TENS delivers mild electrical impulses to the body. The TENS system is made up of a power unit, a pair of wires, and electrode pads that are placed on your skin near the place that hurts. A practitioner or the patient turns on the unit, and low-voltage electrical current flows into the body. Different stimulation frequencies and intensities are available.

TENS sessions usually last 5 to 15 minutes. They can be done as often as needed, depending on the case. Physical therapists and healthcare providers often give TENS. Healthcare providers also can prescribe certain units to use at home.