Who should not use TENS therapy?

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy is a non-invasive pain relief method that uses electrical impulses to relieve pain by stimulating the nerves. However, certain populations should avoid its use due to potential risks associated with the electrical stimulation.

Individuals with a cardiac pacemaker are advised against using TENS therapy because the electrical impulses generated by the device could interfere with the normal functioning of the pacemaker. This interference could lead to serious complications, including disruptions in heart rhythm and pacemaker functionality, which could endanger the patient's life. Therefore, for these patients, alternatives for pain management that do not involve electrical stimulation are typically recommended.

In contrast, other groups such as those with severe arthritis, older adults with chronic pain, and pregnant women may have specific considerations but are not outright contraindicated for TENS therapy. For example, while caution may be advised in pregnant women to avoid stimulating the abdominal area, TENS can still be used in other regions of the body under professional guidance. Thus, the presence of a cardiac pacemaker presents the most significant contraindication for the use of TENS therapy.