TENS/EMS Unit Uses & Benefits
TENS/EMS units are small portable devices that can be very beneficial for temporary pain relief, expediting the healing process of certain injuries, and promoting muscle growth. But what exactly does it do and what does it feel like? The TENS function uses small electrical impulses to flood the nervous system and reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain. It also stimulates the production of endorphins (your body’s natural pain relieving hormone). It feels like a slight tingling sensation when the electrodes are applied to the body and the unit is turned on. Adjust the mode to whichever frequency feels most comfortable to you and also adjust the intensity to a level that you can tolerate. Common pain relief uses are: neck/back pain, menstrual cramps, knee pain, and arthritis.
Use the EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulation) function to strengthen and rehabilitate muscles. It can be used to assist in muscle growth and helps to improve local blood circulation. You can also adjust the unit to the frequency and intensity that is most tolerable for you. The sensation of the EMS is less of a tingle and more of an involuntary muscular contraction.
Each device is a little different in terms of the settings, so make sure that you read the directions of your device before operating. In general, always begin on the lowest frequency so that you can get accustomed to the stimulation of the unit. The device that I recommend is the TENS/EMS unit from Cureve Natural Therapies. I use it for pain relief of my upper back/neck, and to strengthen my knee after a hard leg day or hike. Adding it to your self care routine can be very helpful for your overall wellness.
Applying the electrode pads to the effected area is super simple. Make sure that your skin is clean and dry (make sure no lotions or oils are on your skin). Also, make sure that the electrodes are clean and dry. Apply the pads across from one another, surrounding the effected area. If it’s a joint, place the pads around the joint and not directly on it. You don’t want to place the pads on bone, only muscles. Next, connect the cords to the pads and to the unit. Next, turn the unit on and adjust the frequency and intensity.
Above you’ll see how I’ve placed the electrodes on my knee. I typically use the TENS function for up to an hour and the EMS function for up to 30 minutes.
TENS/EMS units are a great addition to your home recovery station. Try it out and comment below how it has helped you.