Many people live with pain and suffer from a decrease in their quality of life. Fortunately, there are alternative and drug-free methods of pain relief. One example is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). It is a form of electrotherapy that continues to grow in popularity. People must consider several factors when looking for the best home TENS machine. This includes its ability to alleviate a wide range of pain, device types, features, and adjustable settings.
Traditional pain solutions often have adverse effects. This is why people are seeking different methods of pain relief. TENS are convenient devices that help with chronic and acute pain. However, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using one. The following sections will present the factors to consider when searching for a TENS unit, such as its ability to relieve a wide range of pain, the device type and features, and the settings and levels of intensity.
Best Home TENS Machine – Wide Range of Pain Relief
The best home TENS machine should be effective in a variety of conditions. After all, TENS machines are medical devices that relieve different acute and chronic pain conditions. It is an alternative pain management method to surgeries and pain medication. Several medical professionals use TENS to help their patients relieve their aches. Some also use it together with other treatment methods.
For chronic pain, many use low-frequency stimulation. This triggers the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers. These build up and alleviate pain in the target area. Moreover, they help reduce inflammation and improve moods. Many people use this for fibromyalgia and scoliosis.
On the other hand, high-frequency stimulation suits acute pain conditions. This setting triggers the spinal nerve cells to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This is the mechanism described in the Gate Control Theory of Pain. It takes effect immediately, making it useful for sudden and sharp pains. Moreover, it has a massage-like effect that increases blood flow and reduces muscle tension.
Common Conditions that Can Be Treated
- Period pain: many women experience this at the start of their menstrual cycle. It causes aches in the lower back and abdomen.
- Sports injuries: this includes tennis elbow, sprains, strains, and fractures.
- Arthritis: the inflammation of one or more joints. It causes joint pain and stiffness.
- Diabetic retinopathy: causes nerve pain and numbness in the legs, hands, and feet. It is caused by nerve damage from diabetes.
- Sciatica: caused by injury or pressure to the sciatic nerve. This causes back and leg pain.
- Migraines: these are throbbing headaches that may last for days.
- Body aches: foot pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain.
Best Home TENS Machine – Device Type and Features
When searching for the best home TENS machine, considering the device type and features the product offers is crucial. Generally, there are two types of TENS units: wired and wireless. Wired or handheld devices are often seen in hospitals and therapy clinics. These use lead cables to connect the electrodes to the power source. Moreover, some can connect to up to eight electrodes to deliver extra power.
Meanwhile, wireless TENS use Bluetooth technology to remove the restrictions of cables. Some connect to a separate output controller, while some can use smartphone applications. Many people value wireless units for their portability and convenience. Moreover, plenty of wireless TENS have advanced features.
In particular, many devices offer preset modes. These treatment modes are tailored to specific conditions and body parts. Some examples of the different modes are burst, continuous, and modulation. Burst mode delivers short bursts of high-frequency electrical impulses. Meanwhile, the continuous mode provides a constant stream of low-frequency pulses. Lastly, the modulation mode gives varying pulse frequencies and intensities.
Advantages of a Wireless Unit
There are many advantages to using a wireless unit compared to a wired TENS machine. Firstly, they are more portable. By removing the need for wires, the user needs less storage. This makes it more effective in replacing pain medications because it allows easy use at any location without much set-up. In some cases, the user simply needs to attach the pads and then adjust the settings on their phones.
In addition, there are more options for electrode pads for wireless units. Some have hypoallergenic pads, and some offer different shapes and sizes. These are also easy to hide underneath clothing.
Best Home TENS Machine – Settings and Levels of Intensity
The best home TENS machine should have adjustable settings. This is what enables people to achieve relief from pain. Generally, TENS machines have a frequency range of 1-150 Hz and an intensity range of 0-80 mA. People adjust these settings to achieve their optimal level of relief. This can vary from person to person, depending on their condition and tolerance to electric stimulation.
Understanding the different levels and intensities available in the machine is essential for the best results. Users may read the instruction manual from the product manufacturer to learn more about their Moreover, it is ideal to start with low settings and gradually increase them when using TENS. This helps ensure safety against adverse effects, like skin irritation and mild burns.
Ideally, a TENS unit must have adjustable intensity, frequency, and pulse width settings. It should also have enough battery life to last for a few sessions. These factors contribute to the overall performance of the machine. Generally, more expensive machines offer more features. However, the ideal machine should be within budget as well.
Battery Life and Overall Performance
The battery life and overall performance are crucial factors to consider when it comes to electronic devices. Ideally, the unit allows the individual to use the device for extended periods without charging. Moreover, it should not suddenly interrupt a therapy session by quickly running out. Many people prefer rechargeable batteries for this reason.
Meanwhile, overall performance refers to how well the unit functions. Regardless of price, it should deliver on its promised functions. It should provide enough power for the condition and be durable. For this, many recommend to use FDA-cleared devices. This is because there is an assurance of quality.
Conclusion
People must consider several factors when looking for the best home TENS machine. Firstly, it should provide a wide range of pain relief. This is done by using high and low frequencies, depending on the type of pain. Secondly, the person must decide which device type they prefer and what features they need. For convenience and portability, many prefer wireless TENS machines. Lastly, the ideal unit should have adjustable settings and satisfactory intensity levels.
People may purchase personal TENS units online and in pharmacies. Individuals may buy them without prescriptions and use them without medical supervision for conditions like migraines and period pain. However, consulting a medical professional before using electrotherapy devices is recommended. Another helpful tip is to purchase an FDA-cleared device. One option for a wireless TENS unit is the iTENS from ITENS Australia. It has hypoallergenic pads and a smartphone application for controlling the electrodes.
