We do not recommend the use of TENS if you have a heart condition for the following reasons:

1) If electrodes are placed on the front of the neck they can stimulate the nerve which controls your heart rate. Your heart could try to beat at 100 times a second instead of 100 times a minute. If you have an unstable heart condition this could be extremely dangerous.

2) If you place the electrodes across the chest, the maximum output is much lower than the theoretical level that could cause an additional heartbeat. However, in very exceptional circumstances an unstable heart condition might be aggravated.

Before purchasing and using any TENS device, we recommend that you seek advice from your medical practitioner. 

37 comments

Jan

Jan

My husband has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. No surgery or devices placed. Can he use this unit on hir right shoulder or low back? Thank you.

Cat

Cat

Hello,
I have read a lot of the comments. I see heart problems ( depending on the type) as a potential no and should not be used. No one has said if you have cardiac stents fitted in 2018. I suffer from Lumbar problems, so I bought a Tens machine. Would this be okay to use to help calm my pain?

Tenscare

Tenscare

Hi Susan,
You can use a Tens device on your face.
DO NOT use a tens device across the front of your neck or your chest.
Many thanks,
Tenscare

Susan Rodgers

Susan Rodgers

I have irregular heartbeat AF is it safe to use the tens facial unit on my face

TensCare

TensCare

Hi Sandra,

Generally, we do advise that TENS is not used if you suffer with any heart problems.

We have the below CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Do NOT use if you have a pacemaker (or if you have a heart rhythm problem) or with any electronic medical devices.

Do NOT use electrodes across the chest – Very strong stimulation across the chest may cause an extra heartbeat and/or rhythm disturbances to your heart.

I would advise that you speak with a medical professional who can advise on whether you are able to use.

Sandra farnworth

Sandra farnworth

Can I use a tens machine on my back& buttock with an irregular heartbeat Thankyou

Susan

Susan

I have PVCS. Can I use electric stim for a shoulder (overuse of computer) injury?

Debs

Debs

I have had a PFO closure and have a metal closure ‘umbrella’ between my 2 atria.
I suffer acute mid back muscle pain on my left hand side now and again and want to use TENS for the pain. Is this safe?

TensCare

TensCare

Hi Judy.
Please note the following CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Do NOT use if you have a pacemaker (or if you have a heart rhythm problem) or with any electronic medical devices.
And the warning :
Do NOT use electrodes on the front of the neck. Stimulation on the front of the neck can affect your heart rate or cause contraction of the throat.
We would advise that a TENS machine is not used without medical supervision.

Judy

Judy

I have PVC (Premature Ventricular Constrictions). Can I use a TENS device for osteoarthritis in my shoulder? Thanks.
Judy

TensCare

TensCare

Hi Attila,

I have responded to your question via email.

Many thanks

Attila Horvath

Attila Horvath

I have mitral prolapse, can TENS devices be used safely? Many thanks for answers!

Helen  Ketcham

Helen Ketcham

I have a heart condition along with a fib.
I have back problems can I use this on my back several times a day.

Asha Tonse

Asha Tonse

Hi there
I had an angioplasty in year 2021 . I suffer from arthritic pain in my left knee . Please advice me if TENS machine suitable for me to use .
Kind regards

Makainen Woodward

Makainen Woodward

Dear Makainen Woodward,

There are no warnings in our manuals that warn against using TENS on the quadriceps muscles after surgery.

We do have the below caution :
Caution should be used following recent surgical procedures. Stimulation may disrupt the healing process.

TENS should not have any effect on the heart, assuming the device is used correctly and as the instructions indicate and not over the heart.

I hope this helps!

Makainen Woodward

Makainen Woodward

If I’m using the TENs unit on my operated leg (ACL) rehab will it cause any heart issues. (I’m a 20 year old male who still lives an active lifestyle.) The unit is placed on my quad muscles mostly.

Lina

Lina

Hi Lina,
I have responded to your question via email.
Thanks!

Lina

Lina

Can the Maternity TENS be used by a person with mild valve prolapse? Thank you

Allen Kaplan

Allen Kaplan

Hi Allen,

I have responded to your question via email.

Many thanks.

Allen Kaplan

Allen Kaplan

I have implanted defibrillator. Can I use TENS for foot problem? Unit would be near foot.

Alex in Hong Kong

Alex in Hong Kong

Many, many thanks for your prompt reply and advice!

TensCare

TensCare

Dear Alex, we’re sorry to hear your pain is impacting your life so much, TENS can certainly help with neuralgia pain, and we would be more than happy to offer some advice in the hopes of getting you on the road to finding some relief.

