Periods can be awful, can’t they? One minute you’re fine. The next you’re bent over with cramps. If you’re nodding along (with a hot water bottle nearby), I’ve got great news!
The Drug-Free Fix That’s Helping Women
TENS machines have been around since the 1960s. But they’ve just now become a big help for period pain. I’ve tried it all – from pills to crying in bed. Finding TENS was like finding gold for pain relief.
What makes these small gadgets so good? Unlike pills that just mask pain, TENS machines stop pain signals before they reach your brain. Smart, right?
How These Small Boxes Work
The science is simple. Small pads send tiny pulses through your skin that tell your nerves to quiet down. Plus! The gentle buzz also makes your body release feel-good hormones that work as your own pain pills.
One lady who shops at Zoom Health said: “It feels like someone’s tickling away the pain from inside. Sounds odd, works great!”
For a more detailed explanation of how TENS machines work to block pain signals, check out our in-depth article TENS Machines: A Revolutionary Solution for Pain Management.
The Zoom Health TENS Range – What’s For Sale?
Zoom Health sells these TENS tools:
Kinetik Wellbeing Dual Channel TENS Machine – AD-2126 (£31.99, down from £34.99)
This newer model is my top pick. It’s small enough for your purse but strong enough for bad cramps. The dual channels let you treat your lower belly and back at the same time. So helpful!
Kinetik Wellbeing Dual Channel TENS Machine – TD3 (£34.99)
The classic model that’s helped UK women for years. It’s a bit bigger than the AD-2126 but works just as well. Great if you like a larger screen and bigger buttons.
TENS Pads for TD2 & TD3 (£7.99 for a pack of 4)
Pro tip: always keep spare pads! Nothing worse than being in pain and finding your pads won’t stick. These fit both TD models and last for about 20-30 uses.
Real Talk: Using a TENS Machine for Period Pain
Right, here’s how you actually use these devices (it’s dead simple, promise):
- Clean your skin – just a quick wipe will do
- Stick the pads around your lower abdomen where it hurts most
- Switch on and start with a low setting
- Gradually increase until you feel a pleasant tingling (not pain!)
The first time you use it, you might think “This feels a bit odd.” Trust me, you’ll quickly get used to it and start looking forward to that sweet relief.
Some women wear their TENS machine while popping to the shops or even at work – the machines from Zoom Health are discreet enough to tuck into your waistband with nobody being any the wiser. Much better than clutching your tummy and making those “trying not to look like I’m dying” faces!
Why British Women Are Switching to TENS Therapy
Let’s be honest – we’ve all got busy lives. Whether you’re rushing for the Tube, helping with homework, or smashing through work deadlines, period pain is an unwelcome guest.
Traditional pain relief has its drawbacks:
- Hot water bottles cool down (and aren’t exactly portable)
- Pain meds take time to kick in and wear off quickly
- Many women prefer to avoid taking pills regularly
My colleague Sarah switched to a TENS machine last year after 15 years of monthly battles with ibuprofen. “It’s changed my life,” she told me over a cuppa. “I used to take two days off work every month. Now I just clip this little thing on and carry on. My manager probably thinks I’ve had a personality transplant!”
Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck
At £31.99 for the AD-2126 model, a TENS machine costs roughly the same as 3-4 months’ worth of fancy pain relief tablets. The difference? This is a one-off purchase that’ll last years. Just remember to stock up on replacement pads (they’re only £7.99 for a pack of four at Zoom Health).
Here’s a little-known fact from someone in the industry: the electrode gel on TENS pads lasts much longer if you store them in the fridge between uses. Just pop them in a ziplock bag to keep them clean. This little trick can double their lifespan!
Beyond Period Pain – Other Brilliant Uses
While we’re focusing on period pain, it’s worth mentioning that these machines are proper versatile. The same TENS machine can help with:
- Back pain (brilliant for those who sit at desks all day)
- Sports injuries (my husband nicked mine for his tennis elbow)
- Shoulder tension
- Labour pain (yes, really – many midwives recommend them!)
One machine, multiple uses – now that’s good value!
If you’re going through menopause, TENS machines can also help manage associated pain and discomfort. Learn more about managing menopause symptoms in our comprehensive guide Menopause: What it is and How to Manage it.
A Bit of Practical Advice
Before you dash off to buy one, a few friendly pointers:
- Don’t use on broken or irritated skin
- Not suitable during pregnancy (except during labour under midwife supervision)
- If you have a heart condition, epilepsy or a pacemaker, check with your GP first
- Keep the pads away from your heart, head and neck areas
Ready to Bin the Painkillers?
If you’re fed up with planning your life around your period or popping pills like they’re Smarties, maybe it’s time to try something different.
Pop over to Zoom Health’s Digital Pain Relief section and treat yourself to a TENS machine. At worst, you’ve got a new gadget to try. At best? You might just get your life back one week a month.
And if anyone asks what that small box is clipped to your jeans, just wink and say “It’s my secret weapon.” Because that’s exactly what it is!
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Health
Zoom Health is a leading UK supplier of Home Health Tests and Earplugs
