The process of using electrical energy for treating body pains and muscle damage is known as electrotherapy. This innovation in the field of science transformed the idea of physiotherapy. It is an interesting way to relax muscle spasms, prevent post-surgical pains, heal wounds, stimulate blood circulation, etc. It plays a vital role in muscle therapy. It is often used for stress relief and as a treatment for depression.
Most Common Types Of Electrotherapy
Different types of electrotherapy include Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), Galvanic Stimulation (GS), Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF), and Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS). All the aforementioned types work differently to alleviate pain. The most common of these are Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) and Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS).
Similarities Between Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) And Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
Many people confuse the two processes owing to some of the similarities they have.
- Electrical Impulse Generator
Both the machines contain an electrical impulse generator which creates high-voltage electrical impulses for curing pain.
- Drug-Free Relief
Both Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) and Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) are used for a non-addictive relief. Both use electrical impulses and no drug for treating different body parts.
- Blood-Circulation
EMS and TENS perform functions that increase blood circulation in the body.
Differences Between Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) And Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
Despite some strong similarities between the two machines, both have a lot of differences. They have different purposes and varying ways of working. Many people confuse their usage and therefore get baffled as to which one to buy. What they do not understand is the fact that they are different. Let’s look into their differences so you can make the right choice for yourself.
- Working Method
For EMS, you choose the muscle that you want to exercise. Putting the electrodes on that defined area of skin, you send an electrical charge into the muscle using an EMS unit. It is similar to a natural signal for the muscles. As a result, the muscles contract like they would during exercise. This happens only in Electric Muscle Stimulation.
A TENS device works differently from EMS. It does send electrical impulses through the skin but not to the muscles, but the nerves or nerve endings. They confuse pain signals by creating endorphins through the stimulation of skin and nerve endings. Endorphins are natural painkillers and they ease the pain and make one feel better. By the production of these, a TENS device gives a drug-free solution to the problem. Also, the pain signals are confused to the point that they cannot reach your brain. When your brain does not perceive pain, the body fails to feel it too.
- Primary Use
The primary use of the EMS unit and the TENS unit differ from each other. The former is used for muscle therapy and the latter relieves pain.
- Application
The main difference between the two under discussion devices or processes is their application. A TENS unit is used in the following cases:
- Post-surgical pain.
- The pain of a wound or an incision.
- Increased headaches.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Arthritis or tendonitis.
- Backache.
- Labour pain.
- Sciatica.
On the other hand, the reasons for using an EMS unit are as follows:
- Muscle spasms.
- Muscle atrophy.
- Weak muscles.
- Venous thrombosis.
- Lack of movement because of an injury.
- Functions Performed
EMS performs the following functions:
- Strengthens the muscles.
- Rehabilitates muscles.
- Increases blood circulation.
- Tones the muscles (for cosmetic purposes).
- Provides a relaxing effect on the muscles.
TENS is responsible for the following acts:
- Relieves different kinds of pain (back, injury, labour, foot pain, etc.)
- Increases blood circulation.
- Eliminates body’s incapacity to move.
- Penetration Value
The penetration value of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is usually low. The penetration value tells how much distance is covered vertically. The results of TENS are short-lived.
On the other hand, the results of EMS last longer. Moreover, the penetration value of an EMS unit is greater than that of a TENS unit.
The frequently asked question “Which electrotherapy device should we buy?” can be rightly answered by figuring out the problem first. As mentioned above, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is used for pain relief. It stimulates the nerve endings to treat pain while preventing pain signals to reach the brain. On the other hand, Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) stimulates the muscles to make them healthy. If you have any kind of a muscle problem like inflammation, atrophy or simply weakening, an EMS device is your right choice. But if you have a pain of some sort, TENS should be your priority. However, both of these functions now coexist in the form of a TENS and EMS combination device. If your head is still not clear, you can buy the combination unit.
