Buyers Guide for

Best TENS Unit

Millions of people around the world suffer from chronic pain. For some, it’s a debilitating condition that keeps them from living their life to the fullest. For others, it’s a nagging annoyance that reduces their quality of life. No matter which category you fall into, the fact remains;

You want relief from your pain.

That’s where TENS units come in, and today, this is the ultimate guide detailing absolutely everything you need to know. Let’s get straight into it.

What is a TENS Unit?

If you’ve been living with chronic pain, are active in the fitness and wellness industries, or you’ve been looking for effective ways to treat conditions like period and back pain, then you’ve probably heard of a TENS unit.

And, understandably, you’ve come here to figure out what they’re all about.

TENS stands for “Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation,” a long, scientific word describing the process of using a specially-designed device to emit low-voltage electrical impulses into someone’s body.

These impulses are controlled, varying their frequency and intensity as the user requires. While the science of how these devices work can get a little complicated, the idea is that the electrical pulses can stimulate specific nerves that will ultimately block pain signals from reaching the brain.

Thus, these devices can be used as controllable pain relief in many given situations.

The technology was first developed in the early 1970s for use during labor but has since become popular as a non-invasive form of pain relief for various conditions, including back pain, arthritis, and nerve damage.

In 2015, a study published in Europe PubMed Central looked into this, accessing just how effective TENS units were when it came to reducing pain in labor. Looking into years’ worth of data collected by the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group’s Trials Register, the study pitted TENS pain management against routine forms of care, including non-pharmacological care and placebos.

Across 17 trials and 1,466 women, TENS units were placed on the lower back (the most common form of TENS treatment in labor). Other therapies like acupuncture and cranium treatments were also tested.

The research showed that while there wasn’t a huge statistical difference between the treatments, women who received TENS treatments were found “less likely to report severe pain.” Moreover, the vast “majority of women using TENS treatment would happily use it again in future labors.”

This study laid the groundwork for TENS technology to grow, helping people get interested in how the hardware can be used to treat pain and bring benefits into many other areas of life, including sports-related injuries and treating those living with chronic pain conditions.

In fact, there are examples of TENS technology being used to treat all kinds of issues in today’s world, including, but not restricted to;

• Period pains
• Postoperative pain
• Joint pain
• Back pain
• Neck Pain
• Arthritis
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Spinal cord injury-related pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Endometriosis

What’s more, since the technology has been refined and improved so much over the years, you can now access your very own TENS device that you can use at home. This has put the leading power of medical technology into users’ hands, meaning anybody can administer however much relief they need, when they need it, without having to wait for lengthy medical processes.

How exactly do TENS units work?

Taking a typical TENS unit, it works quite simply.

First, you connect the TENS unit to the area of your body where you’re experiencing pain using two or four sticky pads, similar to those you would wear if you ever had an ECG taken in a hospital.

These pads are connected to the TENS unit via wires, and the device is controlled using buttons or a small screen. The user can alter settings, including pulse width, frequency, and intensity, which will impact how you experience the electrical impulses being administered.

Once everything has been set up correctly, the TENS unit will begin to emit the electrical impulses, stimulating your nerves and ultimately blocking the pain signals from reaching your brain.

The experience of using a TENS unit is often described as feeling like a tingling or pulsating sensation on your skin where the pads are placed, but it should never be painful in any way. In fact, many users report the sensation as being quite relaxing.

This is furthered by the fact that these electrical impulses reportedly not just block pain signals from reaching the brain but even stimulate the release of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers.

That’s why some say using a TENS unit actually feels good!

Each pulse can last anywhere between 100 and 130 microseconds, and the frequency of these pulses can range from two to 150 Hz – this allows for an excellent level of customization depending on your specific needs.

Of course, this depends on the TENS device you get and its capabilities, but with a functional TENS device, you should be able to use it in the way that works for you.

Finally, according to Enriched Healthcare, you can use a TENS device safely for as long as you like, as often as you like. The side effects of such a device are fairly minimal. However, the average person tends to use the device between 30 and 60 minutes at a time, up to four times per day.

Average pain relief tends to last up to four hours. However, always check the TENs unit you’re working with and the manufacturer’s guidelines, as ways of operation and usage recommendations may vary!

What are the benefits of using a TENS unit?

TENS units offer several benefits for those suffering from chronic pain. They are non-invasive, have no known side effects, and can be used in the comfort of your own home. TENS therapy can also provide relief during acute bouts of pain or be used as a long-term treatment option.

And that’s pretty much the core concept at the heart of why TENS units are so popular and considered a worthwhile pain relief option.

Using the device, you may be able to reduce the amount of pharmaceutical medication you’re taking for a pain condition, which then massively reduces your chances of experiencing its side effects from it.

