Living with chronic pain can be exhausting. It often affects every part of life, from how well you sleep to your ability to work, socialise, and enjoy everyday activities. For many Australians, finding an approach to pain management that fits into their lifestyle is just as important as finding something that works.

One option people may consider is a TENS machine. Short for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, TENS is a non-invasive way to help manage discomfort. Devices like the PainPod range combine advanced TENS technology with EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) in most models, so you get the benefits of both without needing to purchase two separate machines. The exception is the PainPod M, which offers ultra-gentle microcurrent and combination modes ideal for those who prefer minimal sensation.

In this article, we’ll explore what TENS therapy is, how it works, and why it’s considered by many as a natural, portable, and adaptable option for managing chronic pain.

What Is TENS Therapy and How Does It Work?

TENS therapy uses mild electrical pulses delivered through small electrode pads placed on the skin. These pulses target the nerves in the area, aiming to:

• Interrupt pain signals travelling from the affected area to the brain
  
• Stimulate endorphin release — the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals
  
• Provide a soothing, tingling sensation that some people find relaxing
  
  

While TENS is designed primarily for nerve stimulation, if the pads are placed over muscles and the intensity is turned up, you might notice small muscle contractions. These are generally less pronounced than with dedicated EMS programs.

PainPod devices give you control over pulse intensity, mode, and duration so you can adjust the sensation to your comfort level and needs.

How TENS Machines Help Manage Chronic Pain Naturally

Unlike pharmaceutical treatments, TENS therapy doesn’t involve medications or injections. Instead, it works externally through the skin, delivering targeted pulses to the affected area.

Because it’s non-invasive, many people choose to use TENS as part of a broader pain management plan alongside exercise, stretching, or physiotherapy.

The PainPod range is designed for portability, meaning you can use it at home, at work, or even during travel. This flexibility is a big advantage for those managing ongoing conditions.

The Benefits of Using TENS for Long-Term Pain Relief

While results can vary from person to person, people who use TENS therapy often highlight several benefits:

• Portability – PainPod devices are compact and rechargeable, making them easy to carry and use on the go.
  
  
• Adjustable settings – You can choose from multiple intensity levels and therapy modes to suit different pain types or comfort preferences.
  
  
• Versatility – Models like the PainPod 3 offer both TENS and EMS modes, allowing you to address nerve pain while also supporting muscle conditioning and recovery.
  
  
• Gentle options – The PainPod M device is known for being extremely gentle, so much that you may not feel the sensation. This makes it ideal for people who are sensitive to traditional TENS stimulation but still want the benefits.
  
  
• Multiple applications – Suitable for use on different parts of the body, such as the back, shoulders, knees, and feet.
  
  

You can explore the full range of models on the PainPod devices page to find one that suits your needs.

Common Conditions Treated by TENS Therapy

A TENS machine can be used to help manage various types of discomfort. Some of the more common applications include:

Nerve Pain Treatment

Conditions such as sciatica, diabetic neuropathy, and post-herpetic neuralgia (after shingles) can cause sharp, burning, or tingling sensations. TENS therapy aims to calm overactive nerve signals, making it a popular option for people seeking a nerve pain treatment they can use at home.

Musculoskeletal Pain

Joint and muscle conditions like arthritis, lower back pain, and shoulder strain can impact mobility. By helping to reduce perceived discomfort, TENS may support daily function and allow for more comfortable movement.

Sports and Activity-Related Pain

Athletes or active individuals sometimes use TENS to help manage discomfort from overuse injuries or muscle strain. PainPod devices with EMS modes (all except the M) can also be used for muscle conditioning.

Post-Surgical Recovery

While only to be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, TENS is sometimes considered in post-operative recovery plans to manage discomfort and encourage gentle movement.

You can read more about pain types and wellness on the PainPod pain relief page.

How to Use TENS Machines for Effective Pain Management

Using a chronic pain relief device like the PainPod is straightforward:

• Identify the area where you want to target discomfort.
  
• Place the pads on clean, dry skin over or around the area.
  
• Select your mode — TENS for nerve stimulation or EMS for muscle activation (if your model has EMS).
  
• Adjust the intensity gradually until you feel a comfortable tingling or pulsing sensation.
  
• Set your session time — many people use TENS for 20–40 minutes at a time, but this can vary.
• Use regularly as part of your daily routine or when discomfort flares up.

Tip: The PainPod M is designed for people who want the benefits without feeling much sensation. It’s great for use during work or relaxation.

Side Effects and Considerations for TENS Therapy

TENS therapy is generally well tolerated, but there are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Skin irritation – Some people may notice mild redness where the pads were placed, which often resolves quickly once pads are removed. If you find the gel pads cause too much irritation, you may prefer one of our wearable accessories, designed to deliver the same effective therapy without direct skin contact.
  
• Tingling sensation – The pulses can feel unusual at first; most people adapt over time.
  
• Not for everyone – Those with certain medical devices (like pacemakers) or who are pregnant should speak with a healthcare professional before use.
  
  

As with any therapeutic approach, it’s worth discussing TENS with your healthcare provider to see if it’s suitable for your condition.

The Evidence: What the Research Says About TENS for Chronic Pain

Research on TENS has been ongoing for decades, with studies exploring its use for a variety of conditions. Findings suggest that:

• TENS can reduce perceived pain intensity in some chronic conditions, particularly musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain.
  
• It may improve functional ability when combined with movement and exercise.
  
• Responses can vary, some people notice significant benefits, while others may have more modest results.
  
• Importantly, TENS is often used as part of a broader approach to pain management rather than as a stand-alone solution.

Should You Consider TENS Machines for Chronic Pain Relief?

If you’re looking for a chronic pain relief device that is portable, adjustable, and can be used on multiple areas of the body, a TENS machine might be worth considering.

The advantage of PainPod devices is that most models give you both TENS and EMS in one unit, meaning you can address nerve-related discomfort while also supporting muscle conditioning and recovery. This saves you from buying two separate devices.

If you’re sensitive to TENS sensations, the PainPod M devices provide a very gentle experience while still delivering the benefits of therapy.

Conclusion

Chronic pain can affect more than just your body, it can change how you live your life. TENS therapy offers a non-invasive, medication-free option that can be adapted to your comfort level and lifestyle.

PainPod devices make it easy to explore TENS and EMS therapy in one portable unit, with models to suit a range of needs. Whether you’re managing nerve pain, muscle discomfort, or general aches, there’s likely a PainPod to match your goals.

Explore the PainPod range or contact us to find the device that’s right for you.

References

• Australian Government, National Centre for Biotechnology Information. (2022). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. 
• Johnson, M., & Jones, G. (2022). The clinical use of TENS: A review of evidence. Physiotherapy, 113, 15–23. 
• Vance, C. G., Rakel, B. A., Blodgett, N. P., DeSantana, J. M., Amendola, A., Zimmerman, M. B., & Sluka, K. A. (2012). Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain, pain sensitivity, and function in people with knee osteoarthritis: A randomised controlled trial. Physical Therapy, 92(7), 898–910. 
• World Health Organisation. (2021). WHO guidelines on chronic pain in children. World Health Organisation.