Are you sick and tired of suffering from intense pain each and every day? Depending on the severity of the pain, there is a good chance that it can be debilitating. It can most definitely decrease your quality of life. Suffice to say, you’ll definitely feel the urge to find relief as soon as humanly possible. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machines are designed to provide effective pain relief for pretty much all different types of chronic pain. Currently, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is the widely used form of electroanalgesia. Medical Conditions Reports show that TENS give initial pain relief in 70% to 80% of patients. Within this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to invest in a good TENS unit.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Product | Modes | Channel | Pads | Rating | Buy Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Med-Fit 1 Dual Channel Tens Machine | 3 | Dual | 2 pack of 4 |  | Check Price |
Babycare TENS – Elle TENS Maternity TENS For Pain Relief | Preset | Dual | 4 |  | Check Price |
Med-Fit 3 Digital Dual Channel Tens Machine | 5 | Dual | 4 |  | Check Price |
Med-Fit 2 Dual Channel Rechargeable Wireless TENS | 15 | Dual | 4 | | Check Price |
Kinetik Wellbeing Dual Channel Tens Machine | 8 | Dual | 4 |  | Check Price |
Medfit Premier Rechargeable Dual Channel Tens | 24 | Dual | 3 pack of 4 | | Check Price |
Patterson Medical TPN 200 Premier Plus TENS Machine | 3 | Single | 4 |  | Check Price |
TENS Machine Buying Guide
There are tons of TENS machines on the market, but none of them are identical. Therefore, it can be difficult for consumers to pinpoint the very best one for their individualistic needs. In order to ensure that you get the relief that you need, it is pertinent to make your choice carefully. Below, you will find tips that can help lead you in the right direction.
Size
It is incredibly important to inspect the overall size of the unit. Obviously, you’re going to experience pain throughout the day. You may experience an outbreak at work or at a friend’s house on the weekend. When this happens, you’ll want to be able to use the massager to obtain the relief that is needed. This is why you should select a compact machine. Choosing one that fits into your pocket is a good idea.
Rechargeable
These machines have improved significantly over the years. Now, some of them are actually equipped with rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable TENS machines will usually be more expensive than the conventional alternatives. Nevertheless, they can provide you with an extensive amount of freedom. If you want the added freedom, you should not hesitate to buy a rechargeable machine. However, if you want relief without breaking the bank, a conventional model should do the trick.
Massage Options
There are many different types of massages and each of them works differently. Some a good for backpain, while others are best for shoulder pain. This is why you need to carefully inspect the unit’s versatility. Choosing a unit that is capable of doing it all is very wise. It should be able to press, squeeze, knead and stroke. This will ensure that you’re most definitely able to get the relief that you need when you need it!
Warranty
Most TENS machines will come with a warranty. This may not improve the overall performance of the machine, but it can go a long way towards protecting your money. With this in mind, you should always go to great lengths to get the lengthiest warranty possible. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a unit with a lifetime warranty.
Best TENS Machines in UK 2023
Are you looking for quick, effective relief at a lower price? If so, you need to check out the Med-Fit 1. It might not be as complex or high-tech as the aforementioned model, but it is still great in its own right. In fact, this unit comes with a lifetime warranty for the unit itself. This guarantees that you’ve made a good decision by purchasing this particular model. It also offers various modes, you’ll be able to obtain the precise massage that you need.
Tons Of Options
The Med-Fit 1 offers a wealth of options that you’ll love playing around with. For instance, it offers modulation, constant and burst models. You can also switch between pulse rates and pulse widths. By playing around with the various options, you’ll have no trouble finding the settings that provide you with the most relief.
Convenience
While this unit isn’t rechargeable, it is still designed for convenience. The unit uses a 9v PP3 battery. It is compact and lightweight. Plus, it comes with a belt clip.
Pros
- Very lightweight and compact
- Comes with a lifetime warranty on the unit
- Can treat two areas simultaneously
- Totally easy to use
- Offers various settings and modes
- Batteries can be expensive over a period of time
The Med-Fit 1 is ultimately a good investment. It is cost-effective and more than capable of delivering the relief that you need! That makes it a good purchase for most.
