How to Use TENS to Relieve Sore and Aching Muscles [Updated for 2021]

Can you use TENS to Relieve Sore & Aching Muscles?

Whether it’s because of an intense workout or muscle inactivity, TENS units like DR-HO’S Pain Therapy System can help temporarily relieve sore and aching muscles and  improve and facilitate muscle performance. No matter where your muscle pain came from, the Pain Therapy System is a versatile and meaningful addition to anyone's pain management routine.

The Pain Therapy System doesn't just use TENS to target pain and discomfort; this device is also powered by EMS and AMP technologies to provide temporary relief for a wide variety of pain. Keep reading to learn more about how these pain therapies work together in the Pain Therapy System to deliver effective, temporary pain relief for those dealing with sore and aching muscles. 

What is TENS?

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) pain therapy works by reducing pain signals from reaching the brain; more specifically, TENS devices use safe, gentle electrical pulses that travel along the nerves and disrupt how the brain processes pain signals. As a result, TENS is a great option for those looking to avoid pain naturally without the use of prescription medications or invasive procedures.

TENS therapy helps temporarily relieve pain through the use of constantly-changing electrical currents. After applying the self-adhesive body pads, a TENS unit will send an electrical current through the nervous system, reducing its ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. TENS therapy can be used to temporarily relieve pain associated with sore and aching muscles due to strain from exercise, normal household work activities and more.

What about EMS Pain Therapy?

DR-HO’S Pain Therapy System combines both TENS and EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) to target more types of pain, including sore and aching muscle pain.

EMS targets the muscles directly, helping them contract and release; these contractions are beneficial because they can help increase local blood circulation in healthy muscles. The circulatory system is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body to various tissues, including muscle tissues. Stimulating healthy muscles using EMS can also help improve and facilitate muscle performance.

What does AMP Technology do? 

While most competing TENS machines block pain at first, the pain will persist with repeated use. Why? It’s because these TENS devices offer a single, predictable mode of electrical stimulation. Eventually, the body gets used to this stimulation, bypasses it and continues to deliver pain signals to the brain. That changes with DR-HO’S proprietary AMP (Auto Modulating Pulse) technology.

DR-HO’S TENS devices including the Pain Therapy System provide over 300 different stimulations that constantly vary in wavelength, frequency and rest periods. These stimulations are programmed to automatically change, so you get a soothing variety of pulses that keep the stimulation unpredictable and effective over time!

How to Use a TENS Unit for Sore & Aching Muscles

Now that you know how a TENS unit affects muscles, it’s important to know how to use these devices for sore and aching muscles:

First, identify the area of pain you would like to place your gel pads. Wet the gel pads or use a electrode gel to ensure they will adhere to the skin. Place the gel pads on the area where you experience pain. Make sure the pads are connected to the machine.

Never place the pads:

• On the head
• Over the throat/ front of neck
• Around the eyes
• Over the chest
• Over a pacemaker
• And lastly, around or over wounds or tumours

Depending on the device you have chosen there may be a variety of intensity levels. Start on a low intensity and gradually increase the intensity to your comfort level. You should feel a massaging action in the muscles.

Not every TENS machine comes with specific modes. If your machine does, choose one you would like to try. Each module should simulate a different massage technique or sensation. Start with a gentle mode and work your way up to trying a more vigorous setting.

If you are planning on using your machine for an extended period of time, set a timer. It is not recommended that a TENS machine be overused; for example, if you are using the machine before bed or believe you may fall asleep, set a timer for 10 or 20 minutes.

The Pain Therapy System has a variety of modules that create different sensations for the muscles. If you are unsure how to use a TENS machine, start with understanding the unit’s modes:

Mode A: Feels like thumb kneading, palm kneading, and finger tapping.

Mode B: Feels like pounding, chopping, cupping and oscillating squeezing.

Mode C: Feels like gentle fingers lightly rubbing the muscles, then lightly squeezing the muscles, followed by a stronger squeeze. Use this mode before bed for a relaxing transition into a more intense mode.

Whether it be as simple as your daily errands or as meaningful as your goals and ambitions, don’t muscle pain get in the way. Incorporate a pain therapy device such as the Pain Therapy System in your pain management routine and find temporary, effective pain relief you can count on. 

Try it risk-free with a 90-day money-back guarantee!

Learn more about TENS on the DR-HO’S Blog!

TENS Machines: This is Everything You Need to Know
How to Choose a TENS Machine
Do TENS Units Really Work?
How Do TENS Machines Work?
TENS Machine Side Effects: Is TENS Therapy Safe?
How Long is it Safe to Use TENS For
What Sets DR-HO’S TENS Machines Apart?
DR-HO’S Pad Placement Guide for Chronic Pain
Can TENS Machines Help With Muscle Recovery Post Workout?