For example, even taking a lot of paracetamol can have harmful long-term side effects, including an increased risk of liver damage, heart disease, and strokes, especially if you have high blood pressure.

But with a TENS unit, you can potentially avoid those risks altogether!

Additionally, the fact that the device is portable and easy to use means you don’t have to plan your day around appointments or visits for pain relief – instead, it’s just in your bag at all times and ready for whenever you need it.

Some people can even clip the device to their back pocket and use it while they’re on the move with absolutely no fuss at all, making a TENS unit a great option if you’re looking to live your life the best you can while dealing with any pain you may be experiencing.

Are there any side effects or times when a TENS unit should not be used?

There are very few known side effects associated with TENS therapy, and generally, most people can use the devices safely with no side effects or issues.

However, there are, of course, exceptions to be aware of. Firstly, if you’re allergic to the stickiness of the adhesive pads, you may experience irritation, an allergic reaction, or some redness on your skin. This, however, can be easily resolved by using hypoallergenic pads instead.

Also, ensure you absolutely never place the electrode pads on sensitive areas of your body. This includes your eyes, your throat, and neck. Stimulating the neck with electrical impulses can lower your blood pressure and may result in spasms. Using these pads on your eyes can risk injury.

Moreover, if you have a pacemaker, live with heart problems, have epilepsy, or live with any other kind of electrical implant, consult with your healthcare provider before using a TENS unit to see if this is a viable option for you.

Aside from that, the vast majority of people should be absolutely fine and ready to go when it comes to using a TENS unit.

How do I choose the right TENS unit for me?

There are a variety of TENS units on the market, so it can be overwhelming trying to find the right one for you and your needs. It’s important to consider the intensity and duration of your pain and any specific areas that need to be targeted.

Let’s break this down.

Intensity: if your pain is relatively mild, a smaller device with lower intensity settings may be suitable for you. However, if your pain is more severe, it’s worth investing in a TENS unit with higher intensity levels and various modes to choose from.

Duration: think about the duration or frequency of your pain – do you experience frequent and short bouts of pain, or do you have long periods where the pain is more consistent? A device with a longer battery life might be worth considering if it’s the latter.

Targeted areas: consider if specific regions on your body require targeted relief – for example, if you suffer from lower back pain, look for a device with pads that can be placed on the back rather than just one or two pads.

Frequency: Take note of the frequency that your device can offer. We’ll get into this more later in our tips for use section, but for now, understand that the more you can stimulate your muscles, the various levels of pain relief you can enjoy. However, you can reportedly build up a tolerance to TENS unit stimulation, so you’ll want a device that can provide a great range of pulse frequencies.

Ideally, this range will sit between two and 150 Hz.

FDA-Approved TENS Units

This is the big one.

When it comes to healthcare devices and pain relief solutions, you must consider whether a product is FDA-approved or not.

To be FDA Approved means that the device has been tested and determined to be safe for public use and effective in its intended purpose. Independent third-party labs carry out these tests, so you can trust that the device will work as intended and offer you the pain relief you need.

One of the biggest problems in today’s world is the fact that innovation happens so quickly, especially in the healthcare and wellness industries. The FDA is very much unable to keep up with the surge of products and solutions that are constantly released.

Sure, some of these products might be fine, and for a company or manufacturer, they’re going to want to make sure their products work as intended and safely as to ensure their business is sustainable. However, this is never guaranteed without the approval of an independent governing body, like the FDA.

When shopping for a TENS unit, it will always be best to find an FDA-approved device that you know has gone through rigorous testing and analysis to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

And when it comes to FDA-approved TENS units, there’s one clear winner: the PlayMakar TENS Unit.

Our Top TENS Unit Recommendation – PlayMakar Pro Muscle Stimulator

There are dozens of TENs units out there. We took the time to search far and wide, reading all the product pages, disclaimers, comparison websites, customer reviews, and testimonials, and through our personal experiences to come up with the best recommendations we possibly could.

There was one clear winner: The PlayMakar Pro Muscle Stimulator.

Starting with the basics, this is an ultra-portable muscle stimulator and pain relief device that simply ticks all the boxes, but it sets itself above the rest of the market in some very interesting ways.

Firstly, it’s completely wireless.

That’s right. Whereas with the vast majority of other devices, you have to connect wires to the pads and the handset to current the electrical charges, this PlayMakar unit simply doesn’t need them. Instead, it works using ‘Expandable Receiver Pods.’

You get two of these with every purchase, plus six electrode pads that help stick them to your skin; they come in various sizes and can be used several times. The batteries on each pod last between 3-5 hours on a single charge, with the handset pushing the limits of 5-10 hours.

So, take a moment to picture this.

You’re at the gym, at work, out and about, or at home, and instead of having to sit down and set up your pads and the TENS unit, which can be tricky, annoying, and perhaps even embarrassing if you’re out in public, you can instead fix these pads to you wherever you need pain relief. Turn them on, and you’re good to go.

