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TENS Unit Electrode Placement Chart for Every Body Part

•12 min read

Proper electrode placement is the most important factor in getting effective pain relief from your TENS unit. This comprehensive guide shows you exactly where to place pads for every major body area.

General Electrode Placement Rules

✓ DO

  • Clean skin with alcohol before applying
  • Place pads on muscle tissue
  • Keep pads 1-3 inches apart
  • Use the same channel for paired pads
  • Apply firm pressure when placing

✗ DON'T

  • Place on spine, heart, or throat
  • Use on broken or irritated skin
  • Let pads touch each other
  • Place over metal implants
  • Use on numb areas

Lower Back Pain Placement

Lower back pain is the most common reason people use TENS units. Here are the most effective placements:

Option 1: Parallel Placement (Most Common)

Place two pads vertically on either side of the spine at the L4-L5 level (about belt height). This targets the erector spinae muscles.

Pad 1
Pad 2

Option 2: Cross Pattern (4 Pads)

For broader coverage, use 4 pads in a square or diamond pattern around the painful area. Connect pads diagonally to the same channel.

Option 3: Sciatic Pattern

If pain radiates down the leg, place 2 pads on the lower back and 2 on the buttock following the sciatic nerve path.

Upper Back & Shoulder Placement

Trapezius Muscles

For upper back tension and shoulder pain, place pads on the trapezius muscles between the neck and shoulder. Keep pads at least 3 inches from the spine.

Shoulder Blade Area

Place one pad above and one below the shoulder blade on the affected side. This targets the rhomboid and infraspinatus muscles.

Rotator Cuff

For rotator cuff pain, place pads on the front and back of the shoulder, or two pads surrounding the deltoid muscle.

Neck Pain Placement

⚠️ Critical Safety Note: Never place electrodes on the front or sides of the neck. Only use TENS on the back of the neck (posterior cervical area).

Upper Neck

Place small electrodes on the upper trapezius muscles, just below the base of the skull. Keep at least 2 inches from the spine.

Lower Neck/Upper Shoulders

Place pads on the levator scapulae area — the muscle running from your neck to your shoulder blade.

Knee Pain Placement

General Knee Pain

Place electrodes on either side of the kneecap (medial and lateral). Avoid placing directly on the kneecap itself.

Quadriceps/Above Knee

For pain above the knee, place pads on the lower quadriceps muscle, about 2-4 inches above the kneecap.

Behind the Knee (Hamstring)

For posterior knee pain, place pads on the hamstring muscles above and below the back of the knee. Never place directly behind the knee joint.

Hip Pain Placement

Lateral Hip

For hip bursitis or outer hip pain, place pads over the greater trochanter (the bony prominence on the outside of your hip).

Hip Flexor

Place one pad on the front of the hip below the hip bone, and one on the upper thigh. This targets the iliopsoas muscle.

Gluteal/Buttock Area

For deep buttock or piriformis pain, place large electrodes on the gluteal muscles, avoiding the tailbone area.

Elbow (Tennis Elbow) Placement

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Place one pad just below the outer elbow and one on the upper forearm. This targets the extensor muscles.

Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)

Place pads on the inner forearm, one near the elbow and one midway down the forearm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should TENS pads be placed?

TENS pads should typically be placed 1-3 inches apart. They should never touch each other. For larger areas, you can space them further apart, but keep them within the same muscle group or pain region.

Can I place TENS pads directly on my spine?

No, never place electrodes directly on the spine. Place them on either side of the spine, at least 1 inch away from the vertebrae. This targets the muscles while avoiding direct spinal stimulation.

Why do my TENS pads fall off?

Pads may fall off due to: sweaty or oily skin, worn-out electrode gel, hair under the pads, or poor quality electrodes. Clean the skin with rubbing alcohol before use and replace pads every 20-30 uses.

Should I place TENS pads on the pain or around it?

Both approaches work. You can place pads directly on the painful area, on either side of the pain, or at trigger points that refer pain to the affected area. Experiment to find what works best for you.

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