How to use a TENS units & EMS machines for muscle spasm & cramps? Placement of electrode pads

Muscle cramps and spasms are a very common type of muscle injury in high-impact athletes, and although they are not serious, their appearance is usually inopportune and limits the athlete's performance. But it can also appear regularly in middle-aged and elderly people with certain clinical conditions, which affects their quality of life negatively.

The pain generated by cramps can be treated in several ways, but undoubtedly the healthiest and most effective is with electrotherapy. Whether in its TENS or EMS modality, with it you will be able to relieve this ailment and have a less traumatic recovery.

How to use TENS machines to relieve pain due to muscle cramps?

The procedure for using TENS electrostimulation machines is a little more complex than simply placing the electrodes and turning on the device. It requires some knowledge of how the machine works and where the pain is centered in the muscle.

Where to place the electrodes?

For effective relief of pain caused by muscle spasm, you should position the electrodes on an area of the skin, on each side of the muscle to be treated, where the sensation is normal, making sure that the electrodes do not touch each other.

For example, a calf cramp, one of the most common, can be treated with a TENS device by positioning one electrode just below the popliteal fossa, while the second electrode should be positioned below the affected muscle, at the level of the calf tendon.

Which current to use?

Muscle spasms can produce very sharp pain, depending on the intensity of the muscle contraction. So a high frequency is required to deal with the violence.

Usually, this type of muscle contractions are treated with a frequency between 80 and 120 Hz, which is ideal for the treatment of acute ailments caused by cramps and muscle spasms. Afterwards, it is a good idea to use an intensity not exceeding 35 Hz, in order to relax the muscle once the contracture has passed.

Best TENS units to treat muscle tension

Each model of TENS device has its own characteristics, and while most can work for relief of ailments caused by muscle spasms, it is always a good idea to know which ones best cover this injury. For the treatment of muscle cramps and contractures, you can use the following devices:

This electric massage unit provided by iReliev is one of the most versatile and, at the same time, simplest electrostimulation machines you can find, with 8 predefined modes of use 25 adjustable intensity levels, you can program it to fit your body's needs. Additionally, its dual channel function allows you to program more than one massage mode simultaneously to treat multiple areas of the body.

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.

The Belifu muscle stimulator is the perfect combination of TENS and EMS electrostimulation modalities, through which you can apply massages to relieve pain in a natural way, as well as generate muscle contractions that increase the size, strength and tone of the muscle, all in a completely safe and natural way, stimulating the body's natural processes.

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.

The Med-Fit model BAL-906ª is a very complete rechargeable electrostimulation device of premium quality that has an incredible function of 4 individual channels that will give you a great coverage and a perfect effectiveness when applying different electrical massages simultaneously. It also has a large LCD screen that makes it especially easy to operate, so you can program your sessions with great ease.

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.

The compact electrostimulator of the iRest brand offers a combination of electrostimulation modalities, combining the benefits of TENS and EMS therapy, providing its users with a safe and drug-free method to treat ailments caused by different injuries or diseases, through the application of low-intensity electrical impulses.

It has 6 modes of use that emulate different types of massages to achieve different objectives, along with 10 levels of intensity that provides greater effectiveness. The package includes 1 control, 2 large electrodes, 2 small electrodes, 2 guide cables, 1 user's manual, 1 cable case and 1 treatment guide.

Among the various products offered by the AccuRelief brand, its remote-controlled TENS electrostimulation unit has a lot of very interesting functions and features. It is based on TENS stimulation technology to influence the production of endorphins, which act as natural painkillers in the body.

The package includes 1 wireless remote control operating on AAA batteries 2 electrode control units, 2 reusable gel pads and an instruction manual. The ergonomic and compact design of the pads allows them to be used anywhere on the body, and they are discreet enough to be worn under clothing. It has 3 modes of use and 20 levels of intensity designed for safe and fast pain relief.

How to use EMS to strengthen muscles and prevent muscle spasms?

Although the best way to avoid cramps is to maintain healthy doses of mineral electrolytes and hydration, muscle conditioning plays a very important role in preventing this annoying ailment, and EMS stimulation can be a very useful tool in this regard

Where to place the electrodes?

As a general rule, one electrode of the EMS muscle stimulators should be positioned on the medial head of the muscle to be trained while the second electrode should be located on one of the lateral areas of the muscle, so that the electrical stimulation covers the desired area.

Following these instructions, the training of muscles such as the calf muscles would be performed by positioning one electrode on the muscle belly of the gastrocnemius, while the second electrode would be located at the level of the soleus muscle, causing a general stimulus in the entire calf area.

What intensity to use?

The degrees of intensity required for optimal muscle strengthening, in order to avoid contractions, injuries and cramps, vary according to each individual, and there is no specific consensus on an optimal range.

However, most studies have shown great effectiveness when applying currents between 20 and 150 Hz on the muscle groups to be worked. This frequency promotes the formation of muscle fibers and reduces the possibility of injury during high-impact activities.

Best EMS machines to improve our musculature

The popularity of EMS electrostimulators is so great in the world of fitness and sports that it is possible to find devices in many forms, presentations and intensity levels, which adapt to all users' needs. Among the best EMS machines to improve our musculature and avoid contractures, spasms and cramps, we can highlight the following:

The Compex Wireless USA 2.0 electrostimulation unit gives you one of the best alternatives to improve the results of physical training, while providing relief from the aches and pains caused by it, through its 10 electrostimulation programs divided into strength training, warm-up, recovery and TENS massage modes.

