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

Muscle pain is one of the most common ailments in the world, and although most of the time it is usually related to "benign" causes and not very risky for the sufferer's health, its simple appearance on a constant basis can turn anyone's life into a real ordeal, affecting its quality.

Electrotherapy, both in its TENS and EMS modalities, is presented as a viable option to treat pain in case of muscular injuries, as well as to prevent it. It is non-invasive and above all it offers relief free from the consumption of painkillers and other drugs that could cause dependence and side effects quite counterproductive in the long term. That is why today we will teach you how to use these therapies to relieve any muscle pain you may suffer from.

How to use a TENS machine to relieve muscle pain?

Knowing that TENS will help you relieve pain, it's time to understand how it works. What it does is to provide an electrical discharge that directly influences the body's natural mechanisms to produce pain, which work as follows: once we receive a blow or any other damage to the muscles, the body produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin, endogenous opioids or acetylcholine.

These neurotransmitters reach the nerve receptors to report the noxious impulse, which send a signal to the spinal cord that will subsequently inform the brain of the damage that will be reflected in pain. All this happens very fast and what TENS does is to affect this whole process by limiting the speed at which these pain neurotransmitters are produced and also by altering the electrical signals of the aforementioned nerves.

This simple action makes transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy has benefits such as:

• Increased pain threshold: since the nerves will need more neurotransmitters and in turn the body will stop producing them so quickly, which causes the patient's tolerance to increase. The muscle nerves in which this action is most effective are the femoral and tibial nerves in the legs, and the median, radial and ulnar nerves in the arm.
• Itreduces the production of pain neurotransmitters: substances necessary to send nerve signals to the brain such as serotonin or acetylcholine will be produced more slowly than normal. In this way, the brain does not reflect pain as intensely as it should.
• Contributes to cellular recovery: since the heat emanating from the currents used will dilate the blood vessels for greater oxygenation, which will considerably speed up the regeneration of damaged cells so that the body recovers more quickly.
• It influences the reciprocal innervation: which consists of the involuntary contraction and relaxation of the antagonist nerves when feeling pain, the first of these being counterproductive for the recovery of the muscle. With the relief generated during the TENS session, a total relaxation of the muscular tissues is achieved, which avoids damage due to the use of a muscle whose fibers are distended or contracted.

These benefits are very benevolent for the treatment of muscle injuries, especially in both the lower and upper extremities, and the back.

For this reason TENS therapy is ideal for relieving pain caused by injuries such as:

• Sciatica.
• Lumbago.
• Back pain.
• Cervicalgia.
• Muscle tears.
• Muscle strain.
• Muscle contracture
• Pinched nerves.

However, we must warn that this therapy only works to relieve pain, but in no way is it a curative method that can replace the treatment indicated by a specialist. Electrotherapy alone will not cure you, it will simply reduce the aches and pains to make your recovery period much more pleasant.

Best TENS machines for muscle injury recovery

Here are some of the best TENS units machines to relieve muscle aches and pains in a jiffy:

The TENS 7000 has one of the most complete models of electrostimulator, which includes a wide variety of functions and accessories. It is a digital unit that combines TENS and EMS technologies together with an innovative dual channel function that allows you to apply these electrostimulation modalities on different parts of the body simultaneously.

The TENS 7000 muscle stimulator includes one of the most complete electrical stimulation therapy packages you will find. It includes 1 TENS 7000 unit, 2 guide cables, 4 packs of reusable pads, 1 9-volt battery, 1 instruction manual and a hard case to carry your electrostimulation equipment wherever you want.

The AUVON electro stimulator is at the forefront of electro stimulation technology, combining TENS and EMS stimulation technologies to obtain one of the most complete treatments for acute and chronic pain, caused by injuries or illnesses, as well as an incredible complement for physical conditioning thanks to its muscle stimulation technology.

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.

The Med-Fit model BAL-906ª is a very complete rechargeable electrostimulation device of premium quality that has an incredible function of 4 individual channels that will give you a great coverage and a perfect effectiveness when applying different electrical massages simultaneously. It also has a large LCD screen that makes it especially easy to operate, so you can program your sessions with great ease.

