- Best dual-channel electrostimulators and TENS machines
- Video: How to use electrotherapy to improve my health?
- Types of TENS machines and muscle electrostimulators that you should know
- Buying guide: What should I take into account to buy the best electro stimulator with 2 channels?
- Differences between TENS and EMS: Which one is better for me?
- Contraindications for the use of dual channel TENS and EMS machines
The effectiveness of electrostimulation for the treatment of ailments caused by various disorders, as well as for the conditioning of muscle tissue, has given rise to the existence of a wide variety of devices with different characteristics that offer various ranges of effectiveness when applying electrotherapy treatments. Among the most common models are the over-channel electrostimulation devices.
These stimulators offer the user a greater coverage of the treated areas, maximizing the range of effectiveness of the treatment. Below, we will show you all the criteria you should take into account when acquiring a dual-channel electrostimulator, as well as the applications it can have depending on its characteristics.
Best dual-channel electrostimulators and TENS machines
- Type: Combo
- Channels: Normally 2 (Dual)
- Modes/Programs: 6 Programs
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable (7 hours of use)
- Electrodes: 2 Pods and 6 electrodes
- Display: Smartphone
- Size: Not specified
- Reduces pain symptoms
- Portable and small size
- TENS+EMS Combo
- Wireless electrodes
- Rechargeable battery
- Size and weight not specified
- No intensity levels specified
- No heat therapy
It has a rechargeable battery that can provide an autonomy of up to 7 hours per charge, 6 unique training programs focused on different branches of fitness to help you achieve your goals, and compatibility with your mobile for easy use. It is recommended for those physically active people looking for a compact, portable and natural way to deal with workout-related ailments.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: Dual
- Modes/Programs: 24 Modes
- Intensity: 20 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium (up to 20 hours)
- Electrodes: 10 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: 3.7" x 1.9" x 1.9"
- Includes carrying bag
- Long battery life (up to 20 hours)
- Portable and small size
- TENS+EMS Combo
- Improves blood circulation
- No weight specification
- No heat therapy
- No touch screen included
The Belifu electric massager includes 10 reusable self-adhesive conductive electrodes pads and 5 sets of guide wires. The electrodes are coated with a layer of adhesive that gives them perfect adhesion to the skin, and with proper care, can withstand a large number of uses before they need to be replaced.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: Dual
- Modes/Programs: 24 Modes
- Intensity: 20 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium (up to 20 hours)
- Electrodes: 10 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Portable and small size
- Reduces pain symptoms
- Prevents muscle atrophy
- Improves joint mobility
- Rechargeable battery
- Does not specify measurements and weight
- No heat therapy
- No touch screen included
Among its best features is its dual channel function, through which you can program any of its 24 modes of use in each of the channels individually, allowing you to apply them in different parts of the body with different intensities. Additionally, its built-in lithium battery provides an incredible autonomy, allowing up to 20 continuous hours of use.
