How to use a TENS units & EMS machines for abdominal pain relief? Placement of electrode pads

The abdomen, being an area of the core responsible for providing stability between the upper and lower body, is often subjected to a lot of stress, especially during high-impact activities such as basketball, tennis or soccer.

This causes it to suffer from various types of ailments and injuries, but all of them can be relieved with the application of electrotherapy, which is why we are going to show you how to use both TENS and EMS for the treatment of pain and strengthening of this area.

How to use a TENS machine to relieve belly pain?

TENS units will help you to relieve abdominal pain thanks to the intensity of the current that brings benefits such as:

• Raises the pain threshold: TENS currents reach the abdominal cutaneous nerve right at the terminal branch of the T7-T12 thoracoabdominal nerves found deep in the tissue of the rectus and oblique muscles of the abdomen, which allows blocking the pain receptors of the same, and raising the threshold or resistance to any pain in the area.
• Limits pain-producing cells: the abdominal area is full of nociceptors, receptors that perceive the medullary cells responsible for transmitting pain information to the nerves, which are limited and slowed down by the current to prevent them from sending the necessary signal to the brain to cause the acute sensation of pain that we want to avoid.
• Alterations in the reciprocal innervation: which generates a generalized relaxation of the abdominal muscles in which the electrostimulation is applied and their opposite or antagonist muscles, avoiding the involuntary contraction of the fibers that is done instinctively when feeling an acute pain in any part of the body.
• Vasodilation: the currents at the abdominal level will generate heat to open the blood vessels of the rectus or oblique muscles, depending on the area of the abdomen where the TENS is applied, which generates a natural analgesic sensation that helps reduce pain even after the pads have been removed from the body.

These characteristics make transcutaneous nerve electrostimulation extremely useful for the treatment of problems such as:

• Abdominal overload
• Abdominal sprain
• Post-workout DOMS
• Abdominal contusion pain (as long as there is no severe internal organ damage)
• Abdominal Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome

However, it should be noted that TENS therapy should never be applied in cases where vital organ damage is suspected within the abdominal cavity, or when any infection or internal bleeding is suspected as vasodilation could accelerate the patient's blood loss.

Best TENS machines for abdominal injury recovery

Here are a series of transcutaneous nerve stimulation machines that are ideal for treating all types of abdominal muscle pain:

This is a precise and compact wireless TENS electrostimulation device, brought to you by the iReliev brand, intended for the treatment of pain at precise points of the body. Thanks to its size and the fact that it does not require any wires to operate, it is completely discreet and can be used anywhere, while traveling and under clothing.

Its efficient use of TENS technology allows it to block pain signals before they reach the brain, making it a safe method of treating ailments. It also has a long-lasting lithium battery and an energy-efficient function, which turns the device off every 20 minutes. One of the best devices on the market in terms of portability, discretion and functionality.

The electrostimulation device model EHE015, provided by Easy@Home brand, is an FSA certified TENS and EMS electrostimulator, which provides its users with a professional massage experience designed to eliminate ailments caused by injury or illness. It is a compact, comfortable and wireless device that you can take anywhere you want and use it whenever necessary.

It has 6 automated massage modes, and 20 intensity levels that can be adjusted very easily thanks to its two-button control system. Its long-lasting rechargeable lithium battery allows it to operate for several hours and has a timer to program sessions from 10 to 60 minutes.

The TechCare mini massager is an incredibly practical device designed to treat all types of pain safely and effectively. This electrostimulator combines TENS and EMS stimulation modalities, consisting of applying low frequency electrical impulses to effectively eliminate the sensation of pain, while increasing the natural production of endorphins.

It has 10 pre-programmed massage modes and 20 intensity levels that focus on treating various types of pain, and a session timer function that allows you to set the duration of these between 10 and 60 minutes. Additionally, it has a lithium battery that allows you to apply therapy for more than 20 hours at a time.

Omega has available this incredibly effective and compact electro stimulator, which stands out for its wireless function and compact size. By means of a remote control, you can switch between the 6 different modes of use and adjust the 20 intensity levels. Thanks to this, it can be considered one of the most practical and easy to use models on the market.

It provides effective and immediate pain relief through the application of low intensity electrical impulses that interact with the nervous system, eliminating the sensation of pain and stimulating the production of endorphins. It is compact, portable, rechargeable and can be applied to any part of the body.

The compact electrostimulator of the iRest brand offers a combination of electrostimulation modalities, combining the benefits of TENS and EMS therapy, providing its users with a safe and drug-free method to treat ailments caused by different injuries or diseases, through the application of low-intensity electrical impulses.

