What is a TENS unit?
TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. The device sends a weak electrical current through sticky pads (electrodes) on the skin. The NHS and Cleveland Clinic explain that it is thought to work by blocking pain signals and by prompting the body to release endorphins, its natural painkillers.
You can buy TENS units for home use, and OrthoInfo mentions muscle stimulation as one of the options a physical therapist may use for tennis elbow.
Will a TENS unit help tennis elbow?
The NHS describes TENS as giving temporary pain relief and notes that it "does not work for everyone". Cleveland Clinic says more research is needed: some studies show pain relief, while others find a placebo works just as well, and results may depend on the condition, pad placement and device settings. We didn't find tennis-elbow-specific guidance on TENS from the major sources we checked. It's best viewed as an optional pain-management tool alongside other care, such as activity changes and guided exercise. See our overview of treatment options.
Who should not use TENS
Don't use TENS without medical advice if you: have a pacemaker or other implanted device, epilepsy, heart disease, cancer, deep vein thrombosis or a bleeding disorder, or are pregnant (Cleveland Clinic, NHS). Don't use it on irritated, broken, infected or numb skin, or on the neck, head, eyes or mouth. Don't use TENS in the bath or shower, while driving or using machinery, or while you sleep (NHS).
Where to place TENS pads for tennis elbow
The NHS advises placing the pads on clean skin near the painful parts of your body, leaving a gap between them. Cleveland Clinic notes that pads are positioned along nerve pathways in the painful area. For tennis elbow, one way some people apply this is:
- Find the most tender area on the outside of the elbow and upper forearm.
- Place one pad just above the painful area and one just below it, on the outer side of the arm.
- Leave a gap between the pads, as your device's instructions describe, and don't let them touch.
If your device came with diagrams, or a physical therapist gave you a placement, follow those instead.
How to use a TENS unit
- Clean and dry the skin. Avoid lotions where the pads will go.
- Make sure the unit is off before attaching or removing pads.
- Turn the unit on and raise the intensity slowly until you feel a strong but comfortable tingling. It should never be painful or cause muscle cramping.
- For session length, follow your device's leaflet, as the NHS advises.
- Check your skin after each session, and stop if it becomes irritated.
How often can you use TENS for tennis elbow?
Cleveland Clinic notes that some people use a TENS unit several times a day, for up to 60 minutes per session, and advises checking with a provider first. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and any advice from your clinician, and stop if you notice skin irritation or increased pain.
TENS vs EMS
Many home devices offer both TENS and EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) modes. They are designed for different purposes. The sources we checked focus on TENS, so ask a clinician before using EMS for tennis elbow.
| TENS | EMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Pain relief | Making muscles contract |
| Typical sensation | Tingling or buzzing | Muscle twitching or tightening |
| Use for tennis elbow | Sometimes used for pain management | Ask a clinician first, because strong forearm contractions may aggravate the tendon |
Frequently asked questions
Will a TENS unit help tennis elbow?
The NHS describes TENS as giving temporary pain relief that doesn't work for everyone, and Cleveland Clinic says more research is needed. It doesn't heal the tendon and is usually used alongside other care.
Where do you place TENS pads for tennis elbow?
The NHS advises placing the pads on clean skin near the painful area, with a gap between them. For tennis elbow, some people place one pad just above and one just below the sore area on the outer elbow and forearm. Follow your device's instructions or a therapist's advice.
How long should I use a TENS unit for tennis elbow?
It depends on the device. The NHS advises following the machine's leaflet, and Cleveland Clinic notes that some people use TENS several times a day for up to 60 minutes per session, after checking with a provider. Stop if you notice skin irritation or more pain.
Sources
We checked this article against the following pages on October 22, 2026. Read how we write our guides.
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) (opens in a new tab). NHS.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) (opens in a new tab). Cleveland Clinic.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) (opens in a new tab). OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
