What’s the Difference Between TENS and EMS Units?

What's the Difference Between TENS and EMS Units

If you’ve been around the HiDow International blog, then you’ve probably seen the terms ‘TENS’ and ‘EMS’ thrown around when referring to the wide selection of electrical stimulation therapy devices that we offer. Now while it is common to see those abbreviations together when advertising a device that sends electrical signals into your body for pain relief, many people do not know what the difference between TENS and EMS units is. Many believe that TENS and EMS are variations of the same pain therapy devices. While they are each powered by the same device to send electrical charges into your body, there are important differences to notes.

That’s okay, though. That’s why we’re here to help you break it down so that you better understand how e-stim works to help you overcome muscular pain.

What Are TENS Units?

Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (TENS) involves a low-voltage electrical charge from an electrical stimulation device that disrupts pain signals in your body to help alleviate muscle pains. The TENS devices target the body’s nervous system to disrupt pain signals before they are delivered to receptors in the brain.

The Benefits of Using a TENS Device

TENS units are an incredible alternative to prescription painkillers for individuals with severe and chronic pain. Most commonly, TENS devices are used when looking for natural ways to alleviate pain while strengthening muscles that do not involve using any prescription medication, opioids, or painkillers.

TENS devices are commonly used by physical therapists, though they are also commonly used in gyms and at home.

What Are EMS Units?

Unlike TENS, which targets the body’s nervous system. Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) targets sore and damaged muscle tissue to provide massaging relief with electrical stimulation. The electrical charges stimulate the muscle tissue to help it contract and relax with every pulse.

When TENS and EMS Are Used Together

When TENS and EMS devices are used with exercise and physical therapy, they give users the necessary tools to strengthen their muscles while relieving chronic pain. The perfect combination for shorter recovery times. For this reason, TENS and EMS devices are used by professional athletes, trainers, and physical therapists. To help athletes and fitness enthusiasts reach their full potential while reducing recovery times.

Choosing the Best TENS/EMS Device

If you want to use a TENS or EMS device. To take your workouts and recovery sessions to the next level. There are a lot of options available to choose from. You can find both wired and wireless TENS/EMS devices to fit your unique needs on our website. When choosing the best TENS/EMS device. Consider if you will be using your device in one designated location. Or if you plan on taking it with you on the go.

Additionally, there are multiple options regarding how many channels you wish your device to have. Most devices are available with 2 channels or 4 channels. We recommend the Wireless Pro Touch 6 12, the most versatile and portable unit.

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