Are there restrictions or precautions for using TENS?
Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewer: Amrit Dhaliwal | Published: 27 July 2017 | Updated: ~
TENS can interfere with the function of cardiac pacemakers.4
Although there are few reported medical complications caused by using TENS devices, there are many situations in which it could be unsafe to use. The following conditions are some possible restrictions on the use of TENS. Consult a health provider for further safety information.
TENS should not be used in the following situations:
- Near the neck or head of people who have had seizures
- Near implanted medical devices like cardiac pacemakers
- On the abdomen or low back of pregnant women (except during labor and delivery)
- On areas of active cancer (except under medical supervision in palliative care)
- On areas with blood clots, bleeding, or infection
- On the chest of people with major heart problems
- By people who are unable to follow instructions or provide accurate feedback
- Electrodes should not be placed over the eyes, through the head, through the chest, on the front of the neck or genitals, or over damaged skin or open wounds
TENS should be used with caution in the following situations:
- In areas of reduced or absent sensation (such as below the level of injury) – please see above for information on using TENS below the level of injury
- By people prone to autonomic dysreflexia (people with cervical and thoracic injuries)