- Type: TENS
- Channels: Dual
- Modes/Programs: 20 Modes
- Intensity: 20 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: Yes
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium (up to 10 hours)
- Electrodes: 8 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: 4.12" x 2.24" x 0.43" - 1.54 lbs
- Reduces pain symptoms
- Rechargeable battery
- Includes user manual
- Portable and small size
- Includes carrying bag
- Not for muscle hypertrophy
- No heat therapy
- No touch screen included
It has 20 modes of use that apply different types of massages oriented to treat a wide variety of ailments, and with its independent channel control mode you will have the possibility of configuring different programs for each of the channels individually, to apply different types of massages in various areas of the body.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: Dual
- Modes/Programs: 16 Modes
- Intensity: 20 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium (up to 30 hours)
- Electrodes: 12 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Good quality
- TENS+EMS Combo
- Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
- Long battery life (up to 30 hours)
- Includes carrying bag
- No heat therapy
- No touch screen included
- Does not specify measurements and weight
What distinguishes this electrostimulator from others on the market is its lightweight design with black and gold finishes, its high quality materials and the inclusion of a dust-proof leather bag with which you can take it wherever you want safely. The compact size in which you can find this device will allow you to take it with you and use it wherever you like very easily, as it is incredibly discreet.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: Dual
- Modes/Programs: 24 Modes
- Intensity: 20 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Lithium Rechargeable (up to 20 hours)
- Electrodes: 12 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Prevents muscle atrophy
- Includes carrying bag
- Improves blood circulation
- Rechargeable battery
- Includes user manual
- Some electrodes dry quickly
- No touch screen included
- No heat therapy
It has a powerful rechargeable lithium battery that gives it an incredible autonomy of up to 24 hours of continuous use, thus eliminating any worry that your sessions will be interrupted or that the AA batteries will run out. Additionally, it contains an adjustable timer that allows you to set the duration of your sessions from 10 to 60 minutes and has 20 adjustable intensity levels.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: Dual
- Modes/Programs: 36 Modes
- Intensity: 20 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium (up to 30 hours)
- Electrodes: 24 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Long battery life (up to 30 hours)
- Prevents muscle atrophy
- Improves joint mobility
- TENS+EMS Combo
- Reduces pain symptoms
- No heat therapy
- No touch screen included
- Does not specify measurements and weight
The Mollan TENS electrostimulation unit features a dual independent channels function, whereby you can program two separate massage modes on channels A and B of the device, which means you can apply a pain relief massage mode on one channel, while using a muscle electrostimulation program on the other.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: Dual
- Modes/Programs: 24 Modes
- Intensity: 20 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium (up to 10 hours)
- Electrodes: 16 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Portable and small size
- TENS+EMS Combo
- Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
- Reduces pain symptoms
- Includes carrying bag
- Does not specify measurements and weight
- No heat therapy
- No touch screen included
The use of TENS and EMS that this device provides will allow you to use them to apply relaxing massages that relieve any ailment in a natural way, stimulating the production of endorphins and blocking the body's pain signals, as well as electrical discharges that stimulate muscle movement, creating contractions that encourage the growth of muscle fibers, increasing the tone and strength of the muscles.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: Dual
- Modes/Programs: 12 Modes
- Intensity: 20 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium (duration not specified)
- Electrodes: 6 Pads
- Display: Touch
- Size: Not specified
- TENS+EMS combo
- Includes user manual
- Improves blood circulation
- Rechargeable battery
- Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
- Does not specify measurements and weight
- Battery life not specified
- Non-universal electrode replacements
It has an independent dual channel function which gives it compatibility with 4 electrodes per channel. These can be independently programmed to apply different massage modalities to separate body parts, resulting in a more comprehensive relief of body ailments caused by injury or illness.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: Dual
- Modes/Programs: 24 Modes
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium (up to 20 hours)
- Electrodes: 8 Pads
- Display: Touch
- Size: Not specified
- Includes touch screen
- Good quality
- Improves joint mobility
- Includes user manual
- Portable and small size
- Does not include carrying bag
- Does not specify intensity levels
- Does not specify measurements and weight
One of its best features is its dual channel function, which allows you to set a different mode of use in channels A and B, and apply them in different sections of the body through the electrodes (2 per channel). Additionally, it includes a programmable timer to set the duration of the sessions and its compact size makes it completely portable and discreet, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Video: How to use electrotherapy to improve my health?
Types of TENS machines and muscle electrostimulators that you should know
Buying guide: What should I take into account to buy the best electro stimulator with 2 channels?
Dual-channel electrostimulators provide a wide variety of benefits thanks to their ability to cover a larger surface area of the skin, extending the area of effectiveness of the therapy. However, each ailment is different and its characteristics vary in relation to factors such as its origin, so it is necessary to take into account certain criteria to select the one that best suits your needs.
Types of uses
- Type of use: the uses that can be given to electrotherapy are very varied, and can range from pain relief and muscle relaxation to physical conditioning and post-surgical rehabilitation. These uses are factors to consider when selecting an electro stimulator.
- User experience: the variety of existing devices gives rise to machines with a large number of modalities, functions, intensity levels and modes of use, so it is necessary to take into account the user's experience using this type of device, to determine which brand and model offers adequate ease of use.
