- Best 4-channel electrostimulators and TENS machines
- Video: How to use electrotherapy to improve my health?
- Types of TENS machines and muscle electrostimulators you should know
- Buying guide: What should I take into account to buy the best electro stimulator with 4 channels?
- Differences between TENS and EMS: Which one is better for me?
- Contraindications for the use of 4-channel TENS and EMS machines
The number of channels available in an electrostimulation device is a true indicator of its capabilities. Therefore, in the field of physiotherapy, one of the best purchases you can make is a 4-channel electrostimulation device, which allows a much greater distribution of the current in the treated areas.
In the following paragraphs, we will teach you everything you need to know about the use and applications of 4 channel electrostimulators, as well as the criteria you should be aware of in order to select the device that best suits your needs.
Best 4-channel electrostimulators and TENS machines
- Type: EMS
- Channels: 4
- Modes/Programs: 40 Programmes
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Electrodes: 4 electrodes
- Display: Digital
- Size: 15 x 34 x 30 cm; 200gr
- Wireless electrodes
- Includes user manual
- Prevents muscle atrophy
- Portable and small size
- Includes carrying bag
- No heat therapy
- No battery life specified
- No intensity levels specified
It features MI tracking technology, which allows the SP 8.0 to perform a quick automatic muscle scan, and set the appropriate program according to the goal you want to achieve. This professional-grade training device will revolutionize the way you exercise, as it is designed for athletes who practice their discipline on a daily basis.
- Type: Combo (TENS+EMS)
- Channels: 4
- Modes: 24 Programmes
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: No
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Electrodes: 20 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Includes carrying case
- Portable Device
- Features 20 pads
- Includes charger and USB cable
- Stand-alone control mode
- Battery life not stated
- No size and weight specified
- No intensity specified
Adjustment between TENS and EMS modes can be done manually, giving you full control to set the modes of use you require according to your specific needs. It is also powered by a long-life rechargeable lithium battery, which is also supplied with a compatible charger. The battery can withstand up to 1,000 charges.
- Type: Combo (TENS+EMS)
- Channels: 4
- Modes: 24 Programmes
- Intensity: 20 Levels
- Wireless: No
- Heat therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Electrodes: 10 Pads
- Display: Backlit LCD
- Size: Not specified
- 20 Intensity Levels
- Portable Device
- Easy to use
- Different pad sizes
- With 24 programmes
- No indication of battery life
- No size specified
It features the amazing combination of TENS and EMS therapies, offering a completely natural and safe method to relieve any type of ailment, as well as to increase your physical condition. Its powerful LCD screen allows you to set the modes of use very easily and has 10 improved electrodes, low current resistance and a lifetime of up to 45 uses.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: 4
- Modes/Programs: 10 Programs
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: No
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Electrodes: -
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
- TENS+EMS Combo
- Portable and small size
- Rechargeable battery
- Includes user manual
- Size and weight not specified
- No intensity levels specified
- Separate electrodes
In addition, it has a TENS massage mode with which you can treat acute and chronic ailments caused by various conditions. It has 10 modes of use: 1 for pain treatment, 1 for physical rehabilitation, and 8 physical training programs. All these features make it the number one choice for increasing physical performance in a completely natural way.
- Type: Combo (TENS+EMS)
- Channels: 4
- Modes: 30 Programmes
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: No
- Heat therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable (10 hours of use)
- Electrodes: 16 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- 16 electrodes
- Rechargeable battery
- Portable device
- 30 different programmes
- No indication of size and weight
- No intensity specified
It has a four-channel function, which gives you the ability to use up to 8 electrodes simultaneously to treat various parts of the body. It is the most viable option on the market for long-term treatment of pain of any kind, and its long-lasting rechargeable battery will give you up to 10 hours of autonomy on a single charge.
- Type: Combo (TENS+EMS)
- Channels: 4
- Modes: 30 Programmes
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: No
- Heat therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable (10 hours of use)
- Electrodes: 16 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- 16 electrodes
- Rechargeable battery
- Portable device
- 30 different programmes
- No indication of size and weight
- No intensity specified
Its 4-channel function gives you the ability to apply 4 different therapies through 8 electrodes pads to different areas of the body, allowing you to treat them simultaneously with a specific mode of use for each area. Additionally, its long-lasting rechargeable battery will give you an autonomy of up to 10 continuous hours of use, and can be recharged a minimum of 1,000 times.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: 4
- Modes/Programs: 20 Programs
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: No
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Electrodes: 6 electrodes
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Reduces pain symptoms
- Portable and small size
- TENS+EMS Combo
- Improves joint mobility
- Prevents muscle atrophy
- Transport bag not included
- Size and weight not specified
- Intensity levels not specified
Additionally, it includes 8 pain treatment programs, 2 recovery massage programs and 1 rehabilitation program, which will allow you to use the Compex Fit 3.0 to rest, relax and recover your muscles after a training session. The box includes 1 electrostimulator, 1 MI sensor, 1 battery, 4 packs of electrodes with 2x2 and 2x4 inch pads, 1 user guide and a carrying bag to take your massage unit wherever you want.
