Quick answer: A TENS machine is a small, battery-powered device that relieves pain without drugs by sending gentle electrical pulses through pads placed on your skin. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. The pulses reduce the pain signals reaching your brain and stimulate endorphins, your body's natural painkillers. In Australia, TENS is used for labour, back pain, period pain, arthritis and sports recovery.
What does TENS stand for?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Transcutaneous simply means through the skin. A TENS machine is a handheld unit, usually small enough to fit in your palm, connected by thin lead wires to self-adhesive electrode pads. When you switch it on, the unit sends mild electrical pulses through the pads to the nerves beneath your skin. It runs on batteries, involves no medication and no needles, and you control the intensity at all times.
Most people describe the sensation as a tingling or gentle buzzing, similar to pins and needles. It should never hurt. You start low and increase the strength until it feels strong but comfortable.
How does a TENS machine work?
TENS relieves pain in two ways. First, the electrical pulses stimulate the nerves that carry touch signals, which crowd out pain signals travelling to your brain. This is known as the Gate Control Theory of pain. Second, the stimulation prompts your body to release endorphins, its own natural pain-relieving chemicals. The two effects work together, which is why TENS relief builds the longer you use it.
For the full explanation, see our guide: How does a TENS machine work?
What is a TENS machine used for?
TENS is used for a wide range of pain. In Australia the most common uses are:
- Labour and childbirth, the most recognised use, with dedicated obstetric TENS machines designed for contractions
- Back, neck and shoulder pain
- Period pain and endometriosis-related pain
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Sports injuries and muscle recovery
- Postnatal afterpains
Because TENS is drug-free, it can be used alongside most other treatments, and there is no grogginess, no interaction with medication, and nothing passed to a baby during labour or breastfeeding.
Is TENS the same as EMS?
No, and the two are often confused. TENS stimulates nerves to relieve pain. EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) stimulates muscles to make them contract, and is used for muscle strengthening and rehabilitation, including pelvic floor recovery. Some devices offer both modes. If your goal is pain relief, you want TENS. If your goal is rebuilding muscle, you want EMS.
Are all TENS machines the same?
No. A generic TENS unit from a pharmacy is designed for everyday muscle and joint pain. An obstetric TENS machine is purpose-built for labour, with features a generic unit does not have: a boost button for the peak of each contraction, pre-set labour programs, a contraction timer, and larger 40x100mm maternity electrodes positioned for the nerves that carry contraction pain. If you are comparing devices for birth, see What is the best TENS machine for labour in Australia?
Is TENS safe?
TENS is non-invasive, drug-free and widely considered safe. It has been used in clinical care for over 50 years. A small number of people should check with a health professional before using TENS: anyone with a pacemaker or implanted electrical device, and people with epilepsy or a heart condition. During pregnancy, TENS is well established for labour itself; if you want to use TENS for other pain earlier in pregnancy, speak with your midwife or doctor first. TENS machines should not be used in water or while driving.
About Elle TENS
Elle TENS machines are made by Body Clock Healthcare, the UK company that invented the world's first obstetric TENS machine in the early 1990s. More than one million mums have used them globally, and in Australia they are registered on the ARTG (number 225921) and recommended by midwives. Elle TENS is Australia's official source, offering the Elle TENS 2 for hire and the Elle TENS Plus to buy, with health fund rebates available on both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a TENS machine in simple terms?
A small battery-powered device that eases pain by sending gentle electrical pulses through sticky pads on your skin. The pulses reduce pain signals reaching your brain and trigger your body's natural painkillers. No drugs, no needles.
Does a TENS machine hurt?
No. TENS feels like a tingling or buzzing sensation, similar to pins and needles. You control the intensity, starting low and increasing to a level that feels strong but comfortable. If it ever feels uncomfortable, you simply turn it down.
What is the difference between TENS and EMS?
TENS stimulates nerves to relieve pain. EMS stimulates muscles to contract, for strengthening and rehabilitation such as pelvic floor recovery. Some devices, like the Elle TENS Plus, include both.
Can anyone use a TENS machine?
Most people can. Those with a pacemaker or implanted electrical device, epilepsy, or a heart condition should seek medical advice first. For pain relief during pregnancy outside of labour, check with your midwife or doctor.
Is a TENS machine the same as the machine used in labour?
The principle is the same, but labour TENS machines are purpose-built obstetric devices with a contraction boost button, labour programs and larger maternity electrodes. A generic pain-relief TENS unit lacks these features.
Do I need a prescription to buy or hire a TENS machine in Australia?
No prescription is needed. TENS machines are available to buy or hire directly. Some private health funds ask for a doctor's letter when you claim a rebate, so check with your insurer.
