Tap. into relief
Your guide to setup, placement, and everyday use
How to use Tap 2.0 TENS for period & pelvic pain
This video covers the essentials — what comes in the box, how to charge your device, how to apply pads, and how to start your session.
Quick Set-Up
1. Charge your Tap 2.0
Fully charge your Tap 2.0 before first use using the USB charging cable provided.
2. Connect your sticky pad
Secure the Tap 2.0 unit into your singular sticky pad or connect the 2x round electrode pads.
3. Apply to clean, dry skin
Place Tap 2.0 on the lower abdomen, lower back, or area of discomfort.
Avoid applying over lotion, broken skin, or irritated skin.
4. Turn Tap 2.0 on
Long press the power button to switch Tap 2.0 on.
5. Select your mode
Short press the power button to cycle through modes 1–5.
6. Adjust intensity
Press + or – to increase or decrease intensity slowly until comfortable.
Tap tip: stronger does not always mean better. Comfort matters.
7. Relax (or get on with your day)
Tap 2.0 automatically switches off after 1 hour to preserve battery life. It can be turned back on if needed.
When to use your Tap 2.0
Research tells us that the best pain relief is usually achieved if you use TENS when your pain starts and at times when you have pain. This may fluctuate throughout your period or throughout the month if you have pelvic pain outside of when you are
menstruating.
An exception to this is when you are following a prescribed treatment plan for desensitisation from your guiding health professional.
Where to use your Tap 2.0
A general rule of thumb is to place your electrodes where pain is felt, when it is felt. This can vary throughout a menstrual cycle depending on where the sensation of pain is in your body.
Going deeper: You can also place electrodes over areas that have nerve supply to the pelvic region.
1. Sacral (around sacrum)
2. Thoracolumbar (bra line)
3. Suprapubic (above pubic bone)
Or other places in the body always avoiding the head, neck, chest and face.
A few extra tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure your skin is clean and dry before placing pads
- Reapply the clear film to the pads after use to protect the adhesive
- The butterfly pad is a good all-rounder, especially for first-time users
- If you feel a stinging or pinching sensation, lower the intensity or reposition the pad
You can customise your Tap. set up!
You can choose to set up your Tap 2.0 TENS in a variety of ways thanks to our modular design. You can use up to 2 electrodes (sticky pads) at once using the provided 50cm electrode cord, or use Tap 2.0 with a singular pad only.
Using electrodes + cord for targeted pelvic relief
Exploring different electrode setup options
Tap. is multi-use and adaptable
This video walks through the flexibility of tap.’s pad and electrode system. Depending on your symptoms and preferences, you can customise your setup using:
- A single main pad (butterfly, discreet, or XL)
- A main pad plus electrodes
- A single pad plus cord plus secondary pad
- Just electrodes with the hip clip for a more compact setup
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. tap. is designed to adapt, whether you’re at home, at work, or on the move. Don’t be afraid to test a few placements to find what gives you the best relief.
Labour
A simple way to access pain relief during birth. Tap can be used during early to mid labour to support comfort, reduce reliance on medication for some people, and give you a sense of control during contractions.
Safety
Often used in early to mid labour. Always discuss your birth preferences with your midwife or care team and ensure it is safe to start TENS.
Caution: You may wear your TENS for as long as needed, but always use as directed on your back and never use near water. You can trial placement before birth, however do not switch on the TENS treatment until you are in labour to avoid bringing on contractions.
Set-Up
How to set up:
1. Choose one of our singular pads (butterfly or discreet) and click the Tap 2.0 device on to it. The singular pad is placed on the bra line/mid back area. You may like to purchase our XL Butterfly Back Pad for ease during labour- this is our largest pad.
2. Plug in the electrode cord and click both of the small electrode pads to the ends. This is placed on your lower back. Alternate option: you can click another singular pad (butterfly or discreet) into the electrode cord instead of the two small round electrodes).
3. Get your birthing partner to long press the power button to turn on and then press the + until you reach a setting that feels comfortable. During times of intense contractions you may ask your birthing partner to increase the TENS intensity by again pressing the + until you are happy. To reduce the intensity after contraction you can press the - or leave it at the new level.
