TENS, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, refers to the transmission of small electrical pulses through the skin to the underlying peripheral nerves. The theory of TENS suggests two different modes of operation.

The low level current produced by TENS activates nerve fibers in the skin-giving rise to a tingling sensation. These 'touch' messages are carried to the brain by nerve fibers and activate pain suppression nerves as they pass through the spinal cord. These pain suppression nerves impede the passage of pain signals and therefore reduce the amount of perceived pain. This is often referred to as the 'Gate Control Theory of Pain'.

The stimulation produced by TENS also enhances the body's own natural opiate-like substances called endorphins. The endorphins have several effects, including relaxation and a feeling of well being, but also help to control pain by activating a descending nerve pathway, which also acts on the pain suppression nerves in the spinal cord. By enhancing endorphin release we can pre-set the 'Gate' and raise the users pain tolerance level.

TENS is widely used in hospitals and medical establishments throughout the world where it has been found to be an effective means of significantly reducing pain in up to 80% of cases.

TENS may be used to treat any pains, which may arise from injury or for chronic pain due to arthritis or neck and back problems.