- How to use a TENS machine to relieve quadriceps pain?
- Best TENS machines for quadriceps injury recovery
- How to use an EMS muscle electro stimulator for the quadriceps?
- Best EMS electrostimulators to strengthen thigh muscles
- Video: How to place the electrodes pads on the quadriceps?
- More types of EMS stimulators and TENS machines you should know about
- Most common types of quadriceps injuries
- Differences between TENS and EMS: Which one to use for quadriceps pain?
- Contraindications in the use of electrodes and electrotherapy
The quadriceps are one of the most powerful muscles in the anatomy, and together with the gluteus muscles, they are responsible for providing acceleration at the start of the race. That is to say, in them lies a great part of the power of the first impulse that we make when running, a moment in which they are under tremendous tension.
That is why they tend to be the most injured muscles in high-performance athletes, but they are also the ones that tend to lose the most elasticity over the years, which makes them a magnet for injuries. But luckily electrotherapy can be a great ally to avoid these injuries and relieve the pain generated by these in its TENS and EMS electrotherapy modalities.
How to use a TENS machine to relieve quadriceps pain?
TENS therapy is one of the best ways to relieve pain in the thighs, especially in the quadriceps, and although at first it was spoken of as a pseudoscience, there are now enough studies that praise its use to treat ailments without using analgesic drugs. Its influence on the activity of the femoral and saphenous nerves is such that it can even be used to prevent the onset of neuropathies.
Among its many benefits we can highlight:
- Pain relief: thanks to its ability to alter the nerve functions of the femoral or crural nerve, and the saphenous nerve, as well as all the nerve branches of the same, by applying currents that oscillate in various intensities to "confuse" the brain.
- Increase of the pain threshold: since it will alter the receptors of the femoral nerves and their muscular ramifications, so that they require more neurotransmitters to send a noxious impulse signal to the body. This will result in a considerable increase in the pain threshold tolerated by the user.
- Reduces the production of neurotransmitters: chemical substances such as serotonin or acetylcholine will stop being produced as quickly, which will considerably slow down nerve-brain communication so that you can feel the pain resulting from a muscle injury in the quadriceps.
- Stimulates vasodilation: this will improve the blood supply to the quadriceps to generate a natural analgesic effect. This will help maintain relief in the muscle for longer after the session is over.
- Avoid the use of drugs: painkillers are the fastest option to relieve pain in the thighs and quadriceps, but also the least recommended because of the dependency and side effects they have. TENS therapy saves you from having to use them and offers a much more natural form of pain relief.
However, it is convenient to say that TENS therapy is not going to cure you of your quadriceps injury, so you can not ignore the treatment that your specialist has indicated. You should simply use it to relieve pain that may be caused by injuries such as:
- Tears.
- Strain.
- Contracture.
- Pinched femoral nerve.
Best TENS machines for quadriceps injury recovery
Now that you are clear about the benefits of this therapy, it is time for you to know the most recommended TENS devices you can buy to relieve your quadriceps pain.
- Type: TENS
- Channels: Dual
- Modes/Programs: 8 Modes
- Intensity: 25 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: 3 AAA Batteries
- Electrodes: 4 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: 2.14" x 5.5" x 7.08" - 0.33 lbs
- Includes carrying bag
- Improves joint mobility
- Portable and small size
- Reduces pain symptoms
- Good quality
- Few types of programs
- Not suitable for muscle hypertrophy
- Battery operated
It has an interesting session timer function that allows you to adjust the duration of each therapy up to a maximum of 60 minutes. Its compact size allows it to be carried in your pocket, so you can take it with you from home to work, or on the road, and use it whenever you need it.
- Type: TENS
- 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: Touch
- Size: 5.12" x 2.56" x 0.39" - 0.35 lbs
- Portable and small size
- Includes carrying bag
- Long battery life (up to 20 hours)
- Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
- Reduces pain symptoms
- Not for muscle hypertrophy
- Does not include user manual
- No heat therapy
It has 24 modes of use and 20 intensity levels that can be applied in isolation to each of the device's channels thanks to its dual channel function, allowing different therapies to be applied to separate areas of the body. In addition, it has a session timer mode and automatic shut-off that will allow you to give greater efficiency to your sessions and make better use of the energy of its high-capacity lithium battery.