It has 24 clinically proven massage programs, which are divided into 12 TENS therapy programs and 12 muscle stimulation training modes. It has a long-life rechargeable lithium battery that will give you a great autonomy of several hours of continuous use, eliminating the extra cost of buying replacement cylindrical batteries.

The Belice brand has one of the most powerful and versatile electrostimulation units available on the market, which comes in a package with everything you may need to apply a successful electro massage therapy, from the reusable pads to a travel bag to take your device with you wherever you go.

It has 24 modes of use and 30 intensity levels that you can program individually on each of its 4 channels, so you can apply them to different parts of the body, or even different people, simultaneously. Its high-powered battery will allow you to apply electrostimulation for 20 continuous hours, and is fully rechargeable through the current or from a USB charger.

Xpoin has one of the best electrostimulation machines on the market. This is the Xpoint Luxury unit, which has a dual channel function that maximizes its effectiveness in different areas of the body simultaneously, and includes a large supply of pads included with your purchase, with 16 units. It is one of the best options for the treatment of acute and chronic joint and muscle ailments.

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.

How to use an EMS muscle stimulator for muscle hypertrophy?

As we mentioned above, the best medicine is prevention, and muscle electrostimulation is one of the best strengthening methods for muscles, which in turn will help avoid a lot of injuries.

Among the main benefits of EMS we can highlight:

• Strengthening of muscle fibers: with the regular use of EMS you will be able to strengthen your muscles thanks to the high and medium intensity currents that perfectly simulate weight training in the gym.
• Improves muscle response: as it improves the recruitment of muscle fibers that are necessary to perform any type of effort or movement that requires power to the muscles, a particularly valuable quality to improve the performance of hamstrings, quadriceps, biceps and triceps.
• Improves blood flow: blood vessels will dilate increasing the amount of blood flowing in them, which will increase oxygenation of tissues and assimilation of nutrients, making it even stronger.
• Prevents muscle injuries: these benefits together will reduce considerably the probability of suffering from muscle injuries such as cramps, strains or contractures, allowing you to have a healthier and more resistant musculature.
• Reduces the appearance of trigger points: the continuous use of EMS will improve the elasticity of the myofascial tissue to prevent it from shortening and the appearance of these pain points that can become a chronic problem.

Best EMS electrostimulators to strengthen and tone muscles

Below you will learn about the best EMS devices you can buy to keep your muscles healthy and strong, so that you prevent as many injuries as possible.

Compex presents the Muscle Massage Kit that includes the versatile Compex Edge 2.0 electrostimulator, which is presented as one of the most effective options to complement physical training, thanks to its 4 programs of use, 2 for strength training, 1 for recovery, and 1 TENS massage mode, which will allow you to increase the strength and endurance of your muscles, while reducing the ailments caused by fatigue.

The package includes 12 clip-type electrodes, 4 guide wires, built-in battery and a dust-proof bag so you can take your electrostimulation device with you wherever you go. Its training modes will allow you to increase your endurance and explosive strength, while the recovery modes will allow you to expel lactic acid and reduce aches and pains caused by post-workout exhaustion.

The Tabbic rechargeable stimulator, from the Fat Freezer Store, is a convenient, safe and portable way to work your abdominal muscles when you don't have the time to visit a gym. It requires no gel pads and is adaptable for both men and women. Its electrical impulses will allow you to lose those inches of waist you desire without superhuman effort.

It works by means of a process called cryolipolysis, which freezes fat cells at an incredible 21 °F (-6°C) favoring a rapid loss of fat layers. The visionary concept of the Fat Freezer belt is the first sample of cryolipolysis therapy available to have in your home, making it an indispensable piece of equipment for losing fat and defining the abdomen.

The physiotherapy products brand OBOVOV presents for its users an electro stimulator model that combines the best and most avant-garde characteristics of EMS electro stimulation with TENS massages, resulting in one of the most versatile devices for the relief of all types of ailments, which in turn works as an incredible complement for muscle conditioning.

It has 21 modes of use and 40 intensity levels that allow it to treat different types of pain in different parts of the body. It has a dual output function, so you can treat two areas of the body simultaneously. All these features make this unit the best choice if you suffer from chronic ailments or caused by rheumatic diseases, providing a feeling of immediate relief and a great resistance to pain.

