 | TENS AND EMS - The Difference
Many people ask about the differences between a TENS unit, an EMS unit, etc. Here is some explanation of the differences between common units, and how they are used for treatment of common ailments by medical professionals:
EMS, Electronic Muscle Stimulation, Neuromuscular Stimulation Therapy: This type of stimulation is characterized by a low volt stimulation targeted to stimulate motor nerves to cause a muscle contraction. Contraction/relaxation of muscles has been found to effectively treat a variety of musculoskeletal and vascular conditions. EMS differs from TENS in that it is designed to stimulate muscle motor nerves, while TENS is designed to stimulate sensory nerve endings to help decrease pain. Most common uses: Prevent or retard disuse atrophy, strengthening programs, re educate muscles, post Op orthopaedic surgery, joint replacement, gait training, shoulder subluxation and reduction of muscle spasms.
TENS, Transcutaneous Electrical Neural/Nerve Stimulation: This type of stimulation is characterized by biphasic current and selectable parameters such as pulse rate and pulse width. TENS stimulates sensory nerves to block pain signals, stimulate endorphin production to help normalize sympathetic function. TENS is generally used to treat medical conditions . Common uses: Acute and chronic pain, back and cervical muscular and disc syndromes, RSD, arthritis, shoulder syndromes, neuropathies, and many other painful conditions.
Electro-Acupuncture: This type of stimulation is characterized by applying stimulation to specific acupuncture or trigger points on the body in small electrical impulses (milliamp/micro amp) through acupuncture needles or with electro-stim hand held cutaneous probes. The frequency of stimulation may vary from 1 to 1,000 Hz. Lower frequencies (1 to 20) are tonifying, whereas, the higher frequencies (i.e.. greater than 50) are more sedating in nature. Electro-Acupuncture stimulation differs from TENS because TENS uses a higher voltage cutaneous stimulation.
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