Tens, Interferential and Electronic Muscle Stimulation – What’s the Difference?
Many people often ask about the differences between a TENS unit, and EMS unit. The difference lies below:
TENS, Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation: This type of stimulation is characterized by biphasic current and selectable parameters such as pulse rate and pulse width. TENS stimulates sensory nerves to block pain signals, stimulate endorphin production to help normalize sympathetic function. TENS is generally used to treat medical conditions .
Common uses: Acute and chronic pain, back and cervical muscular and disc syndromes, RSD, arthritis, shoulder syndromes, neuropathies, and many other painful conditions.
IF, Interferential Stimulation: This type of stimulation is characterized by the crossing of two electrical medium, independent frequencies that work together to effectively stimulate large impulse fibers. These frequencies interfere with the transmission of pain messages at the spinal cord level. Because of the frequency, the Interferential wave meets low impedance when crossing the skin to enter the underlying tissue. This deep tissue penetration can be adjusted to stimulate parasympathetic nerve fibres for increased blood flow. Interferential Stimulation differs from TENS because it allows a deeper penetration of the tissue with more comfort (compliance) and increased circulation.
Common uses: Pre and post-orthopaedic surgery, joint injury syndrome, cumulative trauma disorders, increasing circulation and pain control of various origins.
EMS, Electronic Muscle Stimulation, Neuromuscular Stimulation Therapy: This type of stimulation is characterized by a low volt stimulation targeted to stimulate motor nerves to cause a muscle contraction. Contraction/relaxation of muscles has been found to effectively treat a variety of musculoskeletal and vascular conditions. EMS differs from TENS in that it is designed to stimulate muscle motor nerves, while TENS is designed to stimulate sensory nerve endings to help decrease pain.
Most common uses: Prevent or retard disuse atrophy, strengthening programs, re-educate muscles, post Op orthopaedic surgery, joint replacement, gait training, shoulder subluxation and reduction of muscle spasms.
Why buy ours?
Neuro Trac is the most reliable brand of EMS and TENS relief on the market. They are easy to use, always kept in stock and excellent quality ideal for home or professional use. And we are the only stockist in Australia of the new Neuro Trac Multi Tens – a combination machine capable of both TENS and EMS.
Our units are either at least dual channel or four channel which means that they are capable of a greater coverage area. All units come with comprehensive instruction manual and electrode placement guides. There is also a 2 year warranty on the units themselves, and we stock a variety of replacement electrodes and leads available in various sizes dependant on your needs and requirements, please see here.
Our EMS machines have set programs targeted for specific conditions.
Contact us today and we’ll be happy to assist you with further enquiries.
UK customers please find this product at physiosupplies.com and also see our Pinterest board for additional items.