- Time of use: this is an important factor when determining the durability you need from your electrostimulator, since it may be necessary for prolonged periods of time, in cases such as the treatment of chronic ailments.
Technical characteristics
- Channels: this type of electro-stimulator has two transmission channels, to which the cables are connected, which in turn are connected to the electrodes.
- Pads/Electrodes: two-channel devices can accommodate a maximum of four cables, allowing up to eight pads to be attached.
- Modes/Programs: the number of programs available on the devices determines their range of effectiveness and the variety and types of ailments that can be treated by this means of this technique.
- Intensity levels: this is directly related to the programs, as each program can have several intensity levels. This is a factor to take into account when selecting an electrostimulator model, since a greater number of levels allows for a deeper reach of the electrical taxes.
- Type of screen: the most advanced electrostimulators have touch screens that allow greater ease of use and better visualization of programs and levels. It is a factor to take into account, but not a determining factor, since devices with analog screens offer very similar performance.
- Wireless: this is a factor that depends entirely on the buyer's needs according to the portability of the device.
- Heat therapy: although not all electro-stimulators have this feature, it is useful to take it into account due to its great effectiveness in the treatment of rheumatic ailments.
- Size: the size of the device plays a crucial role in determining its viability, although it is a subjective factor that depends entirely on the buyer's need. Larger electrostimulators are very useful for a wide variety of therapies, as opposed to their poor portability.
- Portable: depending on the routine and objectives of the buyer, it is necessary to take into account the portability of the device, as well as the space it occupies on the user's person, so that it does not interfere with daily tasks and allows quick access to electrostimulation.
- Types of electrodes pads: depends largely on the brand and model of the device. The most expensive ones use their own electrodes and can only be replaced in specialized stores. While other lower quality electro stimulators are compatible with universal pads.
- Type of battery: two-channel electro-stimulators can come with rechargeable or AA batteries. This feature influences the price of the devices, since although lithium batteries are more expensive, it allows saving on future expenses when acquiring new AA batteries.
- Reprogrammed timer: this is a very useful feature, although not indispensable for the operation of the stimulator. It allows a more precise management of the duration of each session.
- Combo: the highest quality devices have both Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Muscle Electrostimulation functions. Devices with both features usually have a higher price.
- Interferential: this is an uncommon feature in most electrostimulators. Although it is very useful, the devices that have it usually have a higher price.
- Warranty: in general, the minimum legal warranty period in Europe is two years.
- Price: this factor mainly depends on the economic capacity of the buyer, although it is not a determining factor as long as the device meets the requirements.
Differences between TENS and EMS: Which one is better for me?
In order to correctly apply any type of electrostimulation therapy, it is necessary to keep in mind that both TENS and EMS are oriented to different purposes, so a clear distinction must be made between the uses of each of these electrotherapy modalities.
TENS units
- Treatment of acute ailments: it is an excellent method for treating recent pain, since its electrical impulses quickly inhibit the sensation of pain in the affected area.
- Treatment of chronic pain: prolonged treatment with TENS electrostimulation presents a gradual decrease in chronic pain.
- Muscle relaxation: its electrical discharges promote the relaxation of fibrous tissue, decreasing muscle tension and reducing the sensation of pain.
- Pain caused by hormonal imbalances: TEN therapy is very useful in relieving the sensation of pain caused by hormonal conditions such as endometriosis or dysmenorrhea.
- Pain caused by rheumatic diseases: it is an option to consider for the treatment of ailments such as those caused by rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica or gout.
EMS electrostimulators
- Muscle toning: the electrical impulses generate contractions that improve the elasticity and resistance of the muscle fibers worked.
- Maintaining and resuming physical activity: it is an excellent option for maintaining physical activity when it is not possible to perform complete exercises or to recover muscle condition after a prolonged period of sedentary lifestyle.
- Rehabilitation of the musculature after injuries: it is widely used in the field of physiotherapy to recondition a muscle or muscle group that has gone through its recovery period after a surgical process or an injury.
- Increased recovery of muscle tissue: the activation of muscle groups caused by the high intensity electrical impulses of EMS promotes the recovery of muscle fibers.