Recovering from surgery often comes with a mix of excitement for healing and the challenge of managing discomfort. Post-operative pain can slow rehabilitation, affect sleep, and increase reliance on medications. One approach that has gained attention in recent years is TENS therapy—Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation—which offers a non-invasive option for pain relief after surgery. In this guide, we explore how TENS therapy for post-surgery pain management can support recovery and improve comfort during rehabilitation.

Post-Operative Pain: What to Expect

Understanding the types of pain experienced after surgery helps set realistic expectations for recovery.

Acute vs Sub-Acute Pain After Common Procedures

Immediately following surgery, acute discomfort often occurs at the site of the incision or surrounding tissues. As the body begins the healing process, sub-acute pain may persist for several days to weeks, influenced by inflammation, tissue repair, and movement. Recognising these stages allows for targeted strategies to manage discomfort, including the use of pain management devices such as TENS units.

Why Multimodal Pain Relief Matters

Effective post-operative care often combines multiple methods for pain relief after surgery. This can include medication, gentle movement, and therapies such as TENS therapy. Using different approaches together can support wound recovery, encourage early mobility, and reduce the overall impact of discomfort on daily activities.

How TENS Supports Recovery After Surgery

TENS therapy works by sending gentle electrical impulses through the skin to stimulate nerves. This process may help reduce the perception of discomfort through nerve pain modulation, providing a drug-free option for post-operative recovery.

Pain Blocking Without Sedation or Drowsiness

Unlike some pain medications, TENS does not cause sedation. Patients can remain alert and participate in light mobility exercises and daily activities while using TENS as part of their pain recovery plan.

Potential to Reduce Reliance on Pain Medicines

Incorporating TENS therapy for post-surgery pain management may help some patients rely less on opioid or other pain medications, potentially minimising side effects such as nausea, constipation, or sleep disruption, and supporting a smoother rehabilitation process.

Comfort to Support Light Mobility and Rehab

Regular TENS sessions can help patients feel more comfortable performing gentle exercises, stretching, or walking. This approach can complement rehabilitation, contribute to muscle healing, and support tissue recovery after surgery.

Using TENS After an Operation

To make the most of TENS therapy, it’s important to follow guidance from healthcare providers and understand appropriate usage.

When to Start: Timing and Medical Clearance

Before beginning TENS therapy, discuss your surgery type and recovery stage with your medical team. They can provide guidance on when it may be appropriate to include TENS in your post-operative care.

Electrode Placement Away From Incisions

Electrodes are generally positioned on areas surrounding the surgical site rather than directly on sutures or open wounds. This allows the therapy to target nerve pathways effectively without interfering with wound recovery.

Session Length, Settings and Hygiene

Sessions typically last 15 to 30 minutes and can be repeated several times a day depending on individual needs. Keeping electrodes and skin clean supports comfort and optimal results during use.

Pairing TENS With Your Rehab Plan

TENS therapy can be most effective when used alongside a holistic recovery plan.

Gentle Range-of-Motion and Breathing Drills

Light exercises, including stretching, range-of-motion drills, and breathing exercises, can complement TENS therapy, helping maintain mobility, reduce stiffness, and support muscle healing.

Sleep, Hydration and Pacing Your Day

Adequate sleep, proper hydration, and pacing daily activities contribute to effective post-operative recovery. Using TENS during rest periods or prior to gentle activity can enhance comfort and support overall progress.

FAQs: TENS After Surgery

Can I Use TENS Over Dressings or Sutures?

Electrodes are generally positioned around dressings or sutured areas. This helps target nerve pain modulation while allowing the body’s natural tissue recovery process to continue.

How Many Sessions Per Day Are Reasonable?

Many patients find 2–3 sessions daily, lasting 15–30 minutes each, can be effective. Always follow guidance from your healthcare provider to develop a plan suited to your procedure and needs.

What If I Have a Pacemaker or Implanted Device?

Consult your doctor before using pain management devices if you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, as TENS may interact with electrical signals.

Conclusion: Comfort That Supports Better Recovery Habits

TENS therapy for post-surgery pain management provides a non-invasive option to complement standard post-operative care. By helping manage discomfort, supporting gentle mobility, and contributing to rehabilitation, TENS can assist in promoting a smoother, more comfortable recovery. When combined with thoughtful sleep, hydration, and exercise habits, patients can progress through wound recovery and healing while maintaining independence throughout the process.

To explore TENS options and learn how they can support your post-surgery recovery, visit Pain Pod and find the right device for your needs.

Resources

• https://www.healthline.com/health/tens-vs-ems
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537188/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9611192/
• https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tens
  

References

• Johnson, M. I., & Walsh, D. M. (2010). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for chronic pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2), CD003222. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003222.pub3
• Sluka, K. A., & Walsh, D. (2003). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: Basic science mechanisms and clinical effectiveness. The Journal of Pain, 4(3), 109–121. https://doi.org/10.1054/jpai.2003.434
• Claydon, L. S., et al. (2021). Use of TENS in post-operative pain management: A review of clinical effectiveness. Pain Management Nursing, 22(5), 426–435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2021.03.002
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2020). Pain management: TENS for acute and post-operative pain. NICE Guideline NG193. 
• Johnson, M. I. (2014). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for acute pain: Current perspectives. Journal of Pain Research, 7, 515–525. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S55594
• Buvanendran, A., et al. (2006). Multimodal analgesia for post-operative pain management. Anesthesiology Clinics, 24(3), 597–610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anclin.2006.06.007
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). (2018). TENS for pain control in rehabilitation settings. https://www.apta.org/patient-care/interventions/tens