T.E.N.S. is an abbreviation for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Transcutaneous (trans-kyoo-tey-nee- uh s) means “through, or by way of the skin.” TENS sends electrical impulses via electrodes or conductive garments to occupy the nerve pathways with a more comfortable sensation which overrides the pain. More specifically, according to Wikipedia, the high and low frequencies of TENS activate receptors in the spinal cord and the medulla. Further, high frequency TENS reduces excitation of central neurons that transmit nociceptive (pain) information, reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters and increases the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters (GABA) in the spinal cord, and activates the main “end” receptors centrally resulting in the blockage of pain. Low frequency TENS also releases serotonin and activates serotonin receptors in the spinal cord, releases GABA, and activates the main end receptors to reduce excitability of nociceptive neurons in the spinal cord.