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`What’s the Difference Between TENS
`and EMS Units?
`
`tae damise TDP,
`Vanover
`of Say
`
`15, 2021
`
`TENS vs.EMS
`
`About TENS
`
` AboutEMS_
`
`Effectiveness
`
`Safety
`
`
`
`FDA approval | Which one? | Bottom line
`
`PY
`
`healthgrades;
`
`uk
`
`
`
`Getty Images
`
`TENS and EMS are two physical therapy techniques that may help treat pain or stimulate
`muscle contractions. Both are sometimes called electrical stimulation (e-stim).
`
`In this article, we'll look at the key similarities and differences between TENS and EMS units,
`what they're used for, and whether they're safe to use. Read on to find out which unit best suits
`your needs.
`
`What’s the difference between TENS and
`EMS units?
`
`TENS and EMS units serve different purposes. However, they operate on the same principle.
`
`
`
`
`Document title: TENS vs. EMS: How Do These E-Stim Therapies Differ?
`Capture URL: https://www.healthline.com/health/tens-vs-ems
`Capture timestamp (UTC): Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:05:52 GMT
`
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`ce]
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`SUBSCRIBE
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`TENS and EMS units serve different purposes. However, they operate on the same principle.
`Both of them involve applying an electrical current to specific areas of your body.
`
`What is TENS?
`
`Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a noninvasive pain-relief technique. It
`
`requires using a small handheld or tabletop device, known as a TENS unit, which is connected
`
`via thin wires to adhesive pads.
`
`The adhesive pads, known as electrodes, are placed directly against your skin. When the unit is
`turned on, the electrodes transmit low-voltage electrical signals to your body.
`
`The frequency and intensity of these signals can be adjusted as necessary. These signals
`interfere with pain regulation.
`
`Asingle treatment typically lasts 15 to 40 minutes. It's not painful, but you might feel a slight
`tingling or warming sensation where the electrodes meet your skin.
`
`is important to note that TENS is not curative. This means that it will temporarily ease pain
`It
`while being used. However, it will not be used to heal injuries.
`
`What’s a TENS unit used for?
`
`TENS machines may relieve pain caused by many conditions, including:
`
`arthritis
`+ fibromyalgia
`+ headaches and migraines
`* labor pain
`+ menstrual pain
`+ nerve pain
`* sports injuries
`* surgery
`
`* wounds and incisions
`
`People use TENS in physical therapy and pain clinics. Some hospitals also use them. Handheld
`devices are also available to purchase for at-home use.
`
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`Document title: TENS vs. EMS: How Do These E-Stim Therapies Differ?
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`What is EMS?
`
`Electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) is a physical therapy and fitness technique. Like TENS, it
`involves a machine that transmits electrical impulses through electrodes that are applied
`directly to your skin.
`
`Unlike TENS, though, the electrodes from an EMS machine are applied to key muscle groups. A
`common muscle group EMS is used on is the quadriceps after knee surgery.
`
`The electrical signals trigger repeated contractions (tightening) of the muscles. The
`contractions can be short and frequent or long and sustained.
`
`This process is not all that different from the voluntary muscle contractions associated with
`strength training.
`
`What’s an EMS device used for?
`
`EMS devices are used to “jumpstart” muscle contractions otherwise known as neuromuscular
`
`re-education.
`
`They may be found in fitness centers, as well as in physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics.
`Many EMS devices are also designed and sold for at-home use.
`
`The electrical impulse from an EMS device is stronger than that from a TENS machine. An EMS
`device shouldn't be used to treat pain, and may cause damage to wound sites and incisions.
`
`Are they effective?
`
`The research on electrical stimulators is mixed. While TENS machines have been in use for
`decades, few quality studies have proven their effectiveness.
`
`Literature reviews from 2008 ® and 2014® both concluded that more research was necessary.
`In addition a Cochrane Review from 2019 found no evidence to either support or reject the use
`of TENS units among people who had chronic pain.
`
`Most supporting research, like this 2018 study, shows the effectiveness of EMS when used on
`people following orthopedic surgeries, such as an ACL repair.
`
`A 2012 study evaluated the use of EMS among elite athletes. The authors concluded that EMS
`devices were a promising alternative to traditional strength training.
