
Combination (EMS TENS) therapy
For individuals who experience both pain and muscle dysfunction, a combo unit offers the benefits of both therapies. For example, TENS can be used for pain relief, while EMS can be used to strengthen the surrounding muscles to provide long-term stability.
- Conditions that benefit most from TENS
TENS is primarily used for the symptomatic relief of both acute and chronic pain. It works by using electrical pulses to stimulate nerve fibers, which can block pain signals from reaching the brain and trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
Chronic pain: Conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis (including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), and sciatica are common targets for TENS therapy.
Acute pain: TENS can help manage pain from various sources, such as post-operative pain after surgery, sports injuries (sprains, strains), and conditions like tendonitis and bursitis.
Back and neck pain: This is one of the most common applications of TENS therapy.
Neuropathic pain: TENS is used as a therapy for nerve-related pain, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, though evidence for its effectiveness is still being evaluated.
Headaches: TENS has been used for migraines and chronic tension headaches.
During activity: For chronic pain, research suggests TENS is most effective when used while the user is active, as opposed to sitting or resting.
Conditions that benefit most from EMS
EMS is often used for muscle-related issues rather than pain management alone. It works by sending electrical signals directly to the muscles to cause them to contract and relax.
Muscle rehabilitation: EMS is widely used in physical therapy to treat muscle injuries, re-educate or strengthen paralyzed muscles, and prevent atrophy in affected muscles during recovery.
Stroke recovery: Electrical stimulation is used to promote neuromuscular re-education and strengthen muscles in stroke rehabilitation.
Muscle strengthening: Athletes and others can use EMS to enhance athletic training, improve muscle strength and endurance, and speed recovery after intense workouts.
Muscle atrophy: EMS can help prevent or reverse muscle wasting (atrophy) that occurs from disuse, injury, or immobilization.
Muscle spasms: EMS can relax overactive or tight muscles and alleviate muscle spasms.
Post-surgery recovery: EMS helps maintain muscle strength and prevents weakness when a patient is inactive after an operation.
An EMS TENS machine, or combo unit, provides both Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for pain relief and Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) for muscle conditioning in a single device. TENS blocks pain signals, while EMS works to cause muscle contractions for rehabilitation and strengthening.
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