What is TENS Therapy?
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or TENS is a therapy that uses low-voltage electrical current connected to your skin with electrodes (typically 2, but sometimes more) that are attached from a small machine to your skin with adhesive patches. While similarly non-invasive, TENS does not use cold laser technology to relieve pain. TENS directly stimulates the nerves with the goal being that the simulation keeps pain signals from reaching the brain and can prevent atrophy of unused muscles. TENS devices are also commonly used to stimulate the same points that are the focus of acupuncture; many feel TENS devices, used for electroacupuncture (or e-acupuncture), provide many of the same advantages for which acupuncture is known. TENS devices are available to provide the benefits of acupuncture to electroacupuncture users without the invasiveness and skin penetration of acupuncture.
How does TENS therapy work?
Two or more small electrodes are attached to the skin and the TENS device utilizes these electrodes to pass a small current to directly stimulate nerves and/or muscles. This can help relax the muscles and to significantly reduce pain. The electrodes can also be used as sensors in some devices, providing feedback that may be used to evaluate and treat other health conditions.
Who can benefit from using TENS?
TENS devices can provide a broad range of benefits to many people. The most commonly used treatment is for pain reduction and muscle relaxation (such as with back problems). However, anyone who may benefit from acupuncture may well find similar benefits from treatment with a TENS device.
Here are some of the most popular TENS devices, all with outstanding customer reviews.
MiroPure Touch Screen Tens Unit with 12 modes
- Multifunctional EMS TENS Unit: With 24 pre-programmed modes for pain and muscle relief. The electronic TENS machine can help...
- Real AB Dual Channel: This electronic pulse massager have independent control mode function. For example, you could choose...
- Large Touch Screen with HD Display: Large size and super-high-definition LCD screen make it much easier to read and clearer...
- Back Clip & Compact Size: NURSAL TENS unit fits in your briefcase or purse to take on the go, whether out for gym, trip,...
Model: MiroPure Touch Screen Tens Unit with 12 modes
Application: For the relief of pain by precisely targeting the site of your pain and applying treatment directly to that site.
Summary: The MiroPure Touch Screen Tens Unit (View on Amazon) provides gentle stimulation to aid in Pain Relief. This device precisely targets your pain by allowing the placement of electrode pads exactly at the site of the pain, the MicroPure Tens therapy device allows an attractive alternative to drugs for the relief of pain provided in a relaxing and soothing manner. There are 12 modes from which to choose, and you can choose your preferred mode. The MiroPure Tens is designed to treat pain in the knee, calf, thigh, elbow, arm, neck, shoulder, wrist, hand, lower, and upper back. You can choose from 6 timers, adjustable from 10-60 minutes and 20 intensity levels (adjustable up and down while being treated).
This MiroPure Tens therapy device is FDA cleared and CE certified, and includes a 2 year warranty.
AUVON Rechargeable TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator
- Professional TENS Machine. The AUVON Electric Massager can excite / stimulate the sensory nerves and muscles, activate...
- TENS Pads with Upgrade Gel. The Low impedance Solid Gel has been upgraded to the industry leading adhesive, which can provide...
- Upgrade 24 Choices for Pain Relief. AUVON electronic TENS device has as many as 24 user-friendly pre-promgrammed massage...
- Rechargeable Lithium Battery. No worries about treatment interruption for dead AA batteries any more! It can give you...
Model: AUVON Rechargeable TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator
Application: The AUVON Electric Massager is a professional TENS Machine that can provide pain relief and muscle relaxation. The AUVON Electric Massager can excite and stimulate the sensory nerves and muscles, activating a specific natural pain gate mechanism to relax your body and provide pain management.
Summary: This AUVON Rechargeable TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator (View on Amazon) is a safe, non-invasive, drug free alternative for pain relief and pain management. It is FDA cleared, and it features easy-to-attach and detach electrodes. It is compact and lightweight with professional power levels to provide full muscle stimulation/massage. It conveniently fits in your briefcase or purse for portability. It features an easily rechargeable battery either from the included charger or from a USB cable. The unit has 16 Modes and it a 2-in-1 EMS TENS Machine with Self-Adhesive Reusable TENS Electrodes Pads (2″x2”). As with any TENS unit, you may want to consult with your physician before purchasing or using this device if you suffer from any conditions such abnormal blood pressure or any condition requiring the active supervision of a physician.
