TENS Unit Placement Guide & Calculator

This calculator helps you determine optimal TENS unit pad placement, intensity, mode, and session duration based on your specific pain and preferences.

Pain Details

User & Device Preferences

Results

Your personalized TENS recommendations:

Suggested Pad Placement:

Based on your pain location ( ) and type ( ), consider the following:

• Lower Back: Place two pads on either side of the spine at the painful segment, ~2–3 inches apart. For radiating pain, include additional pads above/below along the nerve path.
• Joint Pain (General): Place one pad proximal and one distal to the joint, or on either side of the joint.
• Neck: Place pads on either side of the cervical spine or on the trapezius muscles. Avoid placing directly over the throat.
• Head/Temporalis (for Headache): For headaches, place small pads on the temporalis muscles (temples) or at the base of the skull. Avoid placing near eyes.
• Muscle Ache/Spasm: Place pads directly over the muscle belly or on either side of the spasm.
• Nerve Pain: Place pads along the nerve pathway, one proximal and one distal to the pain source.
• Diffuse/Widespread Pain: Consider using larger pads or multiple pairs of pads to cover a broader area, or move pads periodically.

Recommended Intensity Range:

0 mA – 0 mA

Base mA is calculated as 5 + (5 × 1.5). This is then adjusted by your skin sensitivity and prior experience. Always start at the lowest comfortable setting and gradually increase. Do not exceed 100 mA or a strong, uncomfortable sensation.

Recommended TENS Mode:

1

Suggested Session Duration:

20 minutes

You may use TENS up to 2-3 times per day, with at least 30 minutes between sessions.

Contraindications & Precautions:

• CRITICAL CONTRAINDICATION: Do NOT use TENS if you have a pacemaker or implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD). Consult your clinician immediately.
• CAUTION: Consult your clinician before using TENS during pregnancy.
• CAUTION: Avoid placing pads on the head or neck if you have epilepsy.
• Avoid placing pads over open wounds, broken skin, carotid sinus (front of neck), eyes, or directly over the heart.
• If you have sensitive skin, test at the lowest intensity first and monitor for irritation. Consider hypoallergenic pads.

Before you start:

1. Clean your skin thoroughly before applying pads.
2. Start at the lowest intensity and gradually increase until a strong but comfortable sensation is felt.
3. Stop immediately if you experience increased pain, dizziness, or discomfort.

This placement and intensity aim to reduce acute pain and relax muscle spasm—start low and increase until you feel a strong but comfortable sensation.