The PowerDot 2.0 portable electro-stimulator is a powerful and compact nerve stimulation device that uses the latest in TENS electrotherapy technology to promote the relief of any type of ailment, whether muscular or nervous, efficiently and quickly by means of low-intensity electrical discharges that interact with the nervous system, reducing the sensation of pain.

Unlike most wireless devices, the PowerDot is not controlled by a remote control, but by a versatile mobile application that allows you to navigate and run its 400+ customised programmes quickly and easily, and its compact, discreet and stylish design allows you to carry it with you at all times and wear it under your clothes whenever you want.

The iSTIM EV-805 is one of the most versatile and complete electrostimulation units you can find on the market. For starters, it features the powerful combination of TENS and EMS modalities, which means you can use it for the treatment of various types of pain, as well as for fitness and muscle toning.

Among its best features are its 4-channel function that allows you to apply individual massage programs on different parts of the body, its long-life rechargeable battery and its 24 preset modes designed to effectively treat acute and chronic ailments.

Video: How to place the electrodes pads on any muscle?

Electrodes for buttocks

Electrodes for legs

Electrodes for calf

Electrodes for arms

Electrodes for forearms

Electrodes for back

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Most common types of muscle injuries

Muscle injuries are usually related mainly to hydration and nutrition, but also to overuse, too little rest and even age, as muscles lose elasticity in their tissues over the years.

Among the most common ailments we can mention:

• Overload: as its name suggests, this is an ailment that manifests itself when a muscle is overworked, causing its tissues to reach their limit, become inflamed and acquire a certain stiffness. It is characterized by a sharp pain when trying to use the affected muscle, but can also be accompanied by muscle spasms.
• Fibrillar rupture: this refers to the rupture of the fibers of a muscle, which can occur due to a strong blow, or even due to overloading them with work. This is a very common injury in athletes in disciplines such as soccer, basketball, boxing or tennis.
• Contusion: refers to the inflammation of a section of muscle tissue after receiving a strong blow. It manifests with acute pain, reddening of the skin covering the affected muscle and sometimes also with inflammation. It should always be checked by a specialist to know the exact extent of the damage and to verify that there is no fibrillar rupture.
• Cramps: this is an involuntary spasm of a muscle or a section of it for a few seconds or minutes, which causes severe pain in the affected area. It is related to poor hydration, but also, when it occurs without any physical activity, it may be due to circulatory problems, especially when it occurs in large muscle groups such as the back or thighs.
• Strain: this is an elongation produced when the muscle is forced to stretch more than it should, which generates a strong pain that can be maintained for several days, but the most striking thing about it is the obvious weakness of the muscle that generates instability and limits its functioning.
• Contracture: like a cramp, it is the contraction or shortening of a section of a muscle, with the difference that this usually lasts for much longer, generating other symptoms such as weakness, joint instability and limitations of movement.

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

To relieve muscle pain without using painkillers or other drugs, we have electrotherapy. First of all, we have the transcutaneous nerve stimulation or TENS for its acronym in English.

This focuses on stimulation at the nervous level, sending low and medium intensity discharges to achieve essentially two things; reduce the production and speed of transmission of substances such as serotonin or acetylcholine, two neurotransmitters that respond to noxious impulses to inform the brain of pain, and alter the muscle nerve receptors so that they need more of these substances.

As a result, the threshold of pain that a person can tolerate is raised considerably, which generates a feeling of relief that will be maintained during and after the session. So you won't need any drugs to confuse your nervous system, drugs that usually leave residues that cause dependency and hundreds of side effects.

Secondly, we have the muscular electrostimulation or EMS. This uses more intense currents that go directly to the muscle tissue, stimulating it to contract and thus simulating the behavior of the muscles during hours of training in the gym or when competing in high-impact sports.

In principle, the ideal therapy to combat pain is TENS, since it will provide relief due to its neurological effects, but we should not underestimate EMS therapy. With it we can strengthen muscles and avoid suffering muscle injuries that cause pain, which gives it a very valuable preventive value. And as they say in medicine "the best cure is prevention".

Contraindications for the use of electrodes and electrotherapy