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

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.

The Med-Fit electrostimulation unit is the best option to increase the efficiency of workouts, thanks to its incredible 4-channel function, through which you can apply different modes of use to different areas of the body. It includes 9 clinically proven training programs and each of them has a predefined duration time of 3 hours.

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.

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 UseeShine electrostimulator from NinetinGel is the perfect combination of TENS and EMS electrostimulation technologies, which gives it the ability to offer a complete cycle of massages designed to relieve pain, reduce tension and relax muscles through electrical impulses that promote the release of endorphins and the production of muscle fibers.

It is incredibly easy to use, and features an innovative dual-channel function that allows you to simultaneously treat different parts of the body with different settings, along with a memory function that stores the last massage program used. Its ergonomic and portable design allows you to take it anywhere and use it very discreetly.

The physiotherapy brand Beurer offers its users one of the most versatile electrostimulation devices that can be found on the market. It is the Beurer EM59, which contains an incredible 4-in-1 function that allows you to apply therapeutic massage, 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 electrostimulation equipment offers immediate relief for almost any type of ailment using stimulation methods that stimulate the production of natural pain relieving 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.

The PowerDot 2.0 is an intelligent electrical stimulation electrode that will allow you to apply TENS and EMS current shocks for both pain treatment and conditioning of different muscle groups. It includes more than 400 customised programmes that can be easily managed with the mobile app available for both Android and iOS.

The simple interface of the PowerDot app will guide you through everything you need to know to operate the electrodes efficiently. The purchase package includes 2 pre-loaded pods, 2 sets of electrodes with corresponding pads, 2 sets of cables and 2 micro USB charging cables, along with a carrying case so you can take your electrodes with you wherever you go.

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.

The versatile Compex SP 6.0 electrostimulator is one of the best options for increasing physical performance thanks to its 10 conditioning programs and 5 fitness training programs, allowing you to increase both the strength and volume of your muscles quickly and naturally, through electrical impulses that stimulate the growth of muscle fibers.

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.

NURSAL brings to its users its dual channel TENS electrostimulation unit, designed for the treatment of any type of ailments and muscle stimulation, which has 24 modes of use designed to provide different types of massages to treat a wide variety of ailments, whether caused by illness or injury.

You will be able to set separate modes of use for each of the two channels, so that you can apply the electrical impulses at the required frequency and intensity for different parts of the body. It also has an adjustable timer that will allow you to program your sessions between 10 and 60 minutes, and its integrated lithium battery will provide uninterrupted treatment for more than 20 hours.

Dioche offers its users a powerful rechargeable electrostimulation machine that has a 4-channel function, through which you can obtain results much more quickly and efficiently, thanks to the fact that you can apply the therapies in various areas of the body.

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.

The best feature of the MKNIUA electro stimulator is its 4-channel functionality, through which you can use 8 electrodes to apply individual programs on each channel to different areas of the body, so you can assign a specific massage mode according to what each area of the body requires.

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.

TensCare offers its users its newest and most versatile electrostimulation device that combines the most cutting-edge TENS and EMS technologies, offering a massage experience designed to relieve all types of ailments naturally and safely, through electrical impulses that stimulate the production of endorphins, along with the most innovative muscle strengthening technology that facilitates the toning and regeneration of muscles from the comfort of your home.

It has 6 programs specifically designed for various muscle groups of different sizes, as well as 2 customizable programs to suit your needs. It has functions specifically focused on user safety, so it has an open circuit detector, which means that if an electrode is detached from the skin, the current intensity will be set to 0 to avoid risky electric shocks.

Video: How to place the electrodes pads on the quadriceps?

Electrodes for thigh

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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.

Contraindications in the use of electrodes and electrotherapy