Electrode Pad Positioning Guide
Correct electrode placement is essential for effective and safe electrostimulation. Follow this guide for optimal results on every body zone.
Why Placement Matters
The position of your electrode pads determines which muscles or nerves are stimulated, the depth and distribution of the current, and ultimately how effective and comfortable your session will be. Incorrect placement is the leading cause of poor results and unnecessary discomfort.
The golden rule: pads should always be placed on the fleshy belly of the muscle, never over bones, joints, tendons or the spine.
Step-by-Step Placement
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Identify the Target Muscle
Locate the muscle belly by gently contracting the target area. The thickest, fleshiest part is where you want to center your electrode pads. Use the body zone cards below for specific placement zones on each muscle group.
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Prepare the Skin
Clean the skin with water and allow to dry completely. Remove any moisturiser, oil or sunscreen from the area. For very hairy areas, a light shave can significantly improve adhesion and conductivity. Dry skin produces the best electrode contact.
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Apply and Position the Pads
Peel the pad from its protective film and place it flat on the skin, pressing from the center outward to eliminate air pockets. For two-pad placement per channel, position pads along the length of the muscle fiber (not across it) with a minimum of 2 cm between pad edges. Connect the lead cables before turning on the device.
TENS vs. EMS Placement Differences
TENS Placement
- Place pads around (not directly over) the area of pain
- Pads can be placed on either side of a joint or along a nerve path
- Do not place directly over the spine or open wounds
- For referred pain (e.g. sciatica), place pads at the source, not just the symptom site
EMS Placement
- Always place on the fleshy belly of the target muscle
- Align pads along the direction of the muscle fibers (longitudinally)
- Aim for visible, rhythmic contractions without discomfort
- Larger pads produce a more diffuse contraction; smaller pads target specific motor points
Body Zone Placement Guide
Use these reference cards for specific pad placement on the most common treatment areas.
Quadriceps
Place one pad on the upper outer quad and one on the lower center quad. Both pads on the front of the thigh, along the muscle length.
Hamstrings
One pad on the upper hamstring (below the gluteal fold) and one on the lower hamstring above the back of the knee. Keep clear of the knee joint.
Abdominals
Place pads symmetrically on either side of the midline, on the rectus abdominis muscle belly. Avoid the navel and lower ribs. Use the large ABS pad for full coverage.
Lower Back
Place pads on either side of the lumbar spine, on the paraspinal muscles (not directly on the spine). Typically 2–3 cm from the midline at L3–L5 level.
Glutes
One pad on the upper gluteus maximus and one on the lower gluteus maximus. Both pads should be on the fleshy part of the buttock, avoiding the hip bones and coccyx.
Calves
Place pads on the upper and lower gastrocnemius (calf belly). Keep pads away from the Achilles tendon and the back of the knee.
Shoulders
Use the TESMED SHOULDER wrap accessory for consistent placement, or position pads on the deltoid muscle belly (front, mid or rear depending on target). Avoid the cervical spine.
Biceps
Place one pad at the upper belly of the biceps brachii and one at the lower belly. Pads run along the length of the muscle on the front of the upper arm.
Triceps
Position pads on the long head of the triceps on the back of the upper arm. One pad upper, one pad lower along the muscle length. Keep clear of the elbow joint.
Do not position pads on the chest in a configuration where electrical current would pass through or near the heart. This applies across both anterior and posterior chest placement. Also avoid the neck/cervical area and the head.
Download Positioning Diagrams
Detailed illustrated diagrams for each body zone are available in the product manuals. Download the manual for your specific device for device-specific electrode placement illustrations.