MOST PEOPLE USE THEIR TENS UNIT WRONG.

HERE'S WHAT TO FIX.

Hey there,

If you've been using your TENS unit and thinking "this is fine, I guess" — there's a good chance a few small adjustments could make a significant difference.

Here are the most common mistakes we see, and how to fix them.

YOU'RE PLACING THE PADS DIRECTLY ON THE PAIN

This feels intuitive, but it's not how TENS works best. The goal is to place pads around the painful area — not on top of it — so the current travels through the nerve pathway underneath.

Start by pressing lightly around your pain area to find where it's most concentrated. That's your center point. Place your pads in the surrounding area, at least 1 inch apart, never over a bone or joint.

YOU'RE USING THE WRONG MODE FOR YOUR PAIN TYPE

• Acute pain (recent injury, sharp pain): Use Normal mode, 80–120 Hz
• Chronic pain (ongoing, persistent): Use Burst mode, or Normal at 2–10 Hz for longer-lasting relief
• Both / not sure: Modulation mode cycles between settings and works well when your body adapts quickly to treatment

YOU'RE STOPPING TOO SOON

Studies suggest 40 minutes is the sweet spot for best results. If you've been doing 10–15 minute sessions, you're leaving relief on the table. For chronic pain specifically, try to stay active during your session — TENS is less effective if you're sitting completely still.

YOU'RE NOT ADJUSTING FOR ACCOMMODATION

A few minutes into your session, the stimulation may feel like it's weakening. That's normal — your body is adapting. Don't turn it off. Turn the intensity up slightly until it's strong but still comfortable.