TENS & EMS weekly recap – 9 November 2026
Every week we scan new research and news about TENS and EMS and pick out what is relevant for people who use electrotherapy at home. Here is what caught our eye this week.
1. Brain scans show how high- and low-frequency TENS relieve pain differently
Researchers in China scanned the brain and spinal cord of 92 healthy volunteers at the same time while testing heat pain, before and after 30 minutes of TENS. High-frequency, low-intensity TENS reduced pain mainly on the side where the electrodes were placed. Low-frequency, high-intensity TENS reduced pain on both sides of the body and involved a wider network in the brain. Sham stimulation had no such effect.
Why it matters: it supports the common advice to use high frequencies for local pain and low frequencies when you want a broader effect. Read more in our article How does a TENS device work?
Source: Wei et al., Journal of Advanced Research, 28 October 2026 – read the study
2. Whole-body EMS plus exercise helps women with knee pain
In a randomised trial, 36 women with patellofemoral pain (pain around the kneecap) did hip and knee strengthening exercises for 7 weeks. Half of them also received whole-body EMS twice a week. The EMS group had less pain after 3 months, better knee function and stronger thigh muscles than the exercise-only group.
Why it matters: EMS works best as an addition to exercise, not a replacement. The study was small, so larger trials are still needed.
Source: Kiani Haftlang et al., Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 29 October 2026 – read the study
3. A short training session gets hospital staff to use TENS after surgery
A Swedish university hospital had TENS devices and a protocol on its post-operative ward, but nobody used them. After a 45-minute hands-on workshop and 12 weeks of simple visual reminders, TENS became a routine part of post-operative pain care, and staff kept using it.
Why it matters: TENS is an evidence-based, drug-free pain option that is still underused. Sometimes a little know-how is all it takes.
Source: Diwan et al., BMC Health Services Research, 27 October 2026 – read the study
4. Washable textile electrodes for wearable TENS
Engineers at Warsaw University of Technology developed electrodes printed directly onto stretchy fabric, using carbon layers in a honeycomb pattern. They held up well after 1,000 stretches and 10 washes. Without a contact medium, however, the skin contact was poor. A gel, a glycerine cream or even an ordinary body lotion was needed to get good conduction.
Why it matters: it is an interesting look at the future of wearable electrotherapy. It also confirms what matters most today: good, even skin contact. That is exactly what the gel layer on self-adhesive electrodes provides.
Source: Wójkowska et al., ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 28 October 2026 – read the study
5. TENS on the ankle nerve for an overactive bladder
Women with an overactive bladder received 8 sessions of stimulation of the tibial nerve near the ankle, together with pelvic floor and breathing exercises. One group was treated with TENS and the other with diadynamic currents. Both groups had fewer bladder symptoms and a better quality of life, with no difference between the two types of current.
Why it matters: it is another example of TENS being used beyond pain relief. Always get advice from your doctor or physiotherapist for this type of treatment.
Source: Tedla et al., PLOS ONE, 6 November 2026 – read the study
6. The muscle stimulator market keeps growing, driven by home use
A new market report estimates the global muscle stimulator market at about USD 853 million in 2025, growing to about USD 1.09 billion by 2033. The main drivers are portable and wearable devices and the move towards rehabilitation at home.
Source: Research and Markets via GlobeNewswire, 3 November 2026 – read the press release
This recap is for information only and is not medical advice. Do you have pain or a medical condition? Ask your doctor or physiotherapist whether TENS or EMS is right for you, and read when you should not use TENS.
Looking for electrodes for your TENS or EMS device? Browse the StimPads range.