The Elle Tens is a good option for those that want convenience and ease of use. The unit features an ergonomic design, so you can rest assured knowing it’ll rest comfortably in your hand at all times. Plus, the large LCD screen makes it easy to switch between the various settings on the fly. Even if you’ve never used a Tens massager before, you’ll have little to no trouble with this one.
Very Effective
The Bodyclock Elle Tens might be compact, but it is surprisingly powerful. In fact, it has been recommended by midwives. The unit features a boost button, which is idea for contractions. The Opti-Max technology provides you with extra power when it is needed the most.
Pros
- Compact and easy to use
- Includes a Boost button that is great for contractions
- Ergonomic design for comfort
- LCD screen makes switching settings easy
- Surprisingly powerful
- A little bigger than the others
- Pricey for very high-tech features
The Bodyclock Health Care Elle Tens is a good investment. It is effortless to use and suitable for pretty much everyone. Just remember that it does have a few minor flaws.
The Med-Fit Easy Dual Channel Pain Relief Machine most definitely looks antique. Nevertheless, it is capable of getting the job done right as quickly as possible. The unit is only equipped with a single control. This gives you the ability to adjust the settings much easier than ever before. The convenient screen allows you to know which setting you’re using at all times. If you want the easiest operation, you cannot lose with this massager from Med-Fit.
Long-Lasting And Effective
This unique comes with a rare lifetime warranty. Just remember that the warranty only covers the unit itself. It is also equipped with several programs. All 5 programs have been clinically approved. This guarantees that the unit will be able to relief the relief that you desire!
Pros
- Unit is covered by a lifetime warranty
- One simple control
- Offers dual channel output
- Equipped with 5 clinically approved programs
- Comes with twelve self-adhesive pads
- Might be too simple for some
- Replacing the 9v battery can be expensive
The Med-Fit Easy Dual Channel Digital Pain Relief Machine is adequately priced. It isn’t suitable for labor, but it works for pretty much every other purpose. Plus, the approved programs guarantee that it’ll deliver the relief that you need.
The TEC.BEAN Mini Tens Massager is incredibly affordable, but surprisingly versatile. In fact, it comes with 12 unique modes and 8 electrode pads. It also features a gorgeous screen, so you’ll be able to make adjustments on the fly. The unit is surprisingly versatile for the price and it’ll definitely provide the user with the pain relief that they so desperately need.
Great Features
This unit is incredibly portable, so it can be taken and used almost anywhere. On top of that, it offers 20 strength levels and an adjustable timer. You can set the timer between 10 and 60 minutes. Whether you’re at the office or in the gym, this unit will deliver the relief that you need at any given time.
Pros
- Can be used almost anywhere
- Great for pain in all locations
- Has a timer
- Choose between 20 strength levels
- Compact and lightweight
- LCD display makes use easier
- USB chargeable
- Protected by a 2-year warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for pregnant women or hypertension patients
Overall Assessment
The TEC.BEAN Mini Tens Massager is pretty amazing for the price. Just remember that it isn’t suitable for everyone. Nevertheless, it is well worth the low price.
If you’re looking for the overall best Tens massager on the market, you’ve found it. This unit is undoubtedly much more expensive than the alternatives, but it’ll prove to be well worth it in the long run. It is equipped with many amazing features that cannot be found anywhere else. For instance, the unit is actually rechargeable. This ensures that you’ll be able to take it with you and use it pretty much anywhere and everywhere. It uses a USB cable for charging, so getting the battery back up to full capacity shouldn’t be a problem.
Versatility
Another thing to note is that this unit is capable of doing it all. It can simulate pressing, kneading, squeezing, and stroking. In return, this combination guarantees that your muscles will be relaxed and your fatigue will be alleviated. If you need relief, you need the right type of massage. The Rechargeable EMS Tens Massager can do it all.
Smartphone Control
Pretty much everyone on the planet has a smartphone in this day and age. This makes the EMS Tens Massager more convenient than ever. This unique can actually be fully controlled from pretty much any iOS or Android smartphone. If you’re a fan of smartphone apps, you’ll love this particular massager.