Note: Tap 2.0 will automatically shut off after 1 hour of use, you may switch it back on (Step 3) as many times as you need. It's a good opportunity to check in to see if a new position or tool if right for you as you progress.
Tips
Tips: You can choose to stay on Mode 1 (High Frequency) for simplicity. Move to Mode 2 (High Frequency Alternate) after a few hours so your nerve pathways don't accommodate to the TENS treatment. Trialling Mode 3 (Low Frequency) is also an option, with Mode 4 as the alternate mode to move to after a few hours. Try what feels right to you in early labour.
After Birth
Afterbirth: You may use your Tap 2.0 for pain relief from after-birth pains. Some people find it helps reduce the need for additional or prolonged use of pain relief. Your midwife or specialist may also know about utilising our 25mm round electrodes for scar management post cesarean.
Bladder/Bowel Desensitising (TTNS)
Please watch the video below from Fiona Rogers (BPthy GD ExSpSc, Physiotherapist) for example set up.
Source & credit: www.pelvicfloorexercise.com.au
Using Tap. for Overactive Bladder/Bowel
Your Tap 2.0 TENS has a program that can be used to help symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) which is commonly experienced as urinary urgency with or without leaking.
This treatment is called Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) and is Mode 5 on Tap 2.0 TENS.
The electrodes are placed on the inside of your ankle for 30 minutes at a time.
Always check with your health professional first if this may be appropriate for you.
TENS is only part of the solution but it can be a very helpful one. It is usually used in combination with lifestyle and behavioural changes. These include things like looking at what you drink and when, as well as techniques to help calm your bladder when it gives you the urgent signals. Over time you can learn to retrain your bladder to send you correct signals of how full it is and whether it is time to empty or not in a controlled way without rushing to the toilet.
We have good evidence that TTNS works and it is now a recommended first line of
treatment alongside the conservative measures mentioned above (1,2,3)
1. Cardozo et al Incontinence 7 th Ed ICS 2023
2. Ramírez‐García, Inés, et al. "Efficacy of transcutaneous stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve
compared to percutaneous stimulation in idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome: randomized control
trial." Neurourology and urodynamics 38.1 (2019): 261-268
3. Martin-Garcia, Miguel, and Jennifer Crampton. "A single-blind, randomized controlled trial to evaluate
the effectiveness of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) in Overactive Bladder symptoms in
women responders to percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS)." Physiotherapy 105.4 (2019): 469-475.
How does it work?
Seems strange that applying electrodes to your ankle could help your bladder!? Cue the science:
The tibial nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve which shares a pathway from the
spinal cord with the nerves that supply the bladder and make it work. TTNS sends
the TENS current along this pathway, via the tibial nerve, up to the sciatic nerve and
into the nerves in the sacral area of the spinal cord where it helps to calm down the
nerve signals to the bladder. This reduces the sense of urinary urgency when applied correctly and under guidance from a health professional.
Application
Always check with your health professional before using TENS or TTNS.
Do not use TTNS if:
- sharp/ blunt sensation has not been tested in the treatment area
- you are pregnant
- you have a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator of any kind
- you have epilepsy
Set up:
One electrode is placed just behind medial malleolus (the bump on the inside of your ankle) near your heel. This is where the tibial nerve is most superficial.
The second electrode should be placed approximately 10 cm above the first, next to the tibia (shin bone).
Correct electrode placement can be verified by turning up the intensity until you see either your big toe curl or feel a tingling sensation in the sole of your foot.
Electrodes must be fully stuck to the area otherwise the current may become
concentrated. Conduction can be affected by poor skin condition (dry, flakey), dirt and hair as well as ankle swelling. Ensure treatment area is clean and dry.
Which mode should I use?
A Note on Nerve Accomadation
Unlike generic units, Tap. 2.0 uses scientifically modulated parameters to ensure the body doesn't become accustomed to the sensation over long-term use.
Utilising High Frequency therapy?
Start with Mode 1 then move to Mode 2 after a few hours to prevent becoming accustomed to the treatment. Move back and fourth every 3-4 hours as needed.
Utilising Low Frequency therapy?
Start with Mode 3 then move to Mode 4 after a few hours to prevent becoming accustomed to the treatment. Move back and fourth every 3-4 hours as needed.