It is the perfect tool to maximize the results of your workout thanks to its electrical impulses that stimulate the growth of muscle fibers, while reducing and even preventing pain caused by exercise and promoting a quick recovery.

The AUVON brand has one of the most versatile electrostimulation machines on the market, which has a powerful combination of TENS and EMS technologies, allowing you to treat any muscle or nerve ailment, as well as generate activity in the muscle to stimulate its growth. It has a dual channel fiction that will allow you to treat different parts of the body using different settings for each channel.

It works with 24 pre-programmed modes of use and 20 intensity levels with a programmable session timer up to a maximum of 60 minutes, and is powered by an internal lithium battery that allows continuous use for over 10 hours. The package contains 1 AUVON electrostimulator, 12 TENS pads 5 x 5 cm, 2 guide wires, 1 USB cable, 1 carrying case and 1 user guide.

The EV-805 electrotherapy unit model is an incredibly versatile electrostimulation machine that uses variable intensity electrical impulses generated by the use of TENS and EMS technologies. This combination results in a device that can be used to treat pain caused by various diseases and injuries, as well as stimulate the production of muscle fibers to increase muscle volume, tone and strength.

It has 4 channels of operation, 5 modes of TENS currents, 3 modes of EMS stimulation; and 24 predefined programs that generate low intensity electrical impulses to stimulate the nerve endings in the treated area, effectively blocking pain signals.

The Neocarbon electrostimulation kit includes everything you could need for the treatment of ailments, thanks to its device incorporating TENS and EMS electrotherapy modalities, and dual channel function combined with 24 modes of use and 20 levels of intensity, which means that you can apply complete treatments to different parts of the body simultaneously.

The use of TENS and EMS that this device provides will allow you to use them to apply relaxing massages that relieve any ailment in a natural way, stimulating the production of endorphins and blocking the body's pain signals, as well as electrical discharges that stimulate muscle movement, creating contractions that encourage the growth of muscle fibers, increasing the tone and strength of the muscles.

The TechCare massager is a dual-channel electrostimulation device with a rechargeable battery and a large number of functions dedicated to the application of TENS and EMS massages. It features an LCD display and various modes of use, along with a session timer, and an on-screen indicator of remaining battery time.

It has multiple modes of use and its A-B output channel allows you to apply two types of massage simultaneously, making it one of the most versatile devices available on the market. The package includes 1 control, 1 protective case for the TENS unit, 3 pairs of electrodes, 4 power output cables, 1 USB cable, 1 user manual, 1 plastic case and 1 belt clip.

Video: How to place electrodes for muscle cramps?

Electrodes for buttocks

Electrodes for legs

Electrodes for calf

Electrodes for arms

Electrodes for forearms

Electrodes for back

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What are muscle cramps and spasms and what are the causes?

Although from a medical point of view both conditions are of the same nature, there are distinctions that will allow you to differentiate between a cramp and a muscle spasm, either in yourself or someone else.

Both cramps and spasms are involuntary contractions of the muscle, however, the cramp is a short contraction that occurs repeatedly and although it can generate discomfort in the affected area, it is not usually very painful.

Muscle spasms however, are prolonged involuntary contractions that can cause considerable pain, and completely prevent movement of the muscle for the duration of the contraction.

The most common causes of cramps of any type are as follows:

• Muscle overuse
• Muscle tension
• Holding a position for a prolonged period of time
• Dehydration
• Low potassium levels
• Low calcium levels

What are the most common types of muscle cramps?

There are several types of cramps, and they can occur at different times of the day and different parts of the body, although they are much more common in the legs.

The most common types of cramps are defined below:

• Night cramps: this is the most common type of cramp and its occurrence is mainly associated with dehydration, low electrolyte levels or low blood supply to the muscles due to holding a position for too long. This type of cramps are very common during pregnancy.
• Smooth muscle cramps: this type of cramp has a predominant cause, as it is mainly associated with menstrual cramps and is very common during the menstrual cycle.
• Skeletal muscle cramps: cramps of this type occur mainly in the calves, thighs and arch of the feet, and is largely associated with excessive physical activity and prolonged use of the muscles. It should be noted that they can also occur in a relaxed state, and can be very painful.

Differences between TENS and EMS: Which is better for treating muscle pulls?

Electrostimulation therapies have several modalities, although the most popular in the field of physical therapy are Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)

TENS therapy is a technique for the treatment of physical ailments based on the use of low intensity electrical impulses to numb the patient's nerve endings, reducing the sensation of pain and increasing pain resistance.

On the other hand, EMS is a physical conditioning tonic that uses medium to high intensity currents on the muscles, with the objective of causing activity in the muscles and strengthening them by stimulating the creation of muscle fibers.

Since the injury itself involves contractions in the musculature, the best electrotherapy modality to treat it is through TENS therapy, since its low intensity electrical impulses will provide relief from the pain caused by the contraction.

The use of EMS for muscle cramps and spasms is contraindicated, since its electrical discharges cause a much greater impact on the muscle, increasing the sensation of pain.

Contraindications in the use of electrodes and electrotherapy