Pros
- Very compact and easy to transport
- Battery can be recharged
- Can be controlled with a smartphone
- Can knead, press, squeeze and stroke
- Charges with a USB cable
- Bluetooth compatible
- Convenient and can be used anywhere
- More expensive than the rest
All in all, most consumers will be satisfied with the Rechargeable EMS Tens Massager from Iplefun. It works great and it’ll definitely give you the relief that you need. On top of that, it is the most convenient unit on the market, so it is well worth the price.
How does TENS treat pains?
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a non-invasive treatment that has no known side effects. It does not cause drowsiness or nausea. Through TENS, a painless electrical current is being sent to specific nerves. The mild current then stimulates the body to create endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain killing substances. It is used to relieve pain by blocking pain messages to the brain through the spinal cord and other peripheral nervous system. With TENS, the electrodes are situated around the pain area or acupuncture sites.
Depending on which kind of treatment, the manner of how the pain is being lessened could be via blocking the pain messages or producing endorphins. With high frequency TENS treatment, the TENS signal being produced is much stronger than the pain messages. Thus, the pain messages are being blocked in the spinal cord before it even reaches the brain. This will produce a buzzing sensation between the electrodes. This creates a longer relief and could be administered for 30 to 60 minutes. It is the quickest way of relieving pain.
On the other hand, with low frequency treatment, the body is being stimulated to create endorphins. There is a visible muscle twitching when TENS treatment is being applied in this manner. The endorphins will act as blockage for interrupting pain messages along the nerves. The result of this treatment can last longer. However, for it to be effective, treatment needs to take longer.
Also, for the treatment to become effective, the site where the electrodes should be placed is important. Usually, it should be directly on the pain area. However, it was also proven that best results are attained when electrodes are placed around the pain site or around or over the acupuncture sites.
What conditions can TENS treat?
Once you experience pain, it is important to have it diagnosed by a medical practitioner. Often times, this is already a symptom of another ailment. There are times that these pains would cause us discomfort, depression and would restrict us with our normal activities. TENS can treat many painful conditions, whether acute or chronic pain.
Here are some common conditions that TENS can treat:
• Ankylosing spondylosis
• Acute sprains, sports and occupational injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Fibrosistis/myofascial pain syndromes
• Labour pain
• Low back pain
• Migraine and headaches
• Neck pain, cervical spondylosis, whiplash injuries
• Nausea and vomiting
• Osteoporosis
• Osteoarthritis of joints
• Peripheral nerve injuries and neuropathy of various causes
• Phantom limb pain
• Post herpeticneuralgia
• Post operative neuralgia and scar tissue pain
• Pain in cancer and other terminal ailments
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Referred pain such as sciatica
• Tendonitis/ bursitis
• Stress and insomnia
• Other pain conditions.
However, TENS is not suitable and should not be administered for these situations:
• Those who have cardiac problems.
• Those with carotid sinus.
• Directly in a wound/cut.
• Over the uterus during pregnancy unless for labour pain.
• Directly over the eyes, mouth, front and side of neck.
• Those with pacemaker.
• Those who are emotionally disturbed or have dementia.
• If pain is not diagnosed by the doctor.
TENS History and Theory
The usage of therapeutic electrical stimulation to reduce pain can be traced way back since the early times. On 2500 BC, during the Egyptian Fifth Dynasty, stone carvings show that to treat pain, early people used electric fish. And on 46 AD, it was recorded by Scribonious Largus, a Roman physician that the electrical powers of a fish was used for curing gout and headache. Until the end of the nineteenth century, the electric catfish and electric rays were being used for treating pain in some parts of the world.
It was during the mid-eighteenth century that the electostimulation using static electrical machines gain its popularity. However, since in the twentieth century, there have been a lot of analgesic drugs produced, electrostimulation fell out in the options in reducing pain.
It was on 1965, when a landmark paper written by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall entitled “Pain Mechanism: A New Theory”, did the use of TENS made its way to present clinical medicine. Its use expanded from pain clinics to surgeries, labor wards, emergency departments, operating rooms and even self-care.