- Type: TENS
- Channels: 4
- Modes: 9 Programmes
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Electrodes: 16 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Wireless Device
- Includes 16 electrodes of 4 different sizes
- 4 independent channels
- Promotes tissue healing
- Reduces pain and improves blood circulation
- Few modes/programs
- No battery life specified
- Does not specify intensity and size
It uses a combination of TENS and EMS stimulation technologies, which are completely safe and natural methods to alleviate various types of ailments and improve physical condition by stimulating the growth of muscle fibers. It is the best option for long-term management of chronic pain, allowing you to lead a completely normal life and perform all your daily activities.
- Type: EMS
- Channels: 4
- Modes/Programs: Not specified
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: No
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Electrodes: 4 pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Prevents muscle atrophy
- Improves joint mobility
- Improves blood circulation
- Portable and small size
- Includes user manual
- Does not specify measurements and weight
- No specified modes or programmes
- No intensity levels specified
It has all the basic functions of Compex electrostimulators, plus the innovative MI technology, which greatly increases the effectiveness of treatment by keeping records of the sessions performed. It is the perfect device for athletes who practice their disciplines between 1 and 2 times a week. It has 7 conditioning programs, 3 recovery massage programs, 6 pain management programs and 4 training programs.
- Type: Combo (TENS+EMS)
- Channels: 4
- Modes: 16 Programmes
- Intensity: 20 Levels
- Wireless: No
- Heat therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable (300mAh)
- Electrodes: 8 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Includes carrying case
- Includes 24 electrodes of 3 different types
- Portable device
- With timer
- Few electrodes
- Size and weight not specified
It has 16 programs of use that apply different massage modalities focused on treating certain ailments, in addition to having 20 adjustable intensity levels that allow you to configure your therapies in the way that suits you best. It also has a rechargeable battery that you can connect to the mains via an AC adapter or USB charging, and will give you an autonomy of between 4 and 6 hours of continuous use.
- Type: EMS
- Channels: 4
- Modes/Programs: Not specified
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: No
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Electrodes: 4 electrodes
- Display: Digital
- Size: 22 x 32 x 20 cm; 249gr
- Prevents muscle atrophy
- Improves joint mobility
- Improves blood circulation
- Portable and small size
- Includes user manual
- Not for pain relief
- No specified modes or programmes
- No intensity levels specified
The Compex Sport 4.0 has 10 conditioning programs, 5 recovery massage programs, 8 pain management programs, 2 rehabilitation programs and 5 fitness programs. All these features make it the perfect electrostimulator for athletes who practice their sport 3 to 4 times a week, for injury prevention and fast recovery from injuries.
- Type: Combo (TENS+EMS)
- Channels: 4
- Modes: 15 Programmes
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: No
- Heat therapy: No
- Battery: 4 AAA
- Electrodes: 8 Pads
- Display: LCD
- Size: Not specified
- Improves blood circulation
- Includes 15 modes
- Independent control mode
- Reduces pain symptoms
- No rechargeable battery
- Does not specify intensity and size
It also has a session timer that allows you to control the duration of the therapies. You will be able to set the time of each session in an interval between 10 and 80 minutes. The package includes 1 electro stimulator, 4 sets of guide wires, 4 pairs of electrodes, 1 electrode case, 3 AAA batteries, 1 pad positioning guide and 1 user manual.
- Type: Combo (TENS+EMS)
- Channels: 4
- Modes: 16 Programmes
- Intensity: 20 Levels
- Wireless: No
- Heat therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable (300mAh)
- Electrodes: 8 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Includes carrying case
- Includes 24 electrodes of 3 different types
- Portable Device
- With timer
- Few electrodes
- Size and weight not specified
The package includes 4 reusable electrodes through which you can apply the electric massages. It also has a long-lasting rechargeable battery that gives you a great autonomy and a long useful life, so you can enjoy this versatile stimulator for a long time.
- Type: EMS
- Channels: 4
- Modes/Programs: 30 Programmes
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Electrodes: 4 electrodes
- Display: Digital
- Size: 31 x 34 x 15 cm
- Prevents muscle atrophy
- Wireless electrodes
- Includes user manual
- Portable and small size
- Includes carrying bag
- No weight specified
- No battery life specified
- No intensity levels specified
It also has 5 recovery massage programs, 8 pain management modes and 2 rehabilitation programs, through which the Compex SP 6.0 facilitates rapid physical recovery and promotes muscle relaxation after exercise. It is the best electric massage unit for athletes who practice their discipline more frequently than 3 times a week.
