How to use a TENS units & EMS machines for hip pain relief? Placement of electrode pads (UK)

The hip is one of the most used joints in the human body. Also known as the coxofemoral joint, it belongs to the trunk and together with the musculature that surrounds it, it is responsible for giving balance and mobility to the body in both static and dynamic positions.

Despite being designed to be flexible and resistant, the risk of suffering hip injuries is quite high and varies depending on circumstances such as age and physical activity. Fortunately, TENS and EMS electrical stimulation therapies are designed to treat with symptoms the ailments that may affect the joint, so in the following paragraphs, we will teach you how to apply these therapies correctly to treat hip pain.

How to use a TENS machine to relieve hip pain?

The primary objective of TENS units is the treatment of acute or chronic pain caused by injuries or disorders of various origins, and their benefits can be used by both athletes and people with regular physical abilities.

Among these benefits, we can highlight the following:

• Increases pain resistance: the electric shocks produced by TENS devices numb the pain receptors located in the femoral nerve, sacral plexus and obturator nerve, mitigating the sensation of pain and generating immediate relief in the patient.
• Improved blood circulation: the heat applied by the electric shocks causes vasodilation, which improves blood circulation in the affected area and causes a decrease in pain.
• Relaxation of fibrous tissue: the electric shocks cause relaxation of the fibrous tissue supporting the joint, such as the ischiofemoral ligament and the pubofemoral ligament, as well as the rectofemoral tendon, causing an immediate analgesic effect
• Limits the sensitivity of the nociceptors: the nerve endings of the pain receptors in the hip area are numbed, reducing the sensation of pain and generating a feeling of relief throughout the session and several minutes after it.

These benefits make TENS therapy the ideal choice for treating the physiological symptoms of a wide variety of disorders and injuries, from arthritis to trauma. However, it is necessary to highlight the fact that TENS is not a therapy focused on curing injuries, but on treating symptoms, which means that while it will not cure the cause of the pain, it will make the treatment of the pain more bearable.

Best TENS machines for hip injury recovery

TENS therapy has been used for a long time and has proven to be highly effective in treating ailments. For this reason, a wide variety of TENS unit models with different features have emerged. For the treatment of hip pain, the best machines are the following:

This is one of the most versatile electrostimulation devices you will find. The electrostimulation machine is fully rechargeable and has a dual channel function that allows you to apply electrostimulation to various areas of the body. It contains 30 preset massage programs through which you can relieve different types of ailments as well as strengthen muscles.

This electrostimulation unit is completely digital for an effective and reliable treatment. It has an LCD display and a user-friendly system that allows you to set the functions in seconds. In addition, the purchase includes 16 reusable electrodes of high quality and for all budgets.

The muscle stimulator sends an electric current through wires to electrodes on the skin and helps relieve body pain; improves sports injuries, arthritis and sciatica; stimulates muscles, improves blood circulation, relieves fatigue, improves immunity and sleep quality. 10 intensity levels allow precise adjustment of pulse amplitude and frequency, allowing optimal and sensitive control for pain relief; a pre-programmed timer can set a preset duration from 5 to 90 minutes.

The therapeutic device can be used by two users at the same time or by one user to relieve two locations. Treatment intensity is guaranteed at all times. It has 5 treatment modes (massage, acupuncture, tapping, scraping and cupping) to choose from to relieve headache, leg pain, shoulder pain, joint pain, stomach pain, hip pain and leg pain. Automatic treatment interruption, alarm if the electrode falls off.

ROOTOK is a two-channel TENS unit, perfect for relieving and massaging all types of chronic pain: ideal for back pain, sciatica, knees and any other joint pain. The 16 pre-programmed massage modes and 20 intensity levels allow you to precisely adjust the amplitude and frequency of the impulses.

The backlit LCD digital display makes the screen clear and easy to read. Supplied with 8 high quality TENS electrode pads. Recharges via computer (USB cable included). Comes with detailed instructions and a TENS user manual containing guidelines for applying the electrodes to the TENS unit. Lightweight and robust.

The Hollywog WiTouch Pro is a muscle stimulator that helps relieve pain caused by injuries naturally and without the use of drugs with potential side effects. Its TENS electrostimulation technology stimulates the production of endorphins and provides a pleasant feeling of relief for all types of ailments caused by injury or illness.

With a size of 19 cm wide and 9 cm high, the WiTouch has the widest area of action on the market, with a current output strength of 0 - 110 mA for maximum effectiveness. It has a 2-button function that allows you to quickly change the device settings, and includes 3 reusable gel pads in the package you receive.

Omega has available this fantastic and compact electro stimulator, called Omega Wireless Remote for its wireless function. Each of the electrodes is operated by means of a remote control, through which you can adjust and switch between the 6 available massage modes, making it one of the most practical and easy to use models on the market.

Its low intensity electric impulses offer a complete recovery of muscular and nervous pains, and its reusable electrodes have a superior quality adhesive gel, long lasting and easy to apply, so that each session can be carried out in a very simple way.

How to use EMS muscle electrostimulator for the hip joint?

Although muscle electrostimulation therapy is not recommended for the treatment of hip pain, there are a lot of benefits that can be taken advantage of this physiotherapy technique.

EMS therapy uses devices that emit medium to high intensity electrical impulses, whose frequency varies between 70 and 150 Hz, generating contractions that strengthen the muscles in the localized area, so its use is recommended for a single muscle group simultaneously.

