Electrotherapy has been around for many years and is used for treating various health conditions. It is an incredible technology that uses electricity to reduce pain, improve circulation, repair tissues, strengthen muscles, and much more. While surfing on the internet or speaking to your physical therapist, you may have heard about NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) and TENS (transcutaneous nerve stimulation) devices. These are the two most popular devices that conduct electrotherapy, and they are often mistaken one for another.
In fact, there are some fundamental differences between TENS and NMES devices, as we will try to show later on. Both units use electricity but target different nerves, which makes them useful for different purposes. Spotting these distinctions might be challenging at first glance because TENS and NMES don’t only look but work similarly. However, making a final distinction between them is crucial if you want to choose the best electrotherapy for yourself.
Different Types of Electrical Stimulation
The most common types of electrical stimulation go as it follows:
- EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation)
- NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation)
- FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation)
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
- ETS (EMG Triggered Stimulation)
- RETS (Reciprocal EMG Triggered Stimulation)
All of these names sound differently but refer to the same thing – electrotherapy. Each one of these units applies electricity to the body intending to increase or decrease activity in the nervous system. They only use the current in different ways and body parts, depending on the needs of patients.
In today’s article, we will discuss the burning topic “TENS vs NMES“. You will find the most important information about both units and the final comparison between them. Hopefully, that will help you understand their purpose and decide which electrotherapy device is most suitable for your needs.
TENS
What is TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation)?
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or TENS involves a nerve stimulation technique that uses low-voltage electrical impulses to provide pain relief. A TENS machine is a battery-powered device with pads and electrodes that attach to the surface of the skin and send electrical impulses to the needed area.
There are two main theories on how the device works. According to the first one, the electric current stimulates nerve cells to block pain signals and modify the perception of pain. The second one thinks the nerve stimulation raises the level of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing chemical, which directly blocks the pain. Either way, the TENS unit seems to help a lot in various health conditions and pain types.
What is TENS used for?
TENS therapy is used for treating both acute and chronic pain caused by various conditions. Here are some of the most common ones TENS has been used for:
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Low back pain
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Peripheral artery disease
Keep in mind, however, that this therapy type is not safe in these cases:
- TENS can’t be used with people who are pregnant, have an implantable device, or suffer from conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorder, and heart disease.
- TENS units are also not applicable to infected tissues, wounds, damaged skins, and similar.
Pros and Cons of TENS
Like with any other treatment and therapy, there are pros and cons of TENS machines patients should be aware of.
Pros:
- Temporary pain relief in sore muscles and reduction of chronic pain
- Non-invasive and affordable method
- Can be used alone or with prescribed medications and other treatments and therapies
- The TENS machine is compact and portable, which allows for convenient in-home therapy
Cons:
- Can’t treat all types of pain and might provide only a temporary relief
- The unit could cause skin drying or burns
- Some people find TENS therapy uncomfortable because of the buzzing and tingling sensations it produces
NMES
What is NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation)?
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation or NMES uses a low-frequency current to stimulate the nerves in desired muscles, causing them to contract. The action enhances muscle strength and endurance, motor learning, and muscle re-education. The NMES treatment also works to reduce swelling and pain in the muscles.
When you exercise, your brain sends a signal to your muscles to contract and relax. On the opposite side, the NMES machine uses electrical current to contract and relax muscles involuntarily. Basically, the unit causes artificial exercises by sending signals through the desired group of muscles to the brain. This way, the device treats the muscles and reduces pain naturally.
Just like the TENS machine, the NMES unit features conductive pads that need to be placed on the skin surface. Also, every NMES machine is compact and highly portable, allowing for convenient home use.
What is NMES used for?
NMES therapy is often used in sports medicine to strengthen and maintain muscles during prolonged periods of immobilization. Athletes and other people who suffered an injury or had to stay inactive for a long time can benefit from NMES therapy. By causing muscle contraction, the NMES device promotes artificial exercises, brings back mobility in the body, and promotes healthy blood flow. It also decreases muscular spasm, reducing pain and allowing your body to relax.
Pros and Cons of NMES
Here are some pros and cons of NMES machines you should consider before buying the unit for yourself:
Pros:
- Strengthens muscles, increases overall body strength, and enhances mobility
- Tones the entire body and speeds up fat loss
- Promotes safe and fast healing
- Enhances blood circulation
- Improves training results
- Affordable and convenient option for home use
Cons:
- According to some researches, the unit doesn’t provide much for people who are already active and in training
- May cause side effects such as dizziness, muscle spasms, headaches, and overall discomfort
What is the difference between TENS and NMES?
Speaking of TENS vs NMES, now you know what makes the main difference between these two devices, but we are still going to repeat everything. To sum things up, both TENS and NMES use electrical current to treat body areas, they only do it in different ways and for various purposes. While TENS stimulates the nerves to block pain signals or release endorphins, NMES stimulates nerves in muscles to promote contraction and cause artificial exercise.
The TENS machine is mostly used for treating and reducing acute and chronic pain. On the other hand, NMES is useful for muscle strengthening, proper and faster healing, and pain reduction in muscles. With that in mind, you can choose the device that would work best for your particular problem and situation.
Which Unit Should You Choose?
Deciding between TENS and NMES treatments can be quite challenging. You have to know the main root of your problem and what caused it in the first place, so you can choose the device that will treat the affected area. For example, people who suffer from chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia will benefit directly from TENS therapy. Because people with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and similar conditions and diseases need a higher pain tolerance and pain blockage, NMES units can’t do much good for them. On the other hand, people who have muscle spasms and pains will find NMES therapy more suitable for their problem. They primarily need exercises and muscle strength to fight the problem and not pain blockage that TENS offers.
We recommend talking to your physical therapist or doctor before purchasing one of these devices. Regardless of whether you know TENS or NMES is suitable for you, ask your doctor for advice. Your healthcare provider knows best what is safe and beneficial for your body. On top of that, you can do more harm than good if you choose the wrong electrotherapy. To avoid problems and complications, think things through and ask for professional help.
You can also contact Pacific Biomedical. We give free consultations and offer both devices for our patients. Our team of experts will evaluate your situation and recommend either TENS or NMES accordingly. Both of our electric stimulation units are designed with user convenience in mind and feature compact and highly-portable casings. You can use them all on your own in the comfort of your home.
Why Choose Pacific Biomedical
Pacific Biomedical is a leader in orthopedic surgery recovery systems and technologies. With a long experience in the industry, we offer our clients professional consultations and top-notch medical equipment. All of our products are made with the help of modern technology and are designed with comfort in mind. We provide in-home recovery options for a wide range of conditions and situations and free consultations and health assessments for patients.
Whether you need to find out more about the differences between TENS and NMES devices, pick one of them for yourself, or ask about and use other recovery systems, Pacific Biomedical is there for you. Contact us today and learn more about our products and services!
