TENS Units vs EMS Comparison and Review

EMS are electric muscle stimulators which are technically TENS units but with a different target stimulator. The difference between TENS units and EMS units are that the EMS units stimulate muscle motor nerves while TENS units provide electrotherapy to stimulate the sensory nerve endings. Both these treatment types work by generating electrical impulses that on the nerves below the skin thus causing the muscles that those nerves control to contract.  This is the  way that people can use a TENS unit for pain relief.

Electronic Muscle Stimulators have been proven as a treatment for muscle injuries.  EMS units come with electrodes that have different adjustable channels. These stimulators have become internationally accepted as a way of treating muscle injuries using the dual isolated channels and digital wave technology that provide a very efficient way of transmitting the wave signals. The signals it send causing the muscle to contract help the muscle to exercise in a passive way.

The Electronic Muscle Stimulators have a very low frequency which when put together with the square wave pattern, works directly with the different muscle groupings. The TENS EMS unit is also used to improve muscle tone and also improve the blood circulation.

Do you need Tens Units or EMS Units?

So really what we have described here is that technology has developed new and improved ways to assist those people suffering pain and discomfort, and there are new and improved TENS devices and EMS machines that have been custom designed to target the specific needs of the individual people.

Don’t worry if you don’t understand what that all means for you – if you are suffering debilitating pain, please consult a physician who will be able to recommend a viable pain relief solution.  Which may just include some of the technology that we are discussing here!

Here is the good news about TENS Units!

Now here is good news.  You don’t have to decide whether you need to choose between TENS or EMS, you can select TENS units from the market which offer both treatments at the same time.  In some cases, a combination of electrotherapy and muscle stimulation at the same time.  In this way, the TENS unit can massage the muscles and stimulate the nerves to relieve that nagging source of pain and discomfort.

If you can find and afford to buy a dual purpose massage and stimulation device, then this is going to be one of the best TENS machine to buy.  Make sure you also purchase all of the necessary TENS Unit accessories, like extra sticky pads and spare electrodes.  You can usually re use the sticky pads many times before they wear out and lose their stickiness, so you get good value for money.

This pain relief unit comes with 15 customizable modes.  It has 4 powerful outputs, which can all output the same 20 levels of intensity without loosing any strength. Also has adjustable timer and fully adjustable speed and intensity. Overall a great buy for the price.

TENS Mode	EMS Mode	# of Pads	Dual Channel	Modes	Intensity Levels	Power	Price	Rating
Yes	Yes	8	Yes	15	20	Battery	<50$	4.9/5

The iReliev pain relief unit comes with 8 PreProgrammed Therapy Modes. Customize your therapy depending on whether your pain is acute or chronic. Regular settings give you 25 power levels, unmatched in the industry, with an intensity of 80mA output. It is highly portable and fits in the palm of your hand. Can be worn on your body, unnoticed, while at work or driving or relaxing at home.

TENS Mode	EMS Mode	# of Pads	Dual Channel	Modes	Intensity Levels	Power	Price	Rating
Yes	Yes	4	Yes	8	25	Battery	<100$	4.8/5

Dual channels with three healing bodywork settings and Six high-frequency stimulation modes help accommodate your body’s different muscle groups including waist, shoulder, hand/leg, and foot soles.

TENS Mode	EMS Mode	# of Pads	Dual Channel	Modes	Intensity Levels	Power	Price	Rating
Yes	Yes	4	Yes	6	Adjustable	Battery	<50$	4.6/5

Portable, compact and easy to use. For over the counter use and for home use. FDA / OTC approved.

TENS Mode	EMS Mode	# of Pads	Dual Channel	Modes	Intensity Levels	Power	Price	Rating
Yes	Yes	4	Yes	8	10	Battery	<50$	4.5/5

This is a top professional unit with Six Auto Modes, fully-adjustable speed and intensity and High Frequency stimulation to relieve pain. Many users have complimented this unit, especially being impressed with the different stimulation patterns it offers and the ease of use.

TENS Mode	EMS Mode	# of Pads	Dual Channel	Modes	Intensity Levels	Power	Price	Rating
Yes	Yes	4	No	6	Adjustable	Battery, Adapter	<50$	4.4/5