TENS
Therapy
Targeted electrical stimulation used to help manage pain as part of physiotherapy rehabilitation.
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Electrical stimulation for pain management.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or TENS, delivers mild electrical stimulation through electrodes placed on the skin. It is primarily used to help manage pain and can be integrated with exercise and other physiotherapy interventions.
- Pain Modulation May influence how pain is processed and perceived.
- Short-Term Pain Relief Can provide pain relief during or shortly after stimulation.
- Support During Rehabilitation May help when pain is limiting movement or exercise.
Evidence suggests that TENS can reduce pain during or immediately after treatment. However, effects vary between conditions, treatment parameters and comparators. TENS is therefore best considered an adjunct rather than a replacement for active rehabilitation.
381-study meta-analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 381 randomized controlled trials involving 24,532 participants found lower pain intensity during or immediately after TENS compared with placebo, with moderate-certainty evidence.
Johnson et al. · BMJ Open · 2022 · PubMedKnee Osteoarthritis
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that TENS could reduce pain and improve function and walking ability in people with knee osteoarthritis, while stiffness did not show the same benefit.
Wu et al. · Clinical Rehabilitation · 2022 · PubMedRecent 2026 Evidence
A 2026 meta-analysis of 36 trials involving 2,518 people with knee osteoarthritis found a small but statistically significant reduction in pain. Session duration was associated with treatment effect.
Bueno-López et al. · 2026 · PubMedA typical approach begins with clinical assessment, followed by appropriate electrode placement and stimulation parameters. Patient response is monitored throughout the session, and TENS can be combined with movement, exercise and other rehabilitation strategies according to the individual's needs.
TENS is primarily a pain-management modality. It does not directly repair damaged tissue or replace the underlying rehabilitation programme. Its role is to support symptom management where appropriate as part of a broader treatment plan.
Efficacy and safety of TENS for acute and chronic pain in adults: the meta-TENS study.
PubMed · PMID 35144946
Effects of TENS in people with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
PubMed · PMID 34971318
Dose-response effects of TENS for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
PubMed · PMID 41852773 · 2026
Find out whether TENS is appropriate for your rehabilitation.
Book A Consultation
TENS
Therapy
Targeted electrical stimulation used to help manage pain as part of physiotherapy rehabilitation.
Book A Consultation
Electrical stimulation for pain management.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or TENS, delivers mild electrical stimulation through electrodes placed on the skin. It is primarily used to help manage pain and can be integrated with exercise and other physiotherapy interventions.
- Pain Modulation May influence how pain is processed and perceived.
- Short-Term Pain Relief Can provide pain relief during or shortly after stimulation.
- Support During Rehabilitation May help when pain is limiting movement or exercise.
Evidence suggests that TENS can reduce pain during or immediately after treatment. However, effects vary between conditions, treatment parameters and comparators. TENS is therefore best considered an adjunct rather than a replacement for active rehabilitation.
381-study meta-analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 381 randomized controlled trials involving 24,532 participants found lower pain intensity during or immediately after TENS compared with placebo, with moderate-certainty evidence.
Johnson et al. · BMJ Open · 2022 · PubMedKnee Osteoarthritis
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that TENS could reduce pain and improve function and walking ability in people with knee osteoarthritis, while stiffness did not show the same benefit.
Wu et al. · Clinical Rehabilitation · 2022 · PubMedRecent 2026 Evidence
A 2026 meta-analysis of 36 trials involving 2,518 people with knee osteoarthritis found a small but statistically significant reduction in pain. Session duration was associated with treatment effect.
Bueno-López et al. · 2026 · PubMedA typical approach begins with clinical assessment, followed by appropriate electrode placement and stimulation parameters. Patient response is monitored throughout the session, and TENS can be combined with movement, exercise and other rehabilitation strategies according to the individual's needs.
TENS is primarily a pain-management modality. It does not directly repair damaged tissue or replace the underlying rehabilitation programme. Its role is to support symptom management where appropriate as part of a broader treatment plan.
Efficacy and safety of TENS for acute and chronic pain in adults: the meta-TENS study.
PubMed · PMID 35144946
Effects of TENS in people with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
PubMed · PMID 34971318
Dose-response effects of TENS for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
PubMed · PMID 41852773 · 2026
Find out whether TENS is appropriate for your rehabilitation.
Book A Consultation