- Type: TENS
- Channels: 4
- Modes: 15 Programs
- Intensity: 20 Levels
- Wireless: No
- Heat therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Electrodes: 8 Pads
- Display: LCD
- Size: Not specified
- Independent control mode
- Instant pain relief
- 20 intensity levels
- 15 different working modes
- Portable device
- Battery life not specified
- Does not specify dimensions and weight
- No heat therapy
All its modes of use are FSA and HSA approved, making it completely safe for anyone to use. It can be operated and set up very easily. The package includes reusable electrodes coated with adhesive gel in 3 sizes: 2 units of 2x4 inches, 4 units of 2x2 inches and 2 units of 1.5x1.5 inches.
- Type: TENS
- Channels: Dual
- Modes/Programs: 5 Modes
- Intensity: 10 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Battery
- Electrodes: 4 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: 8.8" x 2" x 7.8" - 1.15 lbs
- Includes user manual
- Prevents muscle atrophy
- Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
- Includes carrying bag
- Reduces pain symptoms
- Non-universal electrode replacements
- Not suitable for muscle hypertrophy
- Few types of programs
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.
- Type: TENS
- Channels: 4
- Modes: 24 Programs
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: No
- Heat therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Electrodes: 8 Pads
- Display: LCD
- Size: Not specified
- 4 independent channels
- Provides cramp relief
- Portable Device
- Promotes tissue healing
- 24 programs
- Few electrodes
- Does not specify battery life
- Does not specify intensity and size
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.
How to use an EMS muscle electro stimulator for the quadriceps?
Muscle electrostimulation works very differently from TENS, since the latter is based on direct stimulation on the muscle. Although it is not recommended to apply it on a quadriceps injured by a contracture, tear or cramp, it can be of great help to strengthen them.
Among the main benefits of EMS therapy we can highlight:
- Improves muscle response: as it will allow each explosive movement to recruit and activate quadriceps fibers much faster, which will undoubtedly give you more power when you start a run or attempt a jump.
- Reduces fatigue: since using EMS on a regular basis will allow you to reduce the oxygen consumption of the soft tissues of the quadriceps, which will cause them to weaken much slower than they normally would. This will be key to allowing you to perform to the best of your abilities for longer.
- Strengthen your quadriceps: since EMS training will be similar to what you do in the gym, it will allow you to strengthen your quadriceps as you make your electrotherapy sessions a habit.
- Avoid injuries: by reducing fatigue and strengthening the muscle fibers of your quadriceps you will make them more resistant to injuries such as cramps, strains or sprains, so that you will not have to stop enjoying your favorite sport because of any ailment.
Best EMS electrostimulators to strengthen thigh muscles
Now we introduce you to the best muscle electrostimulation machines you can use to strengthen your quadriceps.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: 4
- Modes/Programs: 10 Programs
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: No
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium (8 hours)
- Electrodes: Not specified
- Display: LCD
- Size: Not specified
- Improves joint mobility
- Improves blood circulation
- Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
- TENS+EMS Combo
- Long battery life (up to 8 hours)
- Does not specify intensity levels
- Does not specify measurements and weight
- No heat therapy
It has a total of 10 programs, which are divided into 2 warm-up programs, 2 strength enhancement programs, 3 recovery enhancement programs, and 2 TENS massage programs to reduce pain. With the Elite 3.0 you can take your workouts to the next level by being able to use it at any stage of your workout, before, during or after.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: -
- Modes/Programs: 14 Programs
- Intensity: 25 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium (up to 5 hours)
- Electrodes: 2 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Rechargeable battery
- Improves blood circulation
- Includes carrying bag
- Improves joint mobility
- Portable and small size
- Does not specify measurements and weight
- No heat therapy
- Non-universal electrode replacements
It has 14 operating programmes dedicated to particular functions. 7 are designed for pain relief, 1 is designed to treat arthritis, and the remaining 6 are different muscle conditioning modalities. In addition to the controller, the box includes 2 wireless pods, 2 reusable 3x5 inch adhesive electrodes, a rechargeable lithium battery, a USB charging cable, a carrying case and an instruction manual.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: -
- Modes/Programs: 15 Programs
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium
- Electrodes: 4 Pads
- Display: No display
- Size: Not specified
- TENS+EMS Combo
- Control from mobile app
- Reduces pain symptoms
- Includes user manual
- Rechargeable battery
- Does not specify dimensions and weight
- Battery life not specified
- Does not specify intensity levels
With more than 400 modes of use and a variety of intensity levels, the PowerDot 2.0 is one of the most complete electro stimulators available, as its functions focus on muscle recovery, improved physical performance, and pain relief. All these features make it the leading choice for the immediate treatment of any pain, whether caused by injury or illness.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: 4
- Modes: 8 Programs
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: No
- Heat therapy: No
- Battery: 4 AA
- Electrodes: 8 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: 5.43 x 3.07 x 1.1 in - 1.1 lbs
- Includes carrying case
- No effort required
- Portable device
- Promotes tissue healing
- Independent control mode
- No heat therapy
- No rechargeable battery
- No intensity specified
It has 8 customizable massage modes, which are divided into 5 TENS therapy modes, and 3 EMS stimulation modes, which together with its pulse rate adjustment function, make it one of the most versatile electrostimulation machines you can find. It works with 4 cylindrical AA batteries that give the device great portability and allow you to take it wherever you want.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: 4
- Modes: 20 Programs
- Intensity: 40 Levels
- Wireless: No
- Heat therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Electrodes: 12 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Includes 40 intensity levels
- Portable device
- 12 pads with different sizes
- Rechargeable battery
- Features 20 modes
- Somewhat slow charging
- No size specified
It has a function of 4 individual channels that will allow you to apply different massage programs in various areas of the body, in addition to 3 programs that together give you more than 20 options between TENS, EMS and recovery massages, 40 levels of intensity and time control function that will allow you to define the duration of each session.
