- Best wireless electrostimulators and TENS units
- Video: How to use electrotherapy to improve my health?
- Types of TENS machines and muscle electrostimulators you should know about
- Buying guide: What should I take into account to buy the best Wi-Fi electro stimulator?
- Differences between TENS and EMS: Which one is better for me?
- Contraindications in the use of WiFi TENS and EMS machines
Currently, it is possible to find a wide variety of electrostimulators that meet different requirements for almost any type of need, from devices that offer a wide variety of operating modes, to compact machines that prioritize portability. In this sense, one of the best features of several models of electro stimulators is that they operate wirelessly, connected to a WiFi network, and controlled by a mobile application.
Wireless electrostimulators are among the most versatile and comfortable physiotherapy devices, thanks to the freedom of movement provided by the lack of cables, which in turn offers a high degree of portability. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss in detail what criteria you should take into account when selecting a wireless electrostimulator that is correctly adapted to your needs.
Best wireless electrostimulators and TENS units
- 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: Combo
- Channels: -
- Modes/Programs: 15 Programmes
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium
- Electrodes: 2 Pads
- Display: No display
- Size: Not specified
- TENS+EMS Combo
- Control from the mobile app
- Rechargeable battery
- Includes user manual
- Reduces pain symptoms
- No battery life specified
- No intensity levels specified
- Does not specify dimensions and weight
It has more than 10 preset programmes designed for muscle stimulation, improved recovery and pain relief, thanks to its revolutionary Smart TENS stimulation technology. The package includes a pre-loaded device, 2 sets of pads, 1 set of cables, 1 USB charger and a portable case.
- Type: TENS
- Channels: 4
- Modes/Programs: 9 Programs
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium (up to 8 hours)
- Electrodes: 12 Pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: 400 gr
- Long battery life (up to 8 hours)
- Includes user manual
- Wireless electrodes
- Improves joint mobility
- Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
- No measurements specified
- Not suitable for muscle hypertrophy
- Does not specify intensity levels
It includes 9 pain treatment programmes and four-channel functionality, so you can treat multiple areas of the body simultaneously; and it is so discreet that you can wear it under your clothes while going about your daily activities. Box includes electrode positioning manual, 2 remote control, 4 TENS modules, 1 charging connector, 2 large lumbar electrodes, 2 butterfly electrodes and 4 round electrodes.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: -
- Modes/Programs: 24 Modes
- Intensity: 20 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium
- Electrodes: 3 Pads
- Display: No display
- Size: 16,5cm x 7,6cm - 21,8cm x 7,6cm
- Wireless electrodes
- Control from mobile application
- Prevents muscle atrophy
- Reduces pain symptoms
- TENS+EMS Combo
- No weight specified
- Battery life not specified
- Non-universal electrode replacements
It has a rechargeable lithium battery for convenience, and the mobile app allows you to schedule sessions of up to 60 minutes. Additionally, the box contains 2 butterfly electrodes of different sizes, one 6.5 inch and one 8.5 inch, which adapt spectacularly to any area of the body you want to work.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: -
- Modes/Programs: 10 Modes
- Intensity: 25 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium
- Electrodes: 2 Pads
- Display: No display
- Size: Not specified
- Portable and small size
- TENS+EMS Combo
- Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
- Improves blood circulation
- Rechargeable battery
- Display not included
- Battery life not specified
- Dimensions and weight not specified
Its design is designed to be practical and portable, so you can even keep it in your pocket and use it at any time and place, avoiding the possibility of tangled cables and allowing you to use it much more easily and quickly. For this reason, it is one of the most complete options in terms of portable electrostimulation.
- 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
- 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
- Rechargeable battery
- Includes user manual
- Reduces pain symptoms
- No battery life specified
- No intensity levels specified
- Does not specify dimensions and weight
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.
