---
title: "What Is Pulse frequency? TENS and Pain Glossary"
description: "Pulse frequency is how many pulses the TENS unit sends each second. It is an adjustable setting that your clinician and the device instructions guide."
url: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/pulse-frequency
publisher: Analgesic Healthcare
phone: +1-800-749-1188
contact: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/contact
---

Therapy

# Pulse frequency

Pulse frequency is how many pulses the TENS unit sends each second. It is an adjustable setting that your clinician and the device instructions guide.

A 2017 critical review in Physiotherapy Canada defines frequency, or pulse rate, as the number of pulses in one second, measured in hertz. A 2022 review in Medicina says pulse frequency and pulse intensity are adjustable and linked to TENS efficacy. The Cleveland Clinic says you can adjust intensity, frequency and duration, with the goal of impulses that feel strong but comfortable. This site gives no frequency numbers. Follow your clinician's and your device's instructions. See also [pulse width](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/pulse-width) and [stimulation intensity](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/stimulation-intensity). Read [TENS unit settings explained](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/tens-unit-settings-explained).

## Related terms

-   [Pulse width](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/pulse-width)
-   [Stimulation intensity](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/stimulation-intensity)
-   [TENS unit](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/tens-unit)
-   [Gate control theory](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/gate-control-theory)

## Sources

1.  [Physiotherapy Canada (2017), PMC: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Treatment of Muscle Impairment](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5683854/)
2.  [Medicina (2022), PMC: Using TENS for Pain Control: Update on the State of the Evidence](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9611192/)
3.  [Cleveland Clinic: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15840-transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens)

## Questions about your unit or a bill?

Call toll free. For customer care, ask for extension 508.

[Call (800) 749-1188](tel:+1-800-749-1188)[Pay invoice](https://ahcpatientservices.com/)