The Difference between TENS and EMS Units
Chronic pain is a serious and common pain causes several physical and mental issues. The nerves of the body compress because of the damaged tissues and the sufferer experiences depression and severe pain in the body.
Sometimes, the patient has to bear this pain throughout the life if the proper treatment is not given. TENS and EMS are the devices designed to cure chronic and nerve issues which are found very effective in the treatment of the nerve related problems.
The article will discuss the both devices in details, make a comparison between them and mention the best available TENS & EMS unit in the market.
Why to Choose TENS?
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) uses low-voltage electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves.
The machines send electric impulses through the skin and target the damage tissues and nerve strands.
The function of these pulses is to prevent the pain signals from reaching the brain and produce natural painkiller Endorphins.
The device is used for therapeutic purposes and has proved its significance for the treatment of both acute and chronic pain.
From the TENS & EMS unit reviews, there remains no doubt in saying that TENS is beneficial for chronic musculoskeletal pain, postoperative pain and osteoarthritis which are increasingly spreading all over the world. It’s widely being used for alleviating neuropahtic pain which happens because of the nerve damage.
How Does a TENS unit Work?
The working of the TENS is simple in which electrodes are placed on the affected part and amplitude of the stimulation is controlled by adjusting different settings of voltage, pulse width, and current.
The electrodes send electric current in the body through the electrodes and stimulate nerve pathways results in a reduced perception of pain.
The device shows effective results when drug-free and noninvasive methods are used. The Gate Controlled Theory is used in the design of the device which emphasis on the shutting down the flow of signals from the paining area to the brain.
Why to Choose EMS?
EMS stands for Electrical muscle stimulation, which is used to reduce the symptoms of atrophy. (EMS is also known as NMES and electromyostimulation)
The muscles start losing their shape and strength after the operation of or due to the increased age. It’s also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and used for the electrical muscle stimulation therapy as a therapeutic tool, a strength training tool for health and evaluating the muscular function.
The uses of EMS include the cosmetic muscle toning, increased blood circulation, rehabilitation, and relaxation of muscles.
It’s known the perfect treatment of atrophy which occurs after the damage of bones, joints, and tendons. During the use of EMS, a large number of calories burn, which help the body to engage the heart, brain, and respiratory systems.
How Does EMS Works?
The EMS device sends electric pulses into the body causes the contraction and relaxation of the muscles by activating the muscles.
Our body is capable of receiving the electrical impulses and act according to the given instructions. Basically, it targets the root cause of the pain, i.e. eliminates the swelling which causes pain in the muscles.
Scientists admit the significance of the EMS consider it beneficial for the use of the increased blood flow, muscle strengthening and improving the muscle flexibility.
TENS Vs EMS
| Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) | Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) |
|---|---|
| Nerves are stimulated by using electric current | Electric impulses are used to contract and relax the muscles. |
| Increases blood flow in the body and significantly reduces the symptoms of poor blood circulation | Directly activates the muscles and increase their movement which automatically increases blood flow. |
| Lessens the pain by blocking the pain signals | EMS helps to reduce the effects and symptoms of atrophy |
| Low penetration power and temporary benefits | High penetration power and permanent results |
| Focuses on one muscle at a time and work only one part of the body | Capable to target several parts simultaneously and use for the group therapy |
| Blocks the nerves to reduce the pain and give instant results | It targets the actual cause of the pain and works on the symptoms of the pain |
| Help the body to produce natural pain relievers by increasing the blood circulation in the body | Help the body to increase pain management by providing relief in bursting muscles, sore muscles and tight muscles. |
| Known as perfect for labor pain | Known as an alternative of physical exercises as it burns calories |
Brief Guidance about TENS and EMS Combination Devices
TENS EMS combo devices are the versatile devices available in the market which have both TENS and EMS functions in it.
The combo device is beneficial for those who want to make their muscles strong and also suffering from back pain.
One can use both devices simultaneously as well as get benefits of both devices. Using the TENS and EMS combo device is its portability and ease of use.
Yale Univeristy Study reveals that the use of EMS, TENS and FES is found effective in the rehabilitation recovery while the research has also proven the significance of digital TENS & EMS physiotherapy machines for other therapies as well. Click the link to read the further details.
Here are some best TENS & EMS combo devices available in the market.
InTENSity Twin Stim III by Current Solutions: The electromyostimulation machine is compatible with both AC adaptor and 9v battery while its capable of receiving EMS messages like kneading and pulsing. It allows you to change the intensity of the device as it has 4 TENS and 3 EMS modes while it has the pulse width of 50-300us.
ET-7070 iReliev Strength & Recovery System: The amazing machine includes 6 EMS modes and 8 pre-programmed therapy modes which help to reduce chronic and muscle pain. Moreover, the P8 TENS can be used for arthritis while there are 25 intensity levels available. The device can use for massage and to get rid of the sore muscles.
HealthmateForever HM6ML: 6 programmed machine provides the facility for the electrical muscle stimulation therapy and lets the user allow to ON the dual output option which enables the user to apply 6 different pads to different areas. There are 20 levels of intensity and you can press “+” and “- ” button to increase and decrease the intensity of the machine respectively.
HealthmateForever T24AB: The user-friendly design and portability feature make it the best among the other devices. The available 24 modes for massage and 4 pads available for different two different targeted areas and advanced technology therapy increases its significance for the treatment of chronic pain.
Pure Enrichment - Pure Pulse Duo EMS And Tens Combo Device: The TENS & EMS combo device has an LCD screen and 5-60 minute adjustable timer which make it user-friendly while the availability of the automatic shutoff system make its use safe and comfortable. There are 25 intensity levels of the machine which let you adjust them according to your need.
HealthmateForever Pro 8AB: The Electrotherapy device is considered as the best choice for the neck stress and back neck stress with 8 different massage modes. Its portable, handy to use and easy to carry. 2 Pairs of snap-on adhesive electrode, 2 LEDS, and AC adaptor are some additional facilities in it.
LG-TEC Combo Unit: The Dual combo has 4 electrodes to adjust it on the body while it’s powered with 100mA battery for the longer use. You can adjust the pulse rate and pulse width according to your requirement and can take it anywhere because of its light weight.
Emsi Flex it Tens Unit: Electrostim Medical Services or Emsi isn’t readily available in the market and you can get it only from your doctor. The devices of Emsi are more expensive than OTC Tens Units and some patients don't seem satisfied with the customer services.
Reliable Medical Experiments
Physicians applied EMS, TENS, and NMES on the patients who had issues regarding Musculoskeletal, Orthopaedic, Cardiovascular, Neuro – Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury and noted down the frequencies. Here is a list of studies that show how NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulation may help muscle function parameters.
More on Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)?
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation is an advanced technique in which electric impulses are used for contracting the muscles while electric electrodes are used to generate electric impulses.
The Human brain can understand the instructions of electronic impulses and the same phenomenon is used in NMES.
The electric impulses force the muscles to move in the same manner like they receive instructions from the brain and move according to the directions.
The technique is getting popular due to its effective uses in therapy, pain relief, and massage. The NMES units are available in the market which are designed after keeping various NMES parameters (impulse rate, voltage) in the mind.
The placement of electrodes plays an important role in the use of the technique as you can get required results only when you place them in the right direction.
However, always keep the area clean and dry where you want to place these electrodes. Otherwise, the intensity and voltage level can alter.
It's a good practice to apply a lotion to the part where you're going to place the electrode. Here is the electrode placing chart to guide you to the exact position of the electrodes.
Side By Side TENS Units Comparison
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