Types of Electrical Stimulation
There are two main forms of electrical stimulation, each serving a different purpose. Keep reading to see what ailment will benefit the most from these two electrical stimulation options!
What is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)?
The main purpose of TENS Units is to relieve pain, whether its from a joint, a muscle, or just a general area. How the machine works is by sending out electrical waves over a specific area, which then blocks pain receptors in the brain, resulting in a natural, drug free pain relief solution.
What is Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)?
EMS Units aim to stimulate the muscles for a specific reason, other than pain relief. These devices deliver small, low wattage pulses which cause the muscle to contract. When muscles contract, this can result in two things. Firstly, the pulses relieve inflammation, which aid quicker recovery, and therefore quicker growth. Secondly, an EMS Unit can strengthen muscles without involving the nervous system, therefore causing less overall stress on the body. Now, this isn't to say that regular forms of exercise are now unnecessary, but electrical muscle stimulation can definitely improve an athlete's rate of growth.
What Option is Better for You?
Overall, it comes down to what your individual goals are. Do you have chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain? Then a TENS Unit will be the better option, since it can provide pain relief for the aforementioned as well as diseases like sciatica, scoliosis, etc.
If you have sore muscles and have to constantly push your body physically, recovery is the most important thing to be able to go just as hard the day after. If this sounds more like you, then an EMS (or e stim) unit will be the most beneficial aid.
If you can somewhat relate to both, then the good news is that there is a TENS/EMS Unit that does both, the Verve.
This unit has 12 modes of intensity as well as several functions to serve your immediate needs, whether it be muscle soreness or chronic pain of any kind. To learn more about the Verve unit visit massagetherapyconcepts.com.
Happy Healing!