- Type: TENS
- Channels: -
- Modes/Programs: 5 Modes
- Intensity: 7 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable lithium (up to 24 hours)
- Electrodes: 4 Pads
- Display: No display
- Size: 13,5cm x 7,4cm
- Long battery life (up to 24 hours)
- Portable and small size
- User manual included
- Wireless electrodes
- Reduces pain symptoms
- No display included
- Not suitable for muscle hypertrophy
- Does not specify weight
It has 7 intensity levels and 5 massage modes for instant pain relief in a natural and completely drug-free way. Its rechargeable lithium battery provides 24 hours of continuous use on a single charge, and can be charged via its USB connectors. Undoubtedly a complete revolution in the massage experience that you can keep in your pocket and take anywhere thanks to its small size.
- Type: Combo
- Channels: Dual
- Modes/Programs: 30 Programs
- Intensity: Not specified
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Electrodes: 2 pads
- Display: Digital
- Size: Not specified
- Improves blood circulation
- TENS+EMS combo
- Wireless electrodes
- Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
- Includes user manual
- Does not specify measurements and weight
- Few electrodes
- No intensity levels specified
It uses wireless technology to provide a comfortable massage experience, and makes use of MI technology for faster results, greatly enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment. While it is largely focused on fitness, for which it has 14 programs, it also pays attention to rehabilitation and pain relief, as it also has 10 programs for ailment relief, 4 recovery massage programs, and 2 rehabilitation programs.
- Type: TENS
- Channels: -
- Modes/Programs: 5 Modes
- Intensity: 7 Levels
- Wireless: Yes
- Heat Therapy: No
- Battery: Rechargeable lithium (up to 24 hours)
- Electrodes: 4 Pads
- Display: No display
- Size: 13,5cm x 7,4cm
- Long battery life (up to 24 hours)
- Portable and small size
- User manual included
- Wireless electrodes
- Reduces pain symptoms
- No display included
- Not suitable for muscle hypertrophy
- Does not specify weight
It has 7 intensity levels and 5 massage modes for instant pain relief in a natural and completely drug-free way. Its rechargeable lithium battery provides 24 hours of continuous use on a single charge, and can be charged via its USB connectors. Undoubtedly a complete revolution in the massage experience that you can keep in your pocket and take anywhere thanks to its small size.
Video: How to use electrotherapy to improve my health?
Types of TENS machines and muscle electrostimulators you should know about
Buying guide: What should I take into account to buy the best Wi-Fi electro stimulator?
In addition to the advantages in terms of portability offered by wireless electrostimulators, it is necessary to take into consideration factors such as the technical specifications and functions of the device, and the ways in which the user intends to use it.
Types of uses
- Type of use: wireless electrostimulators can be used for all the regular applications of such a device, ranging from injury rehabilitation and pain relief to muscle conditioning
- User experience: the variety of programs, levels and functions that an electrostimulator can have affects its ease of operation, so it is necessary to choose a device with functionality according to the user's experience
- Time of use: quality is a determining factor in the useful life of an electrostimulator, so it is necessary to have an estimate of the minimum time during which the device will be required, in order to acquire a machine of the necessary quality.
Technical specifications
- Channels: the conduction channels are the positions where the cables to which the electrodes are attached are connected. Wireless electrostimulators can have up to two channels, which allows them to connect up to four cables.
- Pads/Electrodes: the number of electrodes an electro stimulator has determines the range of action of the electrical impulses of the electro stimulator. The more electrodes it has, the larger the surface area it can act on. This quantity is directly related to the number of channels the device has.
- Modes/Programs: these are the different types of treatment that an electrostimulator can apply to the user. Each program is designed to treat a particular ailment, or to achieve a specific training objective. The more modes a device has, the greater its versatility.
- Intensity levels: Intensity levels are related to the stimulator's programs, since each program can have a variable number of intensity levels, depending on the type, brand and model. The intensity levels determine the depth to which the electrical impulses can reach the affected area. The more intensity levels a mode has, the more effective it will be.
