TENS and EMS are very often confused but are actually very different from each other. In short, TENS targets the sensory nerves on a specific part of the body and prevents the pain signals being sent from reaching the brain and causing further discomfort. EMS targets muscle tissues and motor nerves and causes muscles to contract and draw in more muscle fibers during rehabilitation.

EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulation)

These devices help stimulate muscles and promote blood flow, ultimately strengthening the muscles and preventing muscle atrophy. It can decrease muscle edema and fatigue, both of which are driving reasons for muscular weakness, pain, and reduction in functionality. EMS can be used in either a home or clinical setting to promote recovery.

EMS Therapy

EMS therapy is designed to create an electrical impulse that mimics the signals to the brain during exercise. Similarly to TENS, small, low-voltage electrical currents are exerted through electrodes placed on the skin. In EMS, however, the current causes the muscle to contract. The non-painful muscle contractions can either be long and frequent or short and sustained, similar to a strenuous exercise.

An average workout can only activate 30% of a muscle group’s fibers; EMS increases it to 98% and decreases the risk of injury and fatigue. Electrical muscle stimulation therapy is most often used for the following:

• Strengthening of muscles

• Rehabilitation

• For the prevention of disuse muscular atrophy

• Muscular relaxation

• Improving Local blood circulation

• Cosmetic muscle toning

EMS Benefits

EMS may benefit you if you don’t have any pain, but want to rehabilitate or strengthen your muscles through muscular contractions. This is better known as neuromuscular re-education.

You may have also been to rehabilitation or physical therapy centers where EMS is used. They use the exact same technologies there.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

TENS, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, is an effective pain relief system that stops pain from the root by sending a small, low voltage electrical current to the affected area via an electrode placed on the skin. The easily adjustable electrical current changes the way the pain signals are sent and prevents them from being sent to the brain, alleviating the pain altogether. TENS is extremely beneficial in decreasing chronic pain caused by various conditions.

How Does A TENS Unit Work?

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) works by transmitting small, painless electrical pulses through the skin to release endorphins and other naturally produced substances and stop pain signals from reaching the brain. It works best when used during other activities such as exercising or chores.

TENS Therapy

TENS therapy is not painful, but users might feel a slight tingle on the treatment site. Treatment times can range from about 15 to 40 minutes, and for most users, pain subsides for about 48 hours. Although TENS therapy is not curative and permanent, it can be an extremely effective tool for temporary, drug-free pain relief. TENS therapy is often used to relieve pain from a variety of conditions, including, but not limited to:

• Arthritis

• Sciatica

• Foot pain

• Back pain

• Multiple sclerosis

• Labor pain

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Sports injuries

• Headaches and migraines

• Menstrual pain

Deciding Between TENS and EMS Units

Many people suffering from chronic pain have found that the use of both EMS and TENS works best for them. For that reason, combination electrotherapy units, providing the benefits of both muscle strengthening AND pain relief.

Talk with your Healthcare Provider:

It is always important that a doctor / trained medical professional is consulted if you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, including any metal pins, rods, or screws, if you have cancer or diabetes, experience seizures, or are pregnant, prior to considering the use of any form of electrotherapy for pain management and rehabilitation. Anyone who is allergic to Nickel or the adhesives on the electrodes may have a reaction to TENS and/or EMS. If you experience any headache, dizziness, nausea, or rash while using TENS or EMS, please stop use and consult a doctor.