I bought a "TENS" machine

@GardenGerty (166433)
United States
November 3, 2025 7:33pm CST
When I had to use up some money at the end of the year for my Flexible Spending Account I bought a TENS machine. I am using it on my knees right now. This type of non invasive treatment sends electrical impulses to whatever sore places you attach the pads to. I am hoping that by regular use it will help with some of these achy spots. It can feel a little "sharp" but I like it. I have had similar treatments in physical therapy and also at a chiropractor. Have you tried this, or would you?
17 people like this
18 responses
@AmbiePam (106228)
• United States
4 Nov
They used in on my neck at physical therapy after my car wreck. It helped me tremendously. They actually put a tens device in my Aunt Lana for her back since she can’t take pain medication and her bones are too brittle for surgery.
5 people like this
@1creekgirl (44190)
• United States
4 Nov
Did the machine help your aunt's back pain?
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (106228)
• United States
4 Nov
@1creekgirl Yes, it really did.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (44190)
• United States
4 Nov
@AmbiePam That's good to know!
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (44190)
• United States
4 Nov
I have an appointment to discuss a Spinal Cord Stimulater (tens machine) for my back since surgery is not an option. If it helps, it will be implanted in my back.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
I like that they will give you a trial of it before the surgery. My brother did the trial, it did not help him, but it is very effective for other people. He has had so many back and neck surgeries.
3 people like this
@1creekgirl (44190)
• United States
5 Nov
@GardenGerty How is your brother doing now?
@RasmaSandra (90774)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
4 Nov
I have never heard of this but I sure hope it helps you,
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain. A TENS unit is a small device that delivers the current at or near your nerves to block or change your perception of pain. Healthcare providers use TENS to treat a range of conditions, including osteoarthritis, tendinitis and fibromyalgia. I think you would like to read about it.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (90774)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
5 Nov
@GardenGerty I'll check it out some more online,
@sallypup (66677)
• Centralia, Washington
4 Nov
I've wondered about that. Little electrical shocks sound scary. I touched an electric fence once and that wasn't fun.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
No, that would not be fun. This feels kind of like the pins and needles you get when your hand falls asleep. Plus it has a pattern to the vibration that is like a massager.
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (116032)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
4 Nov
I could use a TENS machine for exercise to lose weight.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
Hmmm. I wonder if that would help. It seems to make me feel better.
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (116032)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
5 Nov
@GardenGerty The workout machine does make me feel better physically.
@LindaOHio (205841)
• United States
4 Nov
My hubby had a TENS machine that I bought for him; but like so many other things, he never used it. I gave it to cousin #2.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
I think that might have been the dementia that caused him not to use things. I hope #2 gets good use out of it.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (205841)
• United States
5 Nov
@GardenGerty He was OK until he was admitted to the hospital that first time. That kicked it off into high gear.
@shaggin (74479)
• United States
4 Nov
My husband has one of these machines too and enjoys it. I tried it once on my back and didn’t care for it at all. I tried to quick pull it off not realizing you have to turn the machine off first and I got quite a jolt to my fingers
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
This one is small, I am not sure it could give a big jolt. In fact there are ten levels I can adjust it to.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (181833)
• Boise, Idaho
4 Nov
I hope the machine is helping you and your sore areas. My daughter sees a chiropractor every few weeks.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
Well this is day three of me putting it on my knees. I was less sore today when I got home than I have been being. I hate that my knees seem to have gotten old.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (181833)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Nov
@GardenGerty .......That's great to hear. I'm glad it is working for you. I hate that the body tends to wear out. It's sure a bummer.
@xstitcher (36497)
• Petaluma, California
4 Nov
I might, if it helped my knee.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
I am going to try to use it consistently on my knees. I have used it in other places for a one time trial and it was helpful then.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (487009)
• Italy
4 Nov
Yes, I have one from years, it helps a lot.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
That is good to know. I kept talking about buying one and I am glad I finally did.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (487009)
• Italy
5 Nov
@GardenGerty - I bought one more than 25 years ago and it's still working.
@DaddyEvil (161541)
• United States
4 Nov
I had a few treatments from a TENS machine at a chiropractor's office. It stung a little bit but certainly did help ease the pain from my muscles.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
What surprises me is that they are very reasonably priced.
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (161541)
• United States
5 Nov
@GardenGerty I've never bought one.
• United States
4 Nov
I would try that and am curious to see if it helps your knees. My knees need a miracle
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
Over the last eighteen months my knees have gotten pretty sore. I have been told part of that is that the school floor is concrete under tile or carpet. I know they hurt more when I work than when I do not.
2 people like this
• United States
5 Nov
@GardenGerty walking on those hard floors at work will certainly bother your knees. Hope the Tens keeps them from getting worse.
@JESSY3236 (21277)
• United States
4 Nov
No I haven't tried it. I would like to for my back.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
A lot of people find it helpful. Some doctors offer it, as do chiropractors and physical therapists.
2 people like this
@Traceyjayne (6517)
• United Kingdom
4 Nov
My Dad had a tens machine …..he used it often. My partner has it now …..he uses it for his knees too. He says it does make a difference.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
This is the third night in a row I am using it. I do think it is helpful.
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (146497)
• Roseburg, Oregon
4 Nov
That sounds good I hope it works good for you.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
It seems to help quite a bit.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (124921)
• Marion, Ohio
4 Nov
Never used but would try
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
Some doctors, etc. use them in office.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (365222)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Nov
We bought my Mum one and it helped her a bit. We have it now.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
I have used it on some temporary aches and pains. My knees hurt quite often, so I am sure I will have to use it more regularly.
2 people like this
@Dena91 (17030)
• United States
4 Nov
I am glad that you were able to use your money for a tens machine. I hope that it works for you. I haven't ever had one used on me before.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (166433)
• United States
5 Nov
I know it provides short term relief for my sore places. I am hoping that it will provide longer lasting relief if I use it consistently.
2 people like this