What is tens?
Transcutaneous electrical nervous stimulation(TENS) is a method used mostly for pain relief. Essentially, TENS consists in transmitting electric current through the skin which stimulates the nerves and muscles thus relieving pain. TENS therapy can help for various types of pains including those caused by arthritis, bekhterev disease, sciatica, sports injuries and many others. It also stimulates blood flow in the treated area and helps heal faster any swollen tissues.The TENS treatment is based on two scientific principles:
- The gate theory. Electrical impulses are faster than nerve impulses and block the brain centers for pain.
- Endorphins are released as result of the electrical impulses running through the skin thus relieving the pain.
TENS is the most successful physiotherapeutic method for relieving pain compared to ultrasound and magnetic devices.
Tens VS EMS
Tens is primarily used to relieve pain. EMS is used to tone the muscles and prevent muscle atrophy. Both help for pain relief
TENS machines are predominately used for pain relief and the treatment of pain and nerve related pain conditions (acute and chronic conditions). TENS machines work by sending electronic stimulating pulses across the surface of the skin and along the nerve strands.
The stimulating pulses help prevent pain signals from reaching the brain.Tens devices also help stimulate your body to produce higher levels of its own natural painkillers, called “Endorphins”.
What is an EMS Device?
EMS stands for (Electronic Muscle Stimulator), which are predominately used to prevent, or reduce, muscle atrophy. They are also called an e-stim machine or STEM Atrophy is the weakening and loss of muscle tone, which is usually experienced after surgeries or injuries. EMS has been proven to be an effective means of preventing muscle atrophy. EMS also helps by increasing blood flow to muscles, increasing range of motion, increasing muscle strength, as well as enhancing muscle endurance. EMS has pain management attributes in helping muscle related pain, such as a spastic muscle, sore muscles, or tight muscles.
Both methods have been proven to be an effective pain therapy option to help ease the effects of acute or chronic pain.