Recovering from laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis is different for everyone. While the incisions may be small, there is often significant healing taking place beneath the surface. Alongside rest, gentle movement and prescribed medications, many people look for additional ways to help manage discomfort throughout recovery.

A TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) device may be an effective tool that can support pain relief after surgery when used appropriately.

Here's how we recommend using Tap 2.0 TENS during your recovery....

Can you use a TENS machine after laparoscopy?

For many people, yes. Once your healthcare team has confirmed it is appropriate for you, TENS can be a helpful drug-free option to complement your recovery.

One important rule: never place electrodes directly over fresh surgical incisions or healing scars.

Instead, position the electrodes around the painful area or use alternative placements that target the nerves supplying the pelvis.

As always, follow your surgeon's advice regarding your individual recovery.

Our favourite placement for laparoscopy recovery

One of our preferred set-ups is the Labour electrode placement, which targets the nerve pathways that supply the pelvis. It is commonly used as a placement during birthing because it avoids the lower abdomen completely and can be a very effective placement for abdomen pain. 

Place one pair of electrodes across your lower back and another pair across your mid-back at the same time.

Although your pain is in the pelvis, many of the nerves carrying pelvic pain signals travel through these spinal segments. Stimulating these areas can help reduce the pain messages reaching the brain.

Any Tap. electrode style can be used—choose whichever fits your body most comfortably.

Can I place electrodes on my abdomen?

Yes but with a little caution.

During the first couple of weeks after surgery, the abdomen will be sensitive because healing is occurring beneath the surface.

If you would like to use abdominal placement:

• Never place electrodes directly over your surgical scars.
• Position electrodes around the scars instead.
• If abdominal placement feels uncomfortable, return to lower back placement and try again later in your recovery.

Many people find front placement becomes much more comfortable as healing progresses.

Our new Curvy Tummy Pad

For people with softer or curvier tummies, our new Curvy Tummy Pad can be particularly helpful during recovery.

Its shape allows the pad to sit comfortably low across the hips and pelvis while avoiding incisions higher on the abdomen. Some excisions will be lower depending on surgery technique so make sure to check prior to using this pad. 

This can make it easier to achieve comfortable electrode placement while sitting, resting or moving around the house.

Which Tap mode should I use after surgery?

Your best mode may depend on whether you're still taking opioid pain medication.

If you're taking morphine or opioid medications

We recommend using Mode 1 or Mode 2.

These high-frequency modes primarily work by interrupting pain signals travelling to the brain and don't rely as heavily on the body's natural opioid system.

Because opioid medications are already acting on opioid receptors, these modes may provide more consistent pain relief during the early stages of recovery.

Once you've finished opioid medications

Once you've completely stopped taking opioid pain medication, you may find Mode 3 or Mode 4 more effective.

These lower-frequency modes encourage the release of your body's own endorphins and naturally occurring opioid-like chemicals, often providing deeper, longer-lasting pain relief.

Alternate your modes

Our brains adapt surprisingly quickly.

To help keep treatment feeling effective, alternate between the paired modes.

For example:

• Use Mode 1 for a few hours, then switch to Mode 2
• Once off opioid medication, alternate between Mode 3 and Mode 4

Changing the stimulation pattern may help reduce accommodation, where the nervous system gradually becomes used to one type of stimulation.

Recovery looks different for everyone

There isn't one "perfect" electrode placement after laparoscopy.

Some people love lower back placement.

Others prefer abdominal placement once their scars have healed.

Some use both.

The best approach is to experiment within safe placement guidelines and discover what provides the greatest relief for your body.

Healing takes time, so be kind to yourself.

A reminder

This article is intended as general education and should not replace advice from your surgeon or healthcare provider. Always follow your post-operative instructions, avoid placing electrodes over surgical wounds or broken skin, and seek medical advice if you experience increasing pain, redness, swelling or signs of infection.