NURSAL Tens Unit with 16 Modes and 8 Pads Electronic Pain Relief Massager
- Non-Invasive, Drug-Free Pain Relief Machine: The rechargeable electric muscle massager with 24 Preprogrammed Massage Modes...
- Constant Steady Pulse Modes: Kneading modes 1 and 2 deliver stable electrical impulses. No treatment interruption with...
- Multi-Functional: 24 preprogrammed massage modes, 20 levels of adjustable intensity mean you’ll easily find one setting...
- Industry-Leading TENS Pads: Included electrode pads provide superior self-stick properties for up to 45 uses. Small and...
Model: NURSAL Tens Unit with 16 Modes and 8 Pads Electronic Pain Relief Massager
Application: The NURSAL Tens Unit provides massages and pain relief for a wide variety of complaints. It has multiple massage settings and pain relief for multiple kinds of pain, such as back pain, arthritic or inflamed discs/ joints, shoulder tension and many other injuries and disabilities.
Summary: This pocket-sized NURSAL Tens Unit with 16 Modes and 8 Pads Electronic Pain Relief Massager (View on Amazon) has a surprising number of functions for massage, stimulation, and relief of pain and receives outstanding reviews from users. It has 16 preprogrammed massage modes and 20 pre-programmed and easily selectable levels of strength of stimulation, which are adjustable. It has an easy-to-use animated LCD display allowing adjustment of massage mode, intensity, and treatment time. It has a built in adjustable timer for treatments. The NURSAL unit has simultaneous dual outputs and includes 8 self-adhesive conductive reusable pads, replaceable self-adhesive conductive gel pads, This device allows 6 pads to be applied to the two different targeted areas at the same time and includes a bonus of 2 large pads to provide relief for larger areas.
It has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery for up to 10 hours of continuous use. It can be recharged from a USB wall charger or a USB computer port, but the manufacturer says not to use the unit WHILE it is charging.
TechCare Massager Tens Unit with 24 modes
- Intended Use of TechCare Massager: To be used for temporary relief of pain associated with sore and aching muscles in the...
- Features: FEATURES: 24 massage modes, includes stimulation of Tapping, Acupuncture, Deep Tissue, Foot, Cupping and Combo....
- Pain Relief: Stimulates the muscles in order to improve and facilitate muscle performance hence help with the pain relief
- Large Screen LCD: Large screen lcd and easy user interface makes it easier for elders to read and operate the tens unit
Model: TechCare Massager Tens Unit with 24 modes
Application: The TECHCARE Massager provides pain relief and powered muscle stimulation (PMS). TechCare Massagers delivers low-voltage pulses to the skin to stimulate nerve fibers effectively blocking the pain signal to your brain. This stimulation increases natural endorphins–a natural pain reliever. The TechCare Massager contracts and releases your muscles to give you all the benefits of a massage. Common treatments for pain relief include back pain, neck pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, shin splints, migraine, neuropathy and other Inflammation ailments.
Summary: The TechCare Massager Tens Unit (View on Amazon) is an FDA approved device which has many excellent reviews from users and an advanced feature set at a reasonable price. It has 24 preprogramed massage modes, including Tapping, Acupuncture, Deep Tissue, Foot, Cupping, and Combination and includes a timer adjustable from 10 to 60 minutes. This TechCare device includes a controller, 6 Large Electrode Pads, 2 Electrode Cables, User’s Manual, USB and Wall Charger, 1 Small Electrode Pad and Wire Holder, and a Treatment Points Chart. The device comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee.
Santamedical PM-510 Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager with Rechargeable Battery
- Eight Auto Modes (stimulation programs) and Pause button
- 10- to 60-minute timer with auto shut-off, 20-minute default setting
- Adjustable massage strength levels with gradual increase / decrease setting option
- Portable and Compact device is easy to bring along in a bag or a suitcase for on-the-go use
Model: Santamedical PM-510 Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager with Rechargeable Battery
Application: The Santamedical PM-510 is designed to relieve pain and relax muscle spasms in many areas of the body and to prevent muscle atrophy. Potential areas of use include arms, neck and shoulders, back, low back, legs, feet, joints, etc.
Summary: The Santamedical PM-510 Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager (View on Amazon) is a compact, portable, micro-computer controlled TENS unit. It has excellent reviews from purchasers and is simple to use for pain relief and massage. It has an LCD screen for the easy-to-use control of the product. The product includes the TENS unit with user manuals, 4 electrodes, 2 sets of electrode wires, a wall charger and USB cable, and a collector for pads and wires.