There are two accepted theories on how TENS works. These are the following:
1. The Gate Control Theory
In this theory, when nerves are stimulated electronically, a gate mechanism is being closed in the spinal cord that block the pain message from reaching the brain. In here, the TENS message is carried faster to the spinal cord that the pain message. This TENS treatment is also called conventional or high frequency treatment. This applies when the pulse rate is at 60 to 80 pulses per second or more. There is a tingling or buzzing sensation with this treatment. This is the quickest way of relieving pain and it can provide many hours of relief even after a treatment of about an hour.
2. Acupuncture-like TENS
Acupuncture-like TENS is also known as low frequency TENS treatment. In here, the body is being stimulated to release endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain killing substances. This applies when the pulse rate is at or below 4 pulses per second. These low frequency treatments create a tapping or pulsating sensations. When adjusted, low frequency treatment produces slight muscle twitching. Compared to high frequency treatment, this treatment will take longer for the pain to lessen. Treatment can last at least 20-30 minutes for it to be effective. But a 30-60 minute treatment can give relief for a longer period or even days.
You should always remember that different people have different degree of pain relief. And usually the result will depend on how appropriate the electrode position was selected and the frequency setting for the pain was chosen. You can never guess how effective TENS treatment will work not until you try it yourself.
Getting Started with a TENS Unit
A TENS unit has electric power unit that is connected by wires to electrodes. These electrodes are placed on the patient’s skin. Once the unit is switched on, electrical currents are being sent to the body. A unit usually consists of generators, battery and set of electrodes. This unit is actually small and it is programmable.
It is normal for patients to feel tingling sensation or warmth during the treatment. TENS is mostly being used by physical therapists. It can also be administered at home using portable TENS unit, but a prescription is needed to secure a system.
How to set up your TENS unit
- Properly set the unit in accordance with instructions in the booklet that accompanies the TENS unit. Usually the settings are as follows: Amplitude- it should be at a low or comfortable level. Pulse width at 10 to 1000 microseconds. Pulse rate at 80 to 100 impulses per seconds and 0.5 to 10 Hz for high stimulus intensity.
- Clean the area of the skin. Make sure that there is no powder or grease in this area.
- Place electrodes to your skin. If you will be using carbon rubber electrodes, make sure to apply small amount of gel.
- While being treated, put yourself in a comfortable mode. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the steps. Remember to take note of the pain level and record it on paper. You can use a scale of 0-100, 0 for no pain and 100 for the worst.
- After and hour, switch off the unit. You can let the electrodes stand in place if you want to begin another treatment after an hour. However, if you are using carbon rubber electrodes, you can wipe off the gel. Take note of the pain level again.
- You can repeat the same procedure. You may want to decide on the length of the nest treatment. Just make sure to take note of the level of pain before and after each treatment. This will help when you will gauge the result of each treatment.
- You may decide on the frequency of treatment you want per day and if you want continuous treatment. This depends on the severity of the pain.
- You may adjust the TENS unit setting then to a different mode so as to get better results.
Here are the general guidelines when using TENS unit for pain relief
- Attach the electrodes over the area where you feel pain and stimulate. You can move the electrodes on different area to get the best result.
- You should not feel any discomfort. The TENS unit should be set in a manner where the sensation is at a tolerable level.
- As the TENS unit battery is about to drain, you need to increase the intensity to maintain the level of stimulation output.
- Time duration for a high or conventional TENS treatment should be at least 30 to 60 minutes. For low frequency, it should for 30 minutes and can be repeated after 90 minutes once or twice a day.
- There are times that a certain setting would give you the relief you wanted while there are others that needs to vary the setting so that they would reduce the pain they feel. You can always seek advice with your medical practitioner for this.
- It is not advisable to use the TENS unit when you are about to sleep. You may damage the electrodes when you roll over.
- Electrodes should be removed from the skin area everyday. You need to properly clean the skin to avoid irritations. You should not place the electrodes exactly on the same area everyday. Make sure to move the electrodes slightly around the area.
Please remember that a TENS unit does not cure the problem causing pain to your body. However, it helps lessen the pain. It can also help in the healing process of the body since it can stimulate anti-inflammatory substances. The best result and determinant that the treatment is definitely a success is the comfort that would be felt by the patient. Anyway, this is the main goal for using a TENS unit!