Do pain relief gizmos really work?

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Sheila2909
Sheila2909 Member Posts: 5
edited 26. Jun 2025, 13:30 in Living with arthritis

I keep seeing ads for "Paingone Plus" (a TENS pen) and "Grounding Mats" (which supposedly use the earth's natural healing properties both for pain relief and to aid sleep). The reviews are almost always positive, but I'm still wary of parting with my money. So, just wondering if anyone here has direct experience of one or other of these?

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  • helenJ
    helenJ Member Posts: 3

    Hi 👋

    I haven’t used the pen but I have previously used a tens machine which helped ease the pains in my back if that helps.
    I haven’t heard about grounding mats so I’m going to look into them.
    Interested to hear responses to your post …

  • PJoanne
    PJoanne Moderator Posts: 316

    Hello @Sheila2909 and @helenJ

    Here's some info from the NHS website about grounding sheets.

    Can grounding mats boost your wellbeing?

    All the best Joanne

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Sheila2909
    Sheila2909 Member Posts: 5

    Thanks for this, @PJoanne It's an interesting article, although doesn't tell me much that I hadn't already ascertained about grounding mats. I'm still really keen to hear from anyone on here who actually has one - or a Paingone Plus tens pen.

  • Jca
    Jca Member Posts: 18

    Hi. I have a grounding sheet on my bed if that’s any help? Personally I haven’t noticed any difference and I’ve had it for many months. I read recently that just walking bare foot on the grass while hanging out the washing or sitting with your bare feet on the grass reading a book or having a cup of tea is the best way to ground and cost you nothing.

  • Sheila2909
    Sheila2909 Member Posts: 5

    @Jca Thanks for your reply. I, too, had read that being barefoot on grass supposedly has the same effect. I'm sorry that your grounding sheet hasn't been beneficial. I'm awaiting delivery of a Paingone Plus TENS pen and hope against hope that I get some relief with it. Will report back!

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,987

    @Sheila2909

    I use a tens machine a fairly cheap one bought from my local chemist. I also use a warm microwavable wheatbag both of which give me temporary relief from pain.

    Yes please do let us know how you get on.

    Best wishes

    Ellen.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,422

    Hello @Sheila2909

    I also have a tens machine I got mine from a very well known high street pharmacy. It's probably the 3rd or 4th I've had over the years and it can actually surprisingly help a good bit. What is seems to do (to me anyway) is send some unusual sensations to the area where you have pain which confuses the brain.

    Now it doesn't last not like you can do it in the morning and it will last all day, but i do use it sometimes during the day if I am really struggling and trying to avoid pain killers (or already used them) or just before I go to bed.

    Best of luck

    Toni x

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 891

    I have used a tens machine for over 20 years and have had the same model from the high street chemists twice, the second one is still going strong. It has wires rather than cordless and options for tens, massage and something else I can't remember the name of lol. My tens machine has helped me through some rough times and I love it. When I'm having a particularly bad day I pop mine in a cross body I-phone size bag, keep the pads where they need to be and connected to the machine and just turn it on when I needed to.

    I have tried a cordless bluetooth one to satisfy my husband who kept saying it would be better and I hated it. I have arthritis in my hands and plugging the two parts together and onto the affected area was very difficult with the unit falling off all the time. It went back to the online shopping site the next day!

    Trish

  • Sheila2909
    Sheila2909 Member Posts: 5

    Thanks @frogmorton I bit the bullet and sent off for a Paingone Plus TENS pen. It's a weird sensation - sort of "ripples" - and a bit disconcerting to see a wee spark when it's not actually in contact with my skin. A bit early to say whether it lives up to the hype, but I'm cautiously optimistic.

  • Sheila2909
    Sheila2909 Member Posts: 5

    Well…. the Paingone Plus pen has done absolutely zilch to help the pain in my feet and hands. And, actually, using it on my hands was far too painful full stop. So I've started the returns process. Wish me luck!

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 891

    Hi @Sheila2909

    I had never heard of a tens pen until I read your post but did look into it but I'm not surprised you found it ineffective. You might find it helpful to try a different model where you can attach pads to the affected area that are attached to a device. I swear by mine and find it very relaxing when it's in use and you don't have to hold it on like you do with a pen.

    Trish

  • Airwave!
    Airwave! Member Posts: 2,485

    the. tens machine used in physio departments are a more powerful machine than those for sale domestically,, ask advice from your local centre before buying, might save some dosh?

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