The best TENS machines for your money (2023)

Sending electrical currents through the skin to stimulate nerves may sound pretty painful, but it can actually have the opposite effect.

In fact, this type of physical therapy has been used for pain relief for decades. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a form of therapy that uses electrical currents to interrupt pain signals traveling through nerves to painful areas. Basically, TENS therapy uses electricity to trick your nerves into sending fewer pain signals to your brain. It can also stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

TENS machines, once only available primarily in physical therapy offices, are now widely sold for home use without the need for a prescription. These home devices typically cost between $30 and $100 and can provide safe and controlled electrical stimulation. They can be used to relieve pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, endometriosis, everyday muscle pain and many injuries.

TENS therapy is not a miracle cure. Some experts still question the long-term effectiveness of TENS due to the limited scientific evidence available. Also, depending on your pain level, therapy may only work when used as part of a larger treatment program that includes exercise, physical therapy, or pain medication. Before trying this type of treatment, it's a good idea to ask your doctor if incorporating a TENS unit into your routine might be beneficial.

TENS is considered a non-invasive treatment option that is safe for most people. However, it is highly recommended that pregnant women and people with epilepsy, heart problems, pacemakers or other types of electrical or metallic implants consult a doctor before use.

Purchase advice for TENS devices

Most TENS units are battery operated and fully portable, small enough to fit in your pocket. They come with several sets of electrode leads and pads of different sizes. These pads are self-adhesive and can be easily placed on any part of the body as long as it is in direct contact with the skin.

Once the pads are in place, you can turn on the device and it will send low-voltage electrical currents to the target area. These currents inhibit how nerves in the region transmit pain signals to the spinal cord and brain, resulting in some pain relief and muscle relaxation.

All TENS machines share the same basic functionality, but they may differ in their massage modes and intensities, or the number of electrode pads they can power simultaneously. Here are some factors to consider when looking for a model that's right for you:

•Massagemodi.Most TENS devices have at least 20 preset massage modes. This can include traditional massages for commonly injured areas like the lower back or neck. Others are designed to mimic more specialized therapies, such as B. Cupping, a form of traditional Chinese and Middle Eastern massage that uses a glass cup to create suction on the skin to promote circulation and healing.

When purchasing a TENS unit, think about the specific areas of the body you want to treat and research which units have the appropriate massage modes for those areas.

•intensity levels.TENS machines have intensity settings that can be used to adjust the depth (or not) of the massage. Many models have a choice of around 20 different intensity levels, although some machines have even more, allowing for incremental adjustments and a more personalized experience.

•EMS-Therapie.In addition to TENS massages, some devices include EMS modes. EMS stands for Electromuscular Stimulation. While TENS therapy uses lower currents to target nerve cords in injured areas, EMS offers slightly stronger currents that cause muscles to contract and supposedly help strengthen them. It also promotes blood flow to the area, which can help reduce recovery time from injuries or warm up your muscles before a workout.

•Wired or Wireless.Traditional TENS machines have wired electrode pads, but there are now several models with wireless electrode pads that can be controlled with a remote control. Others can be paired with your smartphone and controlled with an app.

Whether you choose a wired or wireless TENS device is a matter of taste, as the massage modes and intensity levels are very similar. Cordless machines can be a bit easier to maneuver since there are no cords to untangle or sort. However, they tend to be more expensive.

•replacement pads.The typical TENS unit comes with about 10 reusable self-adhesive pads, but they won't last forever. The pads eventually lose their stickiness, especially with daily use. Replacing the pads is aadditional effort, so consider this cost when choosing a machine.

TENS device users often recommend buying itgel ladderfor electrodes. Not only does the gel help the pads stay sticky longer, but it also increases the electrical conductivity of the machine.

The best TENS machines

1st overall winner:iReliev iRenew TENS + EMS unit

The iReliev iRenew TENS + EMS device combines the pain-relieving benefits of TENS therapy with the slightly more powerful currents of EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation). The currents of the EMS treatments stimulate the muscles and cause them to contract, which can lead to faster recovery and strengthening phases.

The device has 14 preset therapy modes: eight for TENS (including one specifically for arthritis pain) and six for EMS. With 25 intensity levels, it's easy to make adjustments for a more personalized experience. Sessions can be set to last between five minutes and one hour.