Because of this, the muscles surrounding the coxofemoral joint benefit from EMS treatment, and can receive a wide variety of benefits, among which we can highlight the following:

• Muscle mass hypertrophy: EMS stimulation generates contractions in specific muscle groups which show an increase in mass after a few sessions.
• Fat reduction: during EMS sessions there is an increase in metabolic activity, which results in a higher body fat burning rate.
• Improved physical performance: the application of electrical impulses to the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus and tensor fascia lata muscles increases their strength, generating an improvement in balance and posture, which leads to an increase in physical capabilities.
• Minimal joint tension: the increase in muscle mass and strength is achieved through electrical impulses instead of heavy lifting, considerably reducing tension in muscles and joints.

Best EMS electrostimulators for strengthening hip muscles

While EMS will not produce a reduction in pain levels, its benefits to the muscle groups surrounding the hip are many and varied, depending on which device you use. Here's a list of some of the best EMS machines for hip muscle conditioning:

One of the best options provided by the Compex brand for physical conditioning is the Compex Fit 3.0 electrostimulation unit, one of the best versions of the Compex Fit series, through which you can increase the strength and tone of your muscles in a natural way thanks to its 9 training programs.

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.

The physiotherapy brand Beurer offers its users one of the most versatile electrostimulation devices available on the market. This is the Beurer EM59, which contains an incredible 4-in-1 function that allows you to apply therapeutic currents, muscle stimulation, nerve stimulation and heat therapy, providing a completely different level of relief to its users with its more than 70 programs and 50 intensity levels.

This powerful electro-stimulator offers immediate relief for almost any type of ailment using stimulation methods that stimulate the production of natural analgesic agents within the body. It also works as an effective methods to accelerate muscle growth and regeneration, while combining with heat therapy to provide one of the most complete treatments you will find.

Med-Fit has a high quality electro-stimulator that has a dual control system for 4 channels through which you can treat up to 4 areas of the body simultaneously. In addition, it has 24 clinically proven programs for pain relief through TENS technology and muscle stimulation through EMS electrical impulses.

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.

This AUVON brand electrostimulation unit features the amazing 4-channel technology, which you can apply to the skin behind the use of 8 electrodes at the same time, which greatly increases the efficiency of electrostimulation sessions. The channels can work with different modes independently which means you can apply specific therapies to different parts of the body.

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.

The rechargeable electro-stimulator from the Med-Fit brand of products is the perfect choice for the relief of chronic ailments, thanks to its use of gentle electrical impulses that interact with the nervous system to inhibit the sensation of pain. To do so, simply select one of its 30 TENS programs, each of which is clinically proven and completely safe.

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.

Video: How to place electrodes pads on the hip?

Electrodes for hip

• For iliotibial band syndrome: Pain from this type of injury is usually felt in the lateral part of the hip, down the thigh and even radiating to the buttocks.
• For osteoarthritis of the hip: Osteoarthritis is one of the most complex conditions to treat because the pain can be felt in several areas, from the side of the hip, to the abductors and buttocks. Depending on your case, what you have to do is to locate the point of pain and place the electrodes there.
• For sacroiliitis: This is a condition that manifests itself with pain in the lumbar area, and is also considered a back injury. For this we must place the pads on the upper part of the buttocks, and in the lumbar area to enclose the ailment in a quadrant.

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Most common types of hip injuries

The hip joint is closely linked to the mobility of the legs and torso, so it is constantly subjected to a varying amount of stress both in motion and in static positions.

As such, it is vulnerable to a variety of injuries, such as:

• Fracture: it is an injury of medium to high severity depending on factors such as the patient's age and defenses. It is caused by severe impacts, although in older people with weak bones it may occur when turning while standing. Its main symptoms are bruising, pain in the hip or groin and swelling
• Dislocation: A hip dislocation occurs when the head of the femur moves out of place in the socket of the pelvic bone. This injury can be caused by falls or sports injuries, and its symptoms include severe pain and deformity in the affected joint.
• Strain: occurs when one or more of the muscles that stabilize the hip are overstretched or torn, this can occur due to excessive tension or overload from sports, falls or daily activities, and is accompanied by pain with throbbing, a feeling of tightness and limitation in hip movement.
• Arthritis: in the hip, the most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage that surrounds the bones in the coxofemoral joint is eroded, causing inflammation, pain that may extend to the knee and stiffness. The main causes of this pathology are injuries, age and genetics.
• Bursitis: hip bursitis occurs due to inflammation of the synovial bursa that covers the bony protrusion of the hip, can produce intense pain in the hip point that extends to the thigh area and can worsen when pressure is exerted on the affected area. Previous injuries or surgeries, as well as differences in leg length may be risk factors for bursitis.

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

While the principles behind transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) therapies are similar, the benefits they offer and the areas of the body they work on are very different, so it is necessary to know these differences before starting therapy.

TENS is a pain treatment technique that uses electrical currents of varying intensity applied to nerve endings in different areas of the body, which aims to numb these nerve endings, thus increasing pain resistance and generating a localized analgesic sensation.

EMS therapy, on the other hand, is a training and fitness method used by both athletes and physical therapists in the rehabilitation of injuries with mild levels of pain. This therapy focuses on the use of electrical impulses that generate muscle contractions that help increase muscle strength and elasticity, as well as increase the speed of recovery.

With this information, we concluded that the most appropriate therapy for the treatment of hip pain is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy TENS, since the electrical impulses produced by these devices directly affect the nerve endings located in the femoral nerve and the obturator nerve, generating a feeling of relief in the patient.

On the other hand, EMS is not an indicated therapy for hip ailments merely because the electrical discharges produced by its devices generate contractions that act on the muscle tissue, not on the nerve endings, so that in the best case it has no effect against pain, and in the worst case, it can be counterproductive when it comes to certain injuries.

Contraindications in the use of electrodes and electrotherapy