TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

TENS is a non-invasive therapy that delivers small electrical currents through electrodes placed on the skin.

It is grounded in the gate control theory of pain, which proposes that activating non-painful sensory fibers can “close the gate” at the spinal cord level, reducing the transmission of painful signals to the brain. Patients usually feel a tingling or buzzing sensation, which can provide relief from both acute and chronic pain.

TENS is commonly used for back pain, arthritis, neuropathic pain, and postoperative recovery. Its portability and safety make it attractive for home use, giving patients a sense of control over their symptoms. While not universally effective, many report meaningful pain relief and reduced reliance on medications. 

Difference from PRF: Although TENS and transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency (TcPRF) are both electrical-based treatments, their mechanisms differ significantly. TENS works by stimulating sensory nerves at the skin level, primarily providing temporary pain relief through gating mechanisms (also referred to as 'masking' the pain). PRF, by contrast, generates electromagnetic fields that penetrate more deeply and directly modulate neural and cellular activity.
Unlike TENS, PRF reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, helping to “reset” overactive pain pathways at a biological level. This makes PRF a longer-lasting and more mechanistically targeted treatment compared to the symptomatic relief offered by TENS.

TENS needs to be applied on a daily basis, wheres TcPRF usually needs to be applied three to four times with an interval of two weeks.