- Type: TENS
- Channels: Dual
- Modes/Programs: 20 Modes
- Intensity: 20 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium (up to 10 hours)
- Electrodes: 8 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
- Improves blood circulation
- Rechargeable battery
- Portable and small size
- Includes user manual
- Does not specify measurements and weight
- Not suitable for muscle hypertrophy
- No heat therapy
It has 20 pre-programmed massage modes and 20 intensity levels, plus a session timer which you can set up to a maximum of 60 minutes. Additionally, it is powered by an internal lithium battery that allows continuous use for more than 10 hours. The package contains 1 AUVON electrostimulator, 12 TENS pads, 2 guide cables, 1 USB cable, 1 carrying case and 1 user guide.
Video: How to use electrotherapy to improve my health?
Types of TENS machines and muscle electrostimulators you should know
Buying guide: What should I take into account to buy the best electro stimulator with 4 channels?
The variety of 4-channel electrostimulators that can be found on the market is very wide, so selecting the right device for your needs can become a more complicated task than expected. For these cases, it is necessary to take into account a variety of criteria to select the right electrostimulator, according to the application you plan to give to it
Types of uses
- Type of use: 4-channel electrostimulators have a wide variety of uses thanks to their intrinsic versatility, allowing a wide coverage for strength training, muscle massage and TENS treatment.
- User experience: this type of device requires some experience for the proper positioning of the electrodes on the areas to be treated, the correct configuration of the current output, the proper manipulation of the stimulation modes and levels.
- Time of use: the amount of time you plan to use the electro stimulator will be a determining factor when selecting the right device, since you must keep in mind the quality of the device.
Technical characteristics
- Channels: its 4 channels allow the insertion of 4 functional cables that facilitate the coupling of up to 8 electrodes, by means of which a great coverage is achieved in the area to be treated. It is especially useful for large areas such as the back
- Pads/Electrodes: number of electrodes that you can use at the same time, useful to cover larger body areas such as the back, buttocks or legs, in some electro stimulators you have the possibility of adding as many electrodes as required.
- Modes/Programs: one of the greatest advantages of this type of electrodes is that it has a large number of programs and modes of use dedicated to the treatment of ailments at different levels, as well as muscle conditioning. It is possible to find devices with up to 50 modes of use.
- Intensity levels: these are related to each of the modes of use individually, which means that each program has a variety of levels. The number of levels each mode has will determine the depth to which the electrical impulses can work.
- Type of screen: The type of screen an electrostimulator has determines how easy it is to use. Although touch screens offer greater accessibility to the device's functions, they can be complicated for some people. Purchasing a touch screen device will depend on the user's experience, since this feature does not influence the performance of the machine.
- Wireless: this is a point of great importance, to which you should pay attention in case you are looking for a portable device. The most modern wireless devices work with lithium batteries and electrodes that operate via wifi network, linked to a mobile application. Again, the deciding factor will be the user experience
- Heat therapy: this feature is very useful, and a function you should look for if your goal is to treat ailments caused by injuries or rheumatic diseases such as arthritis, osteoarthritis or gout.
- Size: this will determine the portability of the device, and whether it will be possible to carry it on your person. The size is also usually related to the number of channels and functions available on the electrostimulator.
- Portable: the portability of an electrostimulation device will determine the ease of spontaneous use of the device, as well as the ease with which the user will be able to carry it. This characteristic is entirely at the discretion of the purchaser.
- Electrode pads types: higher quality devices have their own electrodes, which can only be replaced by special order. Other devices have accessibility for the use of universal electrodes. In addition, it is necessary to be aware of the compatibility of the device with electrodes of various shapes.
- Battery type: this feature usually has a great influence on the overall cost of the device. Stimulators with a lithium battery tend to be much more expensive, but their rechargeable battery gives them a much longer service life. While devices that work with cylindrical or 9V batteries are cheaper but in the long run the expense of replacing the batteries is usually higher.
- Pre-programmed timer: although it is not an indispensable function, it is very useful both for physiotherapists and for people who perform their own therapies. This feature makes it much easier to keep track of the duration of each session.
- Combo: although not all electrostimulators include the TENS and EMS therapy functions simultaneously, it is one of the most versatile features that can be found, so acquiring an electrostimulator of this type is an excellent option.
- Interferential: this function is ideal for the treatment of ailments at the muscular level whose focus is in the deep tissue layer. It is not a function that is commonly included in conjunction with TENS and EMS devices, but it is very easy to find electrostimulators dedicated to interferential therapy.
- Warranty: Warranty periods differ between regions, suppliers and stores. In regions such as Europe, the legal minimum warranty period is two years
- Price: this is a very important factor, but should not ultimately determine the decision to purchase an electrostimulator. Better quality devices are usually more expensive, so it is necessary to find the right balance between price, quality and warranty.
Differences between TENS and EMS: Which one is better for me?
Although electrostimulation therapies share the principle of the use of electrical impulses, their application and functions are completely different, so it is necessary to highlight the purpose of both TENS and EMS therapy, in order to apply them correctly and get an idea of the results that will be obtained after each session.
TENS units
- Treatment of acute pain: 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 muscular 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.