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TENS Unit Settings Explained (Frequency, Pulse Width, Intensity)

•9 min read

If your TENS unit has a bunch of modes and numbers, you're not alone—settings can be confusing. Here's a simple guide to the settings that matter most and recommended starting points for common pain types.

Quick Start Settings (Good Defaults)

Try this first:
  • Frequency: 80–100 Hz
  • Pulse width: 100–150 µs
  • Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Intensity: strong but comfortable tingling (not painful)

After the first couple sessions, adjust one variable at a time (Hz, pulse width, or intensity) so you can tell what helps.

Frequency (Hz): High vs Low

Frequency is measured in Hz (pulses per second). In simple terms:

  • High frequency (80–120 Hz): often feels smoother, commonly used for quicker, shorter-term relief
  • Low frequency (2–10 Hz): often feels slower/pulsing, commonly used for longer-lasting relief

If your device has “modes” instead of numbers, try a few that feel comfortable—then stick with the one that gives the best relief.

Pulse Width (µs)

Pulse width (sometimes labeled “pulse duration”) affects how the stimulation feels. A common starting range is 100–200 µs.

Quick rule: If the sensation feels too sharp, try lowering pulse width. If it feels too mild, raise it slightly.

Intensity: How Strong Is Too Strong?

Intensity is the dial you adjust most. You want a strong, comfortable tingling. It should never feel painful.

Stop/adjust if: you feel burning, sharp pain, dizziness, or you're getting strong muscle contractions (unless intentionally using EMS mode).

Session Length & Breaks

Many people do best with 15–30 minutes per session. Take breaks and rotate pad placement to reduce skin irritation.

If you need a deeper safety rundown, see: Are TENS Units Safe?

Starting Points for Nerve Pain / Sciatica

Nerve pain is personal—what feels best varies. These are common starting points:

  • Acute/shooting pain: 80–120 Hz for 15–20 minutes
  • Chronic/long-lasting pain: 2–10 Hz for 20–30 minutes

For sciatica-specific picks and placement, see: Best TENS Units for Sciatica and our electrode placement chart.

Starting Points for Back Pain

For lower back pain, high frequency is a common starting point. If you're dealing with chronic tension, low frequency may feel better for longer sessions.

If you want step-by-step instructions: how to use a TENS unit for back pain.

FAQs

What is the best frequency (Hz) for a TENS unit?

Many people start with 80–120 Hz for faster, short-term relief (high frequency) or 2–10 Hz for longer-lasting relief (low frequency). The best frequency depends on the type of pain and what feels best for you.

What pulse width should I use?

A common starting range is 100–200 microseconds (µs). If the sensation feels too sharp, lower the pulse width; if it feels too light, increase slightly.

How strong should the intensity be?

Intensity should feel strong but comfortable—usually a firm tingling. It should never be painful. If you see strong muscle contractions, reduce intensity (unless intentionally using an EMS mode).

How long should a TENS session be?

Start with 15–20 minutes. Many people use 20–30 minutes per session with breaks between sessions. If you get skin irritation, shorten sessions or rotate pad placement.

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