It has 6 modes of use that emulate different types of massages to achieve different objectives, along with 10 levels of intensity that provides greater effectiveness. The package includes 1 control, 2 large electrodes, 2 small electrodes, 2 guide cables, 1 user's manual, 1 cable case and 1 treatment guide.

How to use an EMS muscle electrostimulator for the abdominals?

If you are looking to strengthen the core muscles, a muscle electro stimulator is an excellent option because the currents of between 70 Hz and 150 Hz generate an effective and intense contraction in the fibers to simulate those we get during training.

This electrotherapy is very useful for people who do not have time to go to a gym to do abdominal exercises, or for athletes who want to dedicate more hours to abdominal strengthening and toning even after leaving the gym, and even for those who are recovering from an injury and want to keep in shape or recover the competitive rhythm little by little before starting more intense sessions.

Among the most outstanding uses and benefits of EMS electrotherapy we can highlight:

• Strengthening and muscle toning of the rectus abdominis and obliques thanks to the intense contractions that emulate those we get when doing exercises such as push-ups or planks.
• Reduction of fatigue, since it optimizes the oxygen consumption of the muscle fibers that make up the obliques and rectus abdominis by up to 16%, increasing the threshold of muscle exhaustion by up to 20%.
• Improves the power of the muscles as it improves the recruitment of fibers of both the external obliques, as well as the serratus and transverse abdominis, allowing for more explosive movements of the entire musculature in general.
• Stops the loss of muscle tissue in the belly and abdomen, in turn preventing the degradation of the pelvic floor tissues which in turn can lead to problems of urinary incontinence or weakness in the legs typical of the elderly.
• Improves blood flow through vasodilation, which will facilitate both the access of oxygen and nutrients to the various muscles that make up the Core, creating a healthier ecosystem in which these may be more resistant to injury, or accelerate recovery from them.

Best EMS electro stimulators to strengthen abdominal muscles

Here are some of the best EMS electro stimulators to strengthen abdominal muscles in those hours when you can not go to the gym.

The Techcare massager belt features cutting-edge technology in the field of electrostimulation for fat loss and abdominal muscle toning. It is compatible with the best TENS and EMS units on the market, and is one of the most sought after options for lower back pain relief as well as abdominal definition.

The package includes only the electro massage garment, so you will need a TENS or EMS electrotherapy unit to use it. Its compatibility with both types of electrotherapy makes it the ideal choice for both fitness and treatment of various ailments.

This device is one of the best creations of the COMPEX brand of products. It is an electrotherapy belt ideal for the treatment of ailments and physical conditioning thanks to the application of TENS or EMS electrostimulation, which also includes the thermotherapy function.

The belt does not require connection to operate, which makes it portable and practical, in addition to having a low-profile design for use at any time. It is powered by a lithium battery and has 8 modes of use that cover a wide range of intensities.

The Hi Dow TENS/EMS electrostimulation belt is one of the safest, most versatile and complete options for treating back pain, as well as conditioning the lumbar and abdominal muscles. In addition, it has a firm structure that provides excellent lumbar support, making it an excellent complementary garment for your day-to-day life.

Its innovative adjustable ergonomic design allows it to adapt to the sizes of most users, aligning itself to treat the muscular ailments of the lumbar area, and instead of the electrodes that can produce certain complications for positioning, its effect covers the entire abdominal and lumbar area.

In order to help you achieve your best physical condition MarCool Trip MZ has designed what can be considered the epitome of training devices: a portable electrostimulation belt with which you can work your lower abdomen and back muscles and burn all the localized fat from the comfort of your home or office.

Its operation is really simple: with only 15 minutes of use of the device twice a day, you will begin to see amazing results in no more than three months. In the purchase package you will only find the belt with 6 modes of use with adjustable intensity in each of them, so that your abdominal muscles will receive constant stimulation.

Sporting goods brand The Flex Belt has launched its abdominal training belt, a completely safe, FDA-approved training garment designed specifically for strengthening, toning and defining abdominal muscles. Its results are clinically proven and it is the ideal fitness enhancement solution for men and women.

The package contains a controller for intensity and modes of use, and the belt, whose cutting-edge design and durable, stretchable material make it the ideal choice for any body type. It comes with a 2-year limited use warranty, during which time you can replace the product for damage, malfunction or manufacturer's defects.

Video: How to place the electrodes pads on your abs?

