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Kids and Teens Pelvic Pain Clinical Network

TENS for pelvic pain

  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or TENS is a non-invasive way to help manage and prevent your pelvic pain.

    Fast facts

    • A TENS machine is a device that can help manage pain.
    • It uses small electrical pulses delivered through pads on the skin.
    • It should feel like a gentle tingling sensation.
    • Most people can buy a TENS machine without a prescription.
    • A TENS machine is often used as one part of a broader pain-management plan.

    What is a TENS machine?

    An image of a TENS machine


    An image of a TENS machine.

    Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is often called TENS. A TENS machine is a small device that delivers gentle, battery-driven electrical signals to the skin. Sticky patches known as electrodes are placed on the skin and the electrical signals are delivered through them.

    TENS machines are a safe and evidence-based option for pain management. The device can help to both manage and prevent pain.

    How does a TENS machine work?

    • Much like rubbing your arm straight after a knock to the funny bone, TENS machines stimulate touch receptors in the parts of your body that feel sore.
    • The stimulation from the device can trigger your body to release natural painkillers known as endorphins.
    • A TENS machine doesn’t numb your pain, but it can reduce how strong your pain signals feel.

    The great thing about a TENS machine is you can put it on and go about your day, wearing it for hours at a time, whereas holding a heat pack for this long could get very exhausting.

    Some people use a TENS machine on its own, while others use it alongside medicine, exercise and other pain-management strategies. A TENS machine can be a very useful puzzle piece in managing a complex pain problem.

    How do I use a TENS machine?

    • During a pain flare-up, a TENS machine can be used on most parts of the body.
    • You can place the sticky pads (electrodes) directly over the area of pain, such as on your stomach or lower back, and change the duration and intensity of the stimulation.

    What does a TENS machine feel like?

    • A gentle ‘tingling’ or ‘massage-like’ sensation
    • It should not be painful or cause you any discomfort
    • If you’re unsure if you’re using it correctly, speak to your doctor.

    How often and how long do I need to use a TENS machine?

    • You can use a TENS machine any time to help prevent pain, as well as during pain flare-ups.
    • Most people like to use a TENS machine for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, but you can use it for longer if you prefer.
    • It’s safe to use a TENS machine every day if you need to.
    • Just remember to change the sticky pads (electrodes) regularly, as they lose their stickiness after a while.

    When not to use a TENS machine

    A TENS machine won’t work for everyone and there are some people who shouldn’t use one. If you’re not sure, check with your doctor or pelvic pain physiotherapist first.

    You shouldn’t use a TENS machine:

    • If you have a cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator or another implanted electronic device
    • If you have areas of active skin lesions, such as a rash, active dermatitis, eczema or broken/infected skin
    • On your head, the front of your neck or your chest
    • When you’re in the shower, bath, water or other liquids
    • On any areas where you might have internal bleeding from an injury.

    You can still use a TENS machine during your period.

    Where can I get a TENS machine?

    An image of a wireless TENS machine

    An image of a different type of TENS machine.

    • You can buy a TENS machine online and in some pharmacies.
    • Many machines are made specifically to help with pelvic pain.
    • There are a few different kinds of machines for sale:
      • Some have wires that attach the base unit to the sticky pads (electrodes) and others are wireless.
      • Prices are different depending on the type of machine and its features.
    • If you’re unsure which one is right for you, speak with your doctor or pelvic health physiotherapist.

    When to seek help

    • If you need further guidance on how to best use a TENS machine to help manage your pelvic pain, please speak to your pelvic health physiotherapist.
    • If you’re experiencing any problems with going to the toilet, such as urgency, a feeling of being unable to empty your bladder or bowel properly, or leakage of wee or poo, speak with a pelvic health physiotherapist or your doctor.

    Support options

  • Disclaimer

    This information is intended to support, not replace, advice from your doctor or healthcare professionals. It is general information only and may not apply to your individual circumstances. You should always check with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your care or starting, stopping or changing any treatment.

    The authors of this consumer health information have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up-to-date and easy to understand. The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts. Medical knowledge can change over time and the information contained in the handouts is updated regularly. Therefore you should always check you are referring to the most recent version of the handout. The onus is on you, the user, to ensure that you have downloaded the most up-to-date version of a consumer health information handout.

    Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne Kids and Teens Pelvic Pain Clinical Network multidisciplinary team, supported by RCH services.

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