Using electrodes on your back would not be a problem, it is stimulating over or through the heart or on the front of the neck that can cause problems. You can read more about this and about specific electrode placement for shingles pain such as “Mirror Application” in our Electrode Placement Guide. Please search “Electrode Placement Guide” in our website search bar.

We hope this helps, please reach out to us if you have any further questions.

Alex in Hong Kong

Alex in Hong Kong

Hi,
I Am suffering from a severe bout of post herpetic neuralgia (from shingles) and I have a hand size area right under my left shoulder blade and left side, which is hyper-hyper sensitive to any touch. I am unable to even wear a shirt without pain. Already for two years. I am in pain specialist care and take maximum doses of pain killers etc. Can I apply a Tens machine on that area? On my back but at the same level as my heart?

TensCare

TensCare

Dear Val, we have a few different Pelvic Floor Trainers, these can be found in our Incontinence & Sexual Health section under Pelvic Floor Toning. We have a range of devices to suit different needs and budgets, for example; some devices offer a pain programme, some are rechargeable rather than taking batteries, some have a biofeedback probe so you can see the muscles working.

I’ll add some guidance below, but be sure to have a look at the product listings or our product catalogue in the top menu to be sure you’re choosing the best device for you.

Rechargeable devices: Elise 2, Sure PRO, Unicare,
Devices that offer an additional pelvic pain programme: Alivia, Sure , Sure PRO, Unicare, WWO Perfect PFE
Devices that feature a biofeedback probe: Alivia, Sure, Unicare, WWO Perfect PFE

I hope this helps, if you have any specific questions or need help choosing, please reach out to customer.service@tenscare.co.uk where one of our friendly team will be happy to assist you.

Val

Val

Hi, which machine would you recommend for pelvic floor muscles

TensCare

TensCare

Dear Gloria,

Most of our devices have a 2 year warranty, however your first port of call would be new accessories. We recommend replacing your accessories (leads, electrode pads, probes, batteries etc) every 3-6 months to keep your device in good working order. You can purchase replacements parts by visiting https://tenscare.co.uk/pages/accessories-by-device and clicking on your device.

If your accessories are relatively new and you are still experiencing difficulties, please reach out to customer.service@tenscare.co.uk with details of your device and the problems you are having. If your device is within the 2 year warranty we can help you with a repair or replacement, if your device is out of warranty we can still offer troubleshooting and potential repair, as well as a discount on a new device if your device is not able to be fixed.

I hope this helps! Please reach out to customer.service@tenscare.co.uk if we can be of any further assistance.

Gloria gonzales

Gloria gonzales

I would like to know if this can be repaired .mine is not working anymore.the why not good for varicosities

TensCare

TensCare

Dear Beth, there is a couple of variables here, if the stents were silicone then no problem at all, if they were the metal mesh then we would advise placing the electrodes where the stents are. Providing the stents aren’t in your shoulder, you should be absolutely fine to continue use as you have been. If in doubt, you can always speak to your doctor who will be able to best advise based on your specific situation.

Beth W

Beth W

Used the tens on shoulders and it was successful in taking away arm and shoulder pain.But I do have 3 stents after a heart event 5 years ago.Should I continue with this successful treatment?I do hope to continue with this.

TensCare

TensCare

Dear Jan, you can certainly still use a TENS or EMS device, just not near your heart or on the front of the neck. Hope this helps! Please reach out to us if you have any further questions.

TensCare

TensCare

Dear Edna, TENS is mainly for pain relief, you would be better off using EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) available in our devices such as Perfect EMS, Sports TENS and Flexistim. EMS is often used in muscle rehabilitation with great success, however there is not a lot of evidence to support the specific treatment you mentioned, so we would not be able to make any guarantees.

If you would like us to email over some clinical trials and references, please just let us know.

Jan

Jan

I have a heart condition but want to use a tens machine for sciatica!

Edna Fitzgerald

Edna Fitzgerald

My Friend has suffered a stroke which has left her arm paralysed. Is it advisable to use a tens machine to encourage movement in the arm

TensCare

TensCare

Dear Teri, your friend can definitely use a TENS machine on their knees, we would just recommend not to use it near the heart or on the front of the neck. We hope this helps! Please reach out to us if you have any further questions.

Teri

Teri

Can my friend use tens machine on his knees, he had a triple heart bypass 3 years ago

TensCare

TensCare

Dear Dolly, you can use the pads on your feet, just not near your heart or on the front of the neck. Hope this helps! Please reach out to us if you have any further questions.

Dolly

Dolly

Can I use the pads just on my feet if I have a heart condition

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