Video: How to place the electrodes pads on the quadriceps?
Electrodes for thigh
More types of EMS stimulators and TENS machines you should know about
Most common types of quadriceps injuries
Anatomically, the function of the quadriceps femoris is to extend the knee and flex the thigh at the hip joint. These two actions are essential for us to walk, otherwise the knees would buckle from simply standing. So they are two vital muscles for the functioning of the lower extremities.
Among the most common injuries of this part of the body we can highlight:
- Quadriceps rupture: consists of the tearing of the muscle fibers that make up the quadriceps femoris. This injury is usually the result of the accumulation of wear and tear of the soft tissue of the muscle, which weakens and breaks when an intense effort is sustained for several seconds, such as a 100-meter flat race. It manifests itself with acute pain and even muscle deformity which, depending on the extent of the rupture, may require surgical intervention.
- Cramps: occur when a section of the quadriceps contracts involuntarily and is maintained for a few seconds, which generates severe pain. Its occurrence is related to overexertion of the muscle, but also to poor hydration of the athlete, and manifests with hardening of the contracted muscle area in addition to the aforementioned pain.
- Contusion: occurs when the quadriceps receives a blow that generates an internal injury of the muscle fibers, which can become inflamed or, in the worst case, break generating a tear or muscle rupture. It is possible that the pain is maintained for several days as if it were a muscle strain or DOMS as a result of training, since some studies indicate that this damage can also cause muscle hypertrophy.
- Femoral nerve impingement: occurs when a section of the nerve that goes from the lumbar area to the shin bone becomes inflamed or contracts, generating intense pain that may be accompanied by numbness in the affected leg, and the pain may even be transferred to the buttocks or calves, since this nerve also connects to the tibial nerve.
- Muscle contracture: similar to cramp, this injury is characterized by the involuntary contraction of a section of the quadriceps femoris, with the difference that in this case it is maintained for several days or even weeks, which requires physiotherapeutic treatment in order to reduce it and then start the rehabilitation of the muscle.
Differences between TENS and EMS: Which one to use for quadriceps pain?
To relieve pain in the legs we can resort to electrotherapy in its TENS and EMS modalities. The first one is called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and what it does is to apply electricity directly on the femoral nerve and the saphenous nerve to affect their ability to send signals with information about a harmful impulse to the spinal cord, and subsequently to the brain.
In addition, it also prevents the production of chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which are the ones that activate the nerve to send the pain information, generating a relief in the user.
The second is EMS therapy or muscular electrostimulation. This works by sending electrical impulses continuously to the quadriceps to make them contract in the same way they do when running or jumping, or when doing weighted squats in the gym.
Although the muscle work is not the same as when applying weights, the strengthening of muscle fibers is very valuable for people who do not have time to attend training centers.
Each of these therapies are different, mainly in two aspects; the sensation and the type of stimulation. What you will feel when applying TENS will be a tingling sensation on the skin of the quadriceps, while with EMS you will feel the immediate contraction of the quadriceps. This is because while the first acts on the nerves, the other acts directly on the muscle.
So, knowing this information, the ideal therapy to relieve pain in the quadriceps is transcutaneous nerve electrostimulation, since it is designed precisely for this purpose, while muscle electrostimulation is more effective for strengthening muscles and avoiding injuries such as cramps, tears or contractures.