Is the TENS procedure considered invasive?

The TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) procedure is not considered invasive because it works on the principle of delivering small electrical impulses through the skin using electrodes. These electrodes adhere to the skin's surface, stimulating the underlying nerves without penetrating or breaking the skin. This non-invasive approach is designed to help manage pain by modulating the signals sent to the brain.

In this context, other options suggest scenarios that imply an invasion or alteration of the skin barrier, which does not occur with TENS. The skin remains intact during the TENS therapy, which is fundamental to its classification as a non-invasive procedure. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the nature of TENS in avoiding any disruption to the skin, aligning with broader definitions of invasive procedures, which typically involve cutting, puncturing, or otherwise compromising physical barriers of the body.