One of my knees is damaged - it has made walking distinctly problematic for a number of years as it twinged every time I put presure on it. I have tried physiotherapy and painkillers, to little effect.

A few days ago I was in the clinic to pick up a prescription and noticed these little TENS machines for sale.

The pharmacy assistant gave me a rundown on the way they work and what not to do with it, and I brought one home.

It really seems to have made a difference, not just to my knee but to other joints, and my spine, as I was tending to walk and stand off centre to favour my knee. For the first time in ages I am walking around the house like a normal person - I was even thinking of going outside for a walk before the hailstones started falling.

I have only used the machine maybe five times, over three days, for 15 minutes a session. The most unpleasant part is sticking on the electrodes - the closest to the sensation I can think of is having a large, cold, juicy slug drop onto the skin.

Apparently these things have been around for some time, but no one thought to tell me about them, so just in case one would benefit anyone here, I thought I'd start a thread.

Mine cost just under 15 pounds sterling, worth every penny.