Many people do not understand the difference between TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units and EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) units. They think the machines are interchangeable and that they are the same thing. While some machines can do both functions, they operate differently and have different purposes. It is important to understand these differences so you know which type of machine might be right for you.

1. TENS vs EMS
TENS vs EMS: which is right for you?
Many people do not understand the difference between TENS
(transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units and EMS
(electrical muscle stimulation) units. They think the machines
are interchangeable and that they are the same thing.
While some machines can do both functions, they operate differently and
have different purposes.
It is important to understand these differences so you know which type of machine
might be right for you.
EMS unit for training
Some of the machines on the market today actually offer both EMS and TENS
settings. These dual-purpose machines could be a nice solution for those who
actually need to utilize both EMS and TENS therapy..
The difference between TENS and EMS
The TENS units are for those who are suffering from chronic or acute pain,
and the machine stimulates the nerve endings in order to “scramble” the signal
and reduce the feeling of pain.
The EMS utilizes electricity, but the purpose is entirely different. These
machines are for stimulating the muscle, and work for strength training
and muscle building.
Many of the people who use EMS devices are undergoing therapy and trying
to rebuild their strength. Others are athletes who use them in addition to their
regular training to help stimulate their muscles.
Each of the different types of units has a different waveform. The EMS will usually
offer timing options as well. Some claim that using the EMS units can also help
to improve fatigue resistance. Other patterns have the potential to improve
muscular strength and help with toning.
EMS units such as the Compex
Performance are used for strength training
and as a rehabilitation tool, recovery tool,
preventative tool and testing tool
Example of a TENS unit
Who is a TENS unit for?
The people who are using the TENS unit are using it because they are trying to
deal with their pain, whether it is acute or chronic. Some of those who will likely
benefit from the use of the TENS unit include:
People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis
Individuals who have chronic back pain
Women who are in labor during their ninth month of pregnancy
Those suffering from sciatica
continue to the next page for who is a EMS unit for?
truMedic PL-009 is an affordable TENS unit
and is the #1 best seller on Amazon.com

2. TENS vs EMS
Who is a EMS unit for?
Those who will get the most benefit from the EMS units are those who are trying
to rehabilitate their muscles and to rebuild them. The unit causes contractions
in the muscle, and this electrical stimulus can keep them strong and growing.
Some of the people who may want to use the EMS units include:
Example of a EMS unit
Those recovering from an accident and muscular atrophy
Those who need to rehabilitate from musculoskeletal injuries
Individuals who want to keep their body toned even when they don’t
have time to get to the gym everyday
Who is the TENS / EMS combination device for?
As mentioned earlier, some of the units on the market today actually offer both
EMS and TENS therapy. Someone who has chronic pain, or acute pain from
working out or receiving an injury might want to use a TENS device. If this person
also works out and wants to stimulate his or her muscles even when not in the
gym, the EMS is a perfect solution.
The combination devices will naturally make the most sense for these individuals.
They have more options, and they allow the user to program them for whatever
purpose they need at the time – pain relief or muscle stimulation. Many feel that
using a combination treatment provides them with the best results.
Whenever you are searching for your devices, take some time to think about how
you will use them and what the main purpose will be. Choose the units, whether
they are EMS, TENS, or a combo unit, that are right for you. Do your research
and read the reviews. Know how the machine works, and know how to adjust it
properly. As always, make sure you are using the machines correctly.
Speak with a physician or a professional before you use any medical device or
treatment option to make sure it is the right choice for you. For example, those
who are pregnant and not in labor during their ninth month should not use either
of these devices. In addition, those who have pacemakers should not use the
devices.
For further information visit: www.ElectricalStimulationTherapy.com
Compex Performance electric muscle
stimulator offers programs that cover
endurance, resistance, strength, pre-warm
up, and active recovery