Electrodes for abdomen

• For pain in the pelvis: In the case of pain in the pelvis or belly, you should lie on your back and place a positive electrode in the lower part of the inner rectus abdominis, while the negative in the same area of the other lower rectus.
• For oblique distention: In the case of the obliques, you should never stimulate both at the same time, even if you have a machine with more than two electrodes. What should be done is to place one of them in the upper part of the affected external oblique, just at the beginning of the serratus major muscle, and the other in the lower part of the internal abdominal oblique.
• For the rectus abdominis: To work the rectus abdominis, the electrode is placed on each one of them, preferably on one side of the abdomen and then on the other side.
• For the obliques: For the obliques you should also work one side and then the other and never try to use EMS on both at the same time, placing a pair of electrodes on the lateral area of the core, while to strengthen the pelvic floor you position the electrodes in the lower abdominal area on the transverse and lower rectus abdominals.

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Most common types of abdominal injuries and pains

The abdomen is one of the most delicate areas of the body as it contains most of the vital organs. Among the most common injuries we can identify the following:

• Abdominal hernia: this is a bulge in an organ that protrudes through an open region of the abdomen. The most common ones usually appear in the navel and generate a sharp pain when performing a considerable physical effort, although in most cases they do not usually generate any type of symptom.
• Abdominal tear: occurs when the muscle fibers of the abdomen are partially or completely torn, generating an opening that could even generate the appearance of a hernia.
• Abdominal contusion: a sharp pain generated by a strong blow received in the abdomen that can lead to muscle damage in the obliques, rectus abdominis or any other abdominal area. It is important to consult the extent of the blow because it could cause damage to internal organs.
• Abdominal overload: a generalized ailment in certain abdominal muscles as a result of excessive use of these muscles either when training or practicing a high-impact sport.

Being an area that occupies so many internal organs, the ailments mentioned above may be a symptom of other problems related to these organs. For this reason, when suffering from any of them, it is always advisable to see a specialist to prevent potentially fatal problems such as:

• Hepatitis: a viral condition that causes inflammation of the liver and other abdominal organs that can be life-threatening if not treated correctly and rest is not taken.
• Nephritis: condition characterized by inflammation of the kidney tissues, which hinders its functioning, putting the patient's life at risk due to fluid retention and blood intoxication, which eventually leads to severe damage to other vital organs such as the liver, lungs or heart.
• Appendicitis: obstruction and inflammation of the appendix that occurs when the appendix fills with pus, generating an infection that if left untreated can lead to peritonitis.
• Peritonitis: inflammation of the tissue lining the abdominal walls and internal organs that is usually caused by leakage of intestinal waste. It must be treated immediately as it is life-threatening or at best can cause irreparable damage to the intestine.
• Nephritic colic: obstruction of the urinary tract that generates a strong and unbearable pain in the lower or lateral region of the abdomen that must be treated quickly to avoid severe damage to the patient's renal system.

These are just some of the most common problems that usually manifest themselves through abdominal pain, but we can highlight others such as:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Cholangitis
• Cystitis
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Diverticulitis
• Duodenitis
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Fecal impaction
• Heart attack
• Intestinal occlusion
• Kidney stones
• Liver abscess (a pus-filled pocket in the liver)
• Mesenteric ischemia (decreased blood flow to the intestines)

Differences between TENS and EMS: Which one to use for abdominal pain?

Electrostimulation therapies are an option to treat the symptoms of abdominal pain, as well as to strengthen the muscles around them. In this sense we have in the first place EMS or muscular electrostimulation, which consists of the use of high frequency currents to achieve an abdominal contraction that simulates those we achieve naturally when training in the gym.

Secondly, we have TENS or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, which consists of the use of low and high frequency currents to block the pain receptors located in the abdominal area, so that we can achieve an analgesic effect to stop feeling an ailment.

There are two considerable differences between one therapy and the other. While EMS generates a contraction at the muscle level in the abdomen and is responsible for strengthening the abdominal muscles, TENS feels more like a tingling at the skin level and not a contraction, but provides a feeling of relief.

Knowing this, we can assure that TENS therapy is the most indicated for the treatment of pain, since it is responsible for increasing the sensory threshold of the same, and blocking the pain receptors in the abdomen to achieve considerable relief of the ailment.

However, while transcutaneous electrostimulation therapy helps to reduce the intensity of acute pain, it is not a curative therapy. Therefore, it does not mean that by using it you will be able to treat the origin of the problem, which as mentioned in the previous section may be due to serious problems in the internal organs located in the core and abdominal area.

Contraindications for the use of electrodes and electrotherapy