Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) utilizes low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate nerves through electrodes placed on the skin. This technology is primarily employed for pain management, often targeting chronic pain conditions or post-surgical discomfort. A common misconception exists regarding its potential for muscle growth.
While TENS can activate muscle contractions, the type and intensity of these contractions are not sufficient for hypertrophy (muscle growth). Strength training, which involves progressively overloading muscles through resistance exercises, remains the established method for increasing muscle mass. The primary benefit of TENS lies in its analgesic properties, offering a non-pharmacological approach to pain relief. Its use in pain management has evolved significantly over the past several decades, gaining acceptance as a valuable therapeutic modality.