Choosing the Best TENS Unit

What to Consider when Choosing your TENS Unit

Learn more about all the different settings and features our TENS units offer.

EMS vs. TENS

EMS stands for Electrical Muscle Stimulation and TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Both devices look very similar and use delivery of electrical stimulation, but it’s what is being stimulated and the purpose that differs. TENS treatment targets nerves for the purpose of relieving pain, while EMS stimulates the muscles for the purpose of strengthening and rehabilitating.

• TENS Machines

  Are recommended when you have joint or nerve pain that is typically chronic. These are conditions like arthritis, back pain, and foot pain. Sometimes it’s even recommended for migraine pain.

• EMS Machines

  Are recommended to relax or strengthen muscles and are used to often treat muscle spasms, poor circulation, or muscle atrophy.

Our EMS TENS Unit offers the best of both worlds. With 8 EMS modes and 9 TENS modes you can choose between therapies based on your current needs.

Remember, it’s best to consult with your doctor to determine which type of electrical stimulation would benefit you the most.

Intensity Levels

Our wireless and 8-Mode TENS units have 20 intensity levels, while our 5-mode unit has a total of 16. The EMS TENS Unit has 40 intensity levels making it the most versatile machine we offer. Multiple intensity levels allow for users to fine-tune their treatment to their needs. Mild settings are a good place to start for most conditions, letting you work up to more intense treatment as you grow accustomed to electric nerve or muscle stimulation.

Battery

Our Wireless TENS Unit as well as the 8-mode unit both offer a long-lasting rechargeable lithium battery that offers 10 hours of continual use. The battery can be charged via a USB port for on-the-go therapy. The 5-Mode TENS Unit and EMS TENS Unit use a set of AAA batteries which can be swapped out when needed.

Output

The wireless and 5-mode TENS units operate on a single output. This means the electrical power used in the treatment is split between two sets of electrode pads. Our 8-mode design and EMS TENS are slightly different, with a dual channel output that uses the same power supply for both sets of pads. This offers more intense massage relief.

Timer

All of our TENS units offer timed therapy sessions to ensure you get exactly the level of treatment you need. Both 8-mode and 5-mode models can be adjusted for the span of time you want (see chart above for details) while the wireless unit offers 15 minute sessions. The EMS TENS unit offers customizable sessions anywhere from 5 to 90 minutes long.

Electrode Pads

Our TENS units come with a set of electrode pads, which are attached to different areas of the body to deliver electronic nerve stimulation. They can be placed in different configurations, and target any area to treat pain. Their self-adhering design allows you to reuse them for up to 20 sessions, after which time you can replace them with our Universal Pad Replacements.

Our Recommendations for... 

See how each of our TENS units stand out, with recommendations for a range of common needs.

Travel or Portability

Taking your TENS treatment on the go is a great way to manage pain, letting you resume daily activities without hassle. Our Wireless TENS Unit is the perfect option, as it allows you to attach the electrode pads without the hassle of wires, while also taking advantage of the rechargeable battery which features 10 hours of continuous use. The 8-Mode TENS Unit also has a rechargeable battery, alongside the widest selection of different settings and treatment modes.

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EMS TENS COMBO

The Vive EMS TENS unit is the best EMS TENS combo. This device can be used for both muscle and nerve stimulation, making it a versatile option based on your current needs. The 22 therapy modes and 40 intensity levels allow you to target sore and fatigued muscles and the ability to treat chronic pains like arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, and plantar fasciitis.

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Plantar Fasciitis

TENS units are a good way to manage plantar fasciitis pain as the tendon heals, letting you get back to your regular life sooner. For the widest range of features try the 8-Mode TENS Unit which boasts 8 different therapy modes, 20 intensity levels, and four individual electrode pads which fit comfortably to feet. Our 5-Mode TENS is another good option, with 16 intensity settings and a good selection of therapy modes of its own.

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Muscle Pain

For fatigued, sore, or tight muscles you’ll want to utilize electrical muscle stimulation over TENS. The EMS TENS unit can specifically target muscles over nerves to strengthen and rehabilitate them. Its 40 intensity levels with 2-channel output gives you the option to completely customize your therapy. You can even use the massage mode to deliver a relaxing vibration that loosens tight muscles. This unit is our most versatile device allowing you to also utilize TENS therapy for other joint or nerve pain.

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Budget Friendly

If you’re trying TENS for the first time or want to minimize expenses, you can still get quality treatment without breaking the bank. Take a look at the features offered by our 5-mode TENS unit, which includes 4 electrode pads, an adjustable timer, and a combination of five therapy modes and 16 intensity settings that makes it easy to personalize your treatment.

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Sciatica

Sciatica is a back condition that can result in pain that spreads down the leg, making it difficult to enjoy everyday activities. While physical therapy may be necessary to see long-term improvement, the painful symptoms of sciatica can be managed by our 8-mode TENS unit. It offers treatment programs specifically designed for back and leg pain, and can offer relief in as little as 10 minutes.

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Cramps

Everyday pains like cramps need a treatment that is simple to use and readily available. Our 5-mode TENS unit offers a paired-back design that can offer on-the-spot treatment in 5, 10, or 15 minute sessions, and can be placed anywhere needed to treat menstrual, back, leg cramps and more. Our 8-mode TENS unit offers a few more massage modes as well as a rechargeable battery which can stay fully loaded for when you need it.

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