- Type of screen: this is a factor that affects the ease of use of a device. Touch screens allow a wide display of modes and levels, while analog screens offer less visibility but a more direct approach. It should be emphasized that the type of display does not affect the effectiveness of the stimulator. It is a matter of user preference, although it usually influences the price of the device.
- Wireless: this is a feature that increases its convenience and portability when combined with specifications such as the size and type of battery the device has, as well as the convenience of being able to program modes and levels from a versatile mobile application
- Heat therapy: this feature is not present in all devices, and those that do include it tend to be more expensive. However, it is a feature you should consider if you are looking for a device that allows you to counteract joint and rheumatic ailments.
- Size: this is a feature that influences portability, since bulkier devices usually have more functions, but require constant connection to the electrical current, while the more compact ones can be carried by the user on a daily basis
- Portable: this is a feature to take into account if the user requires the application of electrotherapy at times of the day when he/she is in the middle of his/her daily work. If so, it is necessary for the device to be compact enough for the user to carry it on his person at all times.
- Types of electrodes pads: depending on the make and model of the device, you can find stimulators that have customized electrodes that are compatible only with their own device. These types of stimulators are usually of high quality, although replacement pads can be very expensive. It is possible to find lower quality stimulators that are compatible with universal electrodes, which are much less expensive.
- Battery type: the life of the device is generally related to the type of battery that powers it and the quality of the battery. The best devices tend to have lithium batteries that allow them to have a considerably long service life, while AA battery devices are at risk of short-term damage. In the long run, lithium battery devices cost much less.
- Pre-programmed timer: this is not an indispensable tool for the effectiveness of the treatment, although it is very useful if you want to keep track of the duration of each session.
- Combo: machines with TENS therapy and EMS therapy functions are among the most versatile you can find, since they will allow you to treat various types of ailments, as well as apply muscle stimulation to improve physical condition. This feature is usually present in high quality and fairly priced devices.
- Interferential: Interference therapy is not often present in conjunction with other functions in most devices, so they are usually quite expensive. It is very feasible, however, to find devices specialized in interferential therapy.
- Warranty: The warranty for electrostimulators usually varies depending on the brand, model and place of sale. Generally, the minimum warranty by law in Europe is two years.
- Price: this is a variable that depends on the buyer's purchasing power, so although it is important, it is not a determining factor in deciding which device to purchase. However, the best you can do is to find a balance between economy and quality within your capabilities.
Differences between TENS and EMS: Which one is better for me?
TENS and EMS electrostimulation therapies offer a number of physiotherapeutic advantages, which is why electrotherapy is fast becoming one of the most widely used methods of physical therapy. However, it is necessary to be aware of the different effects that each of these modalities offers.
TENS units
- Relief of acute ailments: TENS therapy has a quite marked analgesic effect on pain caused by recent illness or trauma
- Treatment of chronic pain: the lower frequencies of TENS therapy applied over longer periods of time have very pronounced effects on chronic ailments.
- Relaxation of muscle tissue: applying TENS stimulation is an excellent method for relaxing muscles, as well as tendons and ligaments, thanks to the low intensity of its electrical impulses.
- Hormonal imbalances: certain hormonal conditions can generate a considerable level of pain, for which the electrical impulses of TENS therapy is an excellent method to alleviate this ailment.
- Rheumatic diseases: Rheumatic diseases negatively stimulate the nerve endings in the affected joints. This ailment can be controlled very effectively with the application of TENS therapy
EMS electrostimulators
- Muscle toning: it is possible to improve the condition of muscle tissue by means of EMS electrostimulation therapy.
- Maintaining and resuming physical activity: it can be used to recover part of the physical condition after long periods of sedentary lifestyle or recovery from surgical procedures
- Rehabilitation of the musculature after injuries: it is a method widely applied in the fields of physiotherapy to regain muscular condition after the injury recovery process.
- Increased recovery of muscle tissue: the electrical impulses of EMS therapy promote the activation of muscle tissue, which promotes the regeneration of the fibers.