You can carry these around with you on your body or simply pop them in discretely when you need them and then use the remote as you’re walking around or going about your day. You get instant pain relief, and everyone else around you is none the wiser. What’s more, it’s incredibly lightweight and hassle-free to carry around in your bag.

Now, let’s get into the tech.

On the surface, the PlayMakar offers both a TENS experience plus EMS. EMS stands for Electric Muscle Stimulator, which is very similar to TENS but is typically used to enhance your performance if you’re working out or gearing up for the day.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s on offer in terms of pre-set programs;

EMS Programs:

• Program One – Jump Start Warm Up: Prepare your body for exercise by increasing heart rate and blood circulation, loosening your joints, ready for physical activity while minimizing the risk of injury.
• Program Two – Muscle Recovery: Stimulation designed to help muscle recover quickly, decreasing the risk of muscle stiffness and promoting proper relaxation.
• Program Three – Active Recovery: Similar to Program Two, except it’s best used after an intense exercise session.
• Program Four – Active Recovery 2: Similar to the previous two programs, except it is much smoother and feels more like a massage, maximizing feelings of relaxation and recovery.
• Program Five – Muscle Endurance: Uses low-frequency pulses to maximize the potential for aerobic capacity, building fatigue resistance for long periods of time; ideal for moderate exercise and workouts.
• Program Six – Muscle Strengthening: Helps improve anaerobic capacity, great for maximizing performance during sets and phased workouts.

TENS Programs:

• Programs 1- 4: Four special programs designed for relieving lower back pain and working on temporary relief, typically for sore backs and aching muscles. If you’ve strained a muscle, these programs will work for you.
• Programs 5 – 7: Ideal for targeting temporary pain in sore or aching muscles in the upper and lower areas of the body, including arms and legs.
• Program 8: A program designed for chronic pain and symptomatic relief, such as the pain associated with arthritis.

Of course, you’re never just limited to the pre-set programs. You can customize your experience however you like with the 25 adjustable intensity levels.

Here’s where things get even more impressive. PlayMakar has a range of devices that are FDA-approved. This means they have undergone strict testing to ensure they meet the highest safety and effectiveness standards.

In fact, this device is even cleared as being a Class II medical-grade device that’s optimized for athletic recovery and movement optimization.

Rounding it up, the PlayMakar is not only incredibly simple and easy to use, but it’s also beautifully crafted, safe, and effective. It offers a variety of options for both TENS therapy and EMS muscle stimulation in one convenient package. Plus, with its discreet design and portability, it’s perfect for anyone looking for pain relief on the go.

With five-star reviews across the board, it’s everything you could need and more.

Best TENS Unit Recommendation Alternative: iReliev Premium TENS + EMS Therapeutic Wearable System

Understandably, if you’re getting started with TENS technology or shopping on a budget, the Playmakar could be a little bit too much when it comes to an investment. It’s a little expensive, and while it’s 100% worthwhile, it might just be out of your price range.

However, what happens if you want all its benefits for a more suitable price? Well, then you turn your attention to iReliev’s addition to the market.

The iReliev Premium TENS + EMS Therapeutic Wearable System.

Right off the bat, iReliev is actually the parent company of Playmakar, so you already know you’re getting all the high-quality features, build quality, design benefits, and more. Of course, this design is also FDA-approved and completely wireless.

The fundamental differences between these two devices come down to what you get for your money.

In the box, you get fewer pads which are also smaller and really don’t look as aesthetically pleasing as the Playmakar brand. It’s still a Class II medical-grade setup and comes with a two-year warranty, but it lacks that spark that Playmakar has.

Like Playmakar, it’s still both a TENS and EMS system, but there are fewer programs and less control range. We’re really not saying it’s a bad device. Far from it. On Amazon alone, it has nearly 5,000 reviews, averaging 4.5-stars, which just goes to show what a quality experience this is.

The difference is simply in the functionality and the design.

If you want the best experience, go with Playmakar, and you won’t be disappointed. If you’re shopping on a budget, getting started, or want to take it slow, go with iReliev.

Summary

In summary, TENS units can be an excellent tool for managing and alleviating chronic pain symptoms. They work by sending electrical impulses to the nerves, blocking pain signals, and potentially increasing endorphins in the body. There are different programs and levels of intensity that can be customized depending on individual needs.

The Playmakar TENS unit is a high-quality, medical-grade device with a variety of features and options for customization. However, the iReliev unit is also a solid option for those shopping on a budget or just starting out with TENS technology.

Ultimately, it’s essential to do your own research and find the right device for you and your needs. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen. But with the right device, TENS therapy can be a helpful addition to your pain management plan. Happy shopping!

Note: This blog post is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen since your individual circumstances are your own, and results may vary for individual users.