TENS and muscle stimulators use electronic pulses to relieve pain and improve muscle strength. TENS units stimulate sensory nerve endings, while muscle stimulators cause muscles to contract. Both devices have LCD screens to select programs for stimulation. TENS units are recommended for chronic pain, while muscle stimulators are used for muscle injury and weakness. Some units combine both functions. Pacemaker patients should not use electronic stimulators.
A transcutaneous nerve stimulator (TENS) and muscle stimulator are home devices that use electronic pulses to stimulate and relax parts of the body, providing pain relief and other benefits. TENS units stimulate sensory nerve endings, and an electronic muscle stimulator (EMS) causes muscles to contract. Both the TENS and the muscle stimulation unit are available as an over-the-counter device, with more advanced units available by prescription. Each device has a small LCD screen that allows the user to select different programs for stimulation. TENS and a muscle stimulation unit come with electrodes attached by a wire that are placed over muscles or areas of pain, and some muscle stimulation kits come as a large pad that is placed over an area of the body.
TENS units are recommended for people who have chronic or long-standing muscle or joint pain. The unit works by stimulating neurons under the skin where the electrodes were placed, and the electronic pulses prevent the body from sending pain signals. TENS units also stimulate the body’s production of endorphins, which can also help relieve pain. A TENS unit allows the user to control the pulse rate and intensity of electronic pulses that are sent through the body, creating a tingling sensation in the muscles.
A muscle stimulator is not used to relieve pain, but it is an effective device for some people who have experienced injury to their muscles. The electronic pulses cause the muscles to contract, creating a light or passive workout for the muscles. This helps to rebuild strength, retrain muscles that may have been paralyzed, and improve blood circulation, which increases the rate of healing. An electronic muscle stimulator also prevents muscle wasting away, known as atrophy, and helps prevent muscle spasms. Those who are on bed rest have an injury that prevents them from using certain muscles, and people who experience muscle weakness may benefit from the use of a muscle stimulator.
People who want to train a specific group of muscles also use muscle stimulators. The unit stimulates muscle fibers and creates tension, which helps muscles break down faster to rebuild during rest and recovery periods. Muscle stimulator training is combined with weight lifting to accelerate the body’s rate of muscle growth and overall strength results.
TENS units and a muscle stimulator are basically the same device, but they work to stimulate different parts of the body. There are now units with both a TENS and a muscle stimulator that can be purchased to provide both pain relief and strength training benefits. Patients with pacemakers should not use an electronic stimulator, and the device should never be worn on the chest or on the face.
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