Electrotherapy can play a vital role in pain management and muscle rebuilding during and after an injury. This form of treatment relies on stimulating nerves and muscles for pain and muscle tension relief. Trained healthcare professionals like physiotherapists regularly incorporate TENS and EMS therapy in their treatment plans. Professionals would typically rely on TENS and EMS devices to help make their treatments more comfortable for their patients. Easing muscle tension and pain can allow patients to perform better during their treatments. For example, having less muscle tension on a body part can move more freely. Nowadays, you can also use a personal electrotherapy machine to help with injury recovery and pain management at home. With the demand for TENS and EMS devices on the rise, many people are now asking: What is the best EMS machine with TENS features?
There are plenty of personal devices available. However, when looking for the best EMS machine with TENS features, you can’t just pick any device. The device you choose should be reliable, convenient, and effective. Therefore, it is best to avoid suspiciously cheap electrotherapy devices. Moreover, it is also worth noting that using a cheap device might increase the likelihood of sudden shocks or irritations. An excellent example of a reliable device is the iTENS. The iTENS from iTENS Australia is a trustworthy device that is effective and reasonably priced. Additionally, users can use the iTENS as an EMS machine with TENS features.
The Best EMS Machine: TENS vs EMS
When looking for the best EMS machine, users should ensure that they know the difference between TENS and EMS treatments. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a form of electrotherapy that uses low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate our nerves. A TENS device’s electrical nerve stimulation can reduce pain under the “Gate Control Theory” of pain management. This theory states that the electrical impulse from a TENS device can cause specific sensory pathways to close. These pathways are where our pain signals pass through to reach our brains. Furthermore, closure of these pathways can lead to fewer pain signals reaching our brain, thus, reducing the pain we would typically feel. Moreover, TENS therapy can also induce endorphin release. Endorphins are our body’s natural painkillers. These hormones can further help improve the comfort we would feel during electrotherapy.
On the other hand, Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is a form of electrotherapy that mainly targets the muscles. The electric impulse targets the muscle belly to cause muscle contractions. This contraction can lead to several benefits, especially during workout or injury recovery. The muscle contraction an EMS machine provides can help reduce muscle tension, which can induce pain relief after an exercise. When looking for the best EMS machine with TENS features, it would be best for users to know what they can treat with it. EMS machines can help treat athletes and patients with:
- Muscle soreness
- Muscle overuse
- Atrophy
- Muscle weakness
- Neurological conditions (conditions that need muscle reeducation)
The Best EMS Machine with TENS Features: iTENS
The iTENS has plenty of features that help make it the best EMS machine with TENS features. Firstly, the iTENS is an entirely wireless device capable of Bluetooth connection. Bluetooth capabilities allow the iTENS to pair seamlessly with iOS, Android, and Google smartphones. Users can activate and control the iTENS through the iTENS smartphone app. Secondly, the iTENS app can help make EMS and TENS treatments seem more convenient. The app contains a variety of pre-set treatment parameters that users can use to treat a specific body area or condition optimally. Moreover, the pre-set treatment parameters can significantly benefit users new to TENS therapy. Users with limited electrotherapy experience can still effectively treat themselves without professional help. Lastly, users can personalise their treatments using the iTENS in its “manual mode”. This feature can add more comfort for users who prefer their own customisation.
Using an entirely wireless device can also have plenty of advantages. This feature alone can make the iTENS the best EMS machine with TENS features. Wireless devices can allow for more movement during TENS or EMS treatments. This allows the user to do more during electrotherapy. You may work, do household chores, and even exercise simultaneously during your electrotherapy treatment. Moreover, this feature can also drastically help users who have busy schedules. Nowadays, home electrotherapy treatments no longer need bulky TENS or EMS machines.
Benefits of Using the Best EMS Machine for Recovery
Devices like the wireless iTENS from iTENS Australia can also allow users to move more freely. This feature enables users to perform more rigorous exercises or stretches during TENS or EMS therapy. Performing more rigorous exercises with a better range of motion can help improve blood circulation. An improved blood circulation with the help of the best EMS machine with TENS features can help people by:
- Improving nerve regeneration
- Improving muscle regeneration (can help with post-workout soreness and muscle overuse)
- Reducing muscle tension (decrease muscle tightness)
- Improving bone regeneration
- Providing pain relief (through muscle relaxation)
- Reducing the time needed for recovery (due to having improved regeneration)
Using the iTENS
Despite being the best EMS machine with TENS features, users still need to remember some key pointers when using the iTENS. Users should ensure that they attach the device to their skin before turning it on. This method can help prevent sudden electric shocks at the start of the treatment. Furthermore, users should also use the appropriate pad size on the right body area. For example, using a small electrode pad for regions like the back may be ineffective. When treating muscles or nerves on the back or thighs, you can use the large iTENS electrode wing pads. You can use the small electrode wing pads for areas like the arms, wrist, and ankles. Additionally, users can use the long electrode pads for elongated treatment areas like the back down to the legs. The long electrode pads can effectively help treat conditions like sciatica.
Is Electrotherapy Safe?
Electrotherapy with TENS and EMS devices like the iTENS from iTENS Australia is a non-toxic, safe, and all-natural pain and muscle relief method. Unlike some oral pain medications, TENS devices do not have any adverse side effects. Therefore, users do not need to worry when constantly using the best EMS machine during electrotherapy sessions. Moreover, you can also use a personal TENS and EMS device throughout the day. However, it is essential to remember to take 20-minute breaks in between sessions. Furthermore, users can use the iTENS unit confidently because it has FDA approval to be an efficient electrotherapy device. Additionally, it is worth noting that people with epilepsy, cancer patients, and people with cardiac pacemakers should avoid TENS and EMS machines. When purchasing a personal device, you may ask a physiotherapist or doctor about the benefits of TENS therapy.