The device's dual channel capability allows you to further customize your treatment. You can connect multiple electrode pads (four small or two large) to simultaneously target multiple areas, and you can configure each channel to deliver a different massage setting and intensity level.

This model has received FDA approval, which means that its cables and the output currents generated by the machine meet safety standards to prevent electric shock, skin irritation and other accidents.

The iRenew TENS + EMS device ($60) is battery operated. If this is a fork, the newestiRenew Plus ($100)works with a battery. The screen is larger and also backlit, although the massage modes and intensity settings remain the same as the cheaper model.

2. Editorial recommendation:TechCare Unit Muskelstimulator

TechCare Massager puts a modern twist on traditional TENS machines with the Touch X, a smartphone-sized model with a touchscreen.

Other TENS machines that are small enough to fit in a pocket can be a bit awkward to use. Making adjustments usually requires you to press a single button multiple times to find your preferred treatment. But the Touch X's touchscreen lets you make adjustments with just a few quick taps.

The Touch X offers 24 massage modes, including tai chi, reflexology and classic Swedish massage. It features 20 intensity levels, an adjustable timer from 20 to 60 minutes, and a battery that can last up to 20 hours. The device comes with eight large electrode pads, two electrode cables and a wall charger.

3. Best at Cheap Prices:Belifu two-channel TENS-EMS device

For less than $40, the Belifu Dual Channel is a TENS and EMS machine that can help relieve and strengthen sore muscles while speeding recovery.

It has 24 preset modes and 20 intensity levels to simulate therapeutic massages such as cupping, acupuncture and traditional Chinese tuina. Thanks to the two-channel design, you can connect up to six electrodes at the same time and set different intensity levels for each channel. This way, one set of pads creates a deeper (or lighter) massage than the other.

The Belifu Dual Channel has a rechargeable battery that can last up to 20 hours. It comes with a USB charging cable, a storage pouch, 10 self-adhesive electrodes and three power cords. Please note that this machine will perform less than some of the more expensive machines. This means Belifu's currents can be less intense than competitive models.

4. Best Smart TENS Machine:PowerDot 2.0 Intelligent Muscle Stimulator

The PowerDot 2.0 Duo is an FDA cleared wireless device that can be controlled from your smartphone.

Setup is simple and straightforward. Download the app and follow the on-screen instructions to pair the duo receiver module with your phone. After pairing, the app will ask for general information, e.g. B. whether you want to build strength or improve flexibility and how often you train (or not).

With the app you can measure your progress, get safety tips and receive therapy recommendations. You'll also find placement guides for each massage mode to ensure the electrode pads are properly positioned and maximize therapeutic benefits.

The duo has 10 preset massage programs including active recovery, warm-up, muscle endurance and explosive power, or you can focus on a specific injured area. A manual program allows you to adjust settings such as number of contractions, duration of contractions, rest time, and pulse duration.

As with other TENS devices, you can adjust the intensity of the massage. However, while most TENS machines only have 20-25 levels, the duo offers an impressive 100 intensity settings.

The Duo, which retails for about $350, comes with two receiver housings, four electrode pads, and four connector cables.

5. Best Portable Massager:RAKZU TENS Unit AS8015 Muscle stimulator

Like the TeachCare Massager Touch X, the RAKZU features an easy-to-read touchscreen that makes it easy to switch between massage modes, even mid-session. And with a retail price of just under $30, it's more than $20 cheaper than our editor's pick, the Touch X.

While the RAKZU has fewer massage modes (just 12 compared to the Touch X's 24), it still offers a wide range of styles, including tuina, acupressure, tapping, and cupping.

The RAKZU also stands out for its ease of use on the go. Unlike many other TENS devices, this model allows you to lock both the touch screen and the side buttons on the device. This prevents accidental changes to settings, even when you're moving.

Like other dual-channel massagers, the RAKZU can be customized to deliver two different types of massage and intensities at the same time. So, for example, if your neck needs a softer focus than your lower back, you can adjust your session accordingly.

Many users praise the RAKZU's long battery life and powerful massages, a pretty impressive combination, especially considering its small size.

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