettier?
Our Verdict: This is the NHS's most recommended TENS unit, and we can certainly see why. Highly customisable, the TPN 200 also comes with a soft carry case and a handy TENS therapy guide.
Best Heated TENS Machine
Winner: Beurer EM59 Heated Digital TENS/EMS Device
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✔ Combines heat and TENS/EMS electrical pulses
✔ Stimulates the body's natural pain killers (endorphins)
✔ 'Doctor's Function' allows you to customise the settings
Perfect For:
✔ Those who want TENS combined with heat and a massage-like effect
✔ Targeted pain relief; position the electrodes to soothe pain
✔ On-the-go; it uses rechargeable batteries
Not the Best For:
✘ Those on a budget; it's a little pricier than a basic TENS machine, but worth every penny
Our Verdict: This is a truly exceptional product, allowing you to use electrical muscle stimulation and heat both together and separately. With 64 pre-programmed applications, you're sure to find one that suits you, and you can easily customise the frequency and pulse width for a perfectly relaxing biphasic massage.
Best TENS Machine for Back Pain
Winner: Sports TENS 2 Muscle Stimulator Machine
✔ Simple and portable design
✔ Comes with a belt clip so you can use it on the go
✔ Includes EMS and massage programmes too
Perfect For:
✔ Customising your own programmes
✔ Using after workouts that target specific muscle groups
✔ Those who want a small, discreet TENS device
Not the Best For:
✘ Non-sports use. The EMS settings are designed to aid muscle growth and athletic training.
Our Verdict: Ideal for those who travel a lot or want to use their device in different locations, this TENS device is delightfully portable and comes with a handy storage pouch.
Best TENS Machine for Period Pain
Winner: Beurer EM50 TENS Menstrual Relax Machine
✔ Medically certified for menstrual and endometriosis pain
✔ Ergonomic shape that fits to your belly
✔ Rechargeable battery for reliable use
Perfect For:
✔ On-the-go use
✔ Wearing underneath clothes
✔ Targeted pain relief of the abdomen
Not the Best For:
✘ Those who want a massage function combined with TENS therapy; try the Kinetik Period Pain Reliever instead.
Our Verdict: Perfect for use under clothing, this TENS device can be discreetly hidden whilst you're at work or on the go.
Best TENS Machine for Labour
Winner: Perfect MammaTens TENS Machine for Labour Pain Relief
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✔ Drug-free pain relief during labour
✔ Integral boost button for relief during contractions
✔ Simple, easy-to-use controls
Perfect For:
✔ Those who prefer natural approaches to pain management
✔ Those who are planning a home birth
✔ Use during labour or following caesarean or episiotomy
Not the Best For:
✘ Uses other than the specific ones described (labour and post-operative)
Our Verdict: Ideal for mothers-to-be who want to stay in control of their own pain relief, this TENS machine features three preset programmes specifically designed to help counter labour pains at every stage of your journey to becoming a new mother.
Best TENS Machine for Sciatica
Winner: Kinetik Wellbeing TD3 Dual Channel TENS Machine
✔ Features 20 intensity modes and 12 stimulation settings
✔ USB rechargeable
✔ Has an extra-large LCD display for ease of use
Perfect For:
✔ Those who prefer pictures and a big, bright screen
✔ Those who want a portable device for use on the go
✔ Maximum safety; it has an 'Urgent Stop' function
Not the Best For:
✘ This device is not advised to be used by pregnant women or during labour
Our Verdict: Used by the NHS, this hand-sized device features 12 auto-modes and 20 adjustable levels of intensity. The pads of this device can be positioned on upper thigh and on either side of the spine for relief from sciatica.
Best TENS Machine for Knee Pain
Winner: Beurer EM29 TENS Machine for Knee Pain and Elbow Pain
✔ Specifically designed to fit knees and elbows
✔ Has a countdown timer to show remaining time
✔ Controller has a handy belt clip
Perfect For:
✔ Treating tennis and golf elbow
✔ Chronic conditions such as rheumatism or arthritis
✔ A comfortable, ergonomic fit
Not the Best For:
✘ Variety; this device only has four pre-programmed applications
Our Verdict: Ergonomically designed to fit the knee and elbow, this TENS device can help reduce pain following injury or resulting from conditions including arthritis, tennis elbow and rheumatism.
How To Keep Your TENS Machine In Tip-Top Condition
It is recommended that you regularly replace the electrodes on your TENS machine to keep your device working optimally. TENS machine pads can quickly lose their stickiness due to natural body oils and debris, which can make them less effective. Take a look at our selection of TENS Machine Pads for a suitable replacement.
What Types of Pain Can TENS Machines Be Used For?
TENS machines may be beneficial when used for a wide variety of conditions and types of pain, including:
- Chronic Pain:
- Back Pain
- Arthritis
- Neck Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle and Joint Pain
- TMJ Pain
- Tension and Stress Pain
- Neuralgia
- Acute Pain:
- Injuries
- Post-Operative
- Labour
- Menstrual Pain
- Migraines and Headaches
Whilst TENS therapy can be effective for many individuals, its effectiveness varies from person to person. It is advised that you consult a healthcare practitioner to better understand if TENS therapy could be beneficial for you.
Who Shouldn't Use a TENS Machine?
Whilst TENS machines are considered generally safe, it is recommended that those with the following conditions and symptoms seek out medical advice before using a TENS machine, or avoid it altogether:
- Epilepsy or seizures
- Pacemakers or implanted devices
- Pregnant women
- Heart conditions
- Skin irritation or allergies
- Cognitive impairment
- Areas of reduce sensation
- Children
- Cancer patients
- First-time users