`
`Document title: TENS vs. EMS: How Do These E-Stim Therapies Differ?
`
`Capture URL: https://www.healthline.com/health/tens-vs-ems
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`Capture timestamp (UTC): Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:05:52 GMT
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`SUBSCRIBE
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`Q
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`people following orthopedic surgeries, such as an ACL repair.
`
`A 2012 study evaluated the use of EMS among elite athletes. The authors concluded that EMS
`devices were a promising alternative to traditional strength training.
`
`Are they both safe to use?
`
`While both machines are generally thought to be safe, they can cause side effects. For
`instance, people with sensitive skin may experience irritation where the electrodes attach to
`your skin.
`
`In addition, the current may be too strong for some people, causing shocks or burning
`sensations. These side effects are more likely with EMS units, since they deliver a stronger
`current.
`
`If you have a heart condition, you should talk with a healthcare provider before using a TENS or
`
`EMS machine. These devices may also interfere with:
`
`* pacemakers
`* defibrillators
`
`« similar devices
`
`Similarly, it’s not clear how TENS or EMS units affect unborn babies. Pregnant people should
`avoid using them in regions where an electrical current might transmit to their baby.
`
`If you want to use a TENS machine during labor, talk with your midwife or healthcare provider
`first.
`
`Are they FDA approved?
`
`Was this article helpful?
`
`The FDA® regulates both TENS and EMS machines, which are considered medical devices.
`This means that manufacturers of these devices must meet certain standards to sell them
`legally.
`
`Also, sellers cannot make false claims about the safety or effectiveness of these machines.
`TENS and EMS units that do not meet the FDA's standards are illegal. They are more likely to
`pose safety risks.
`
`Which option is right for you?
`
`If you want to treat pain, a TENS machine might be helpful. An EMS unit may be beneficial:
`
`+
`
`if you are recovering from a knee surgery
`
`
`
`Document title: TENS vs. EMS: How Do These E-Stim Therapies Differ?
`Capture URL: https://www.healthline.com/health/tens-vs-ems
`Capture timestamp (UTC): Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:05:52 GMT
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`Page 4 of 8
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`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1029, 0004
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`Piety Ui) LT
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`
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`CEU Rec ea SL CC
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`CLO
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`eat
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`EMA Q
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`If you want to treat pain, a TENS machine might be helpful. An EMS unit may be beneficial:
`
`if you are recovering from a knee surgery
`+
`* under the direction of a physical therapist
`+ to improve muscle contractions while working out
`
`Before shopping for either device, talk with your healthcare provider or physical therapist. They
`may be able to recommend a product or, depending on your health status, offer advice on
`other options.
`
`When shopping, take the time to evaluate the machine's features, such as:
`
`* battery life
`* portability
`
`* output intensity
`
`Before making a purchase, check the seller’s return policy and warranty options. Also, be sure
`to only consider units that are FDA approved
`
`It's important to watch out for any unproven claims associated with either type of machines.
`
`For instance, although a TENS machine may help with temporary relief of pain, it isn’t a miracle
`cure.
`
`And while an EMS unit may help you tone your muscles, it probably won't help you magically
`shed a significant amount of weight.
`
`The bottom line
`
`TENS and EMS units use electrical currents. TENS devices may treat pain, while EMS devices
`may stimulate and strengthen your muscles.
`
`It’s currently unclear just how effective these devices are and more, larger-scale research is
`needed to confirm how well they work. They are, however, safe for most people to use.
`
`Before using a TENS or EMS machine, consult a healthcare provider to make sure these
`devices are well suited to you and your needs.
`
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`
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`A CRP test may be used to diagnose inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Get checked at home
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`TN VoL
`
`Last medically reviewed on
`
`January 15, 2021
`
`
`
`Document title: TENS vs. EMS: How Do These E-Stim Therapies Differ?
`Capture URL: https://www.healthline.com/health/tens-vs-ems
`Capture timestamp (UTC): Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:05:52 GMT
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`Page 5 of 8
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`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1029, 0005
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`

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`Piety Ui) LT
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`
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`CEU Rec ea SL CC
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`CLO
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`eat
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`ET} od
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`TN VoL
`
`Last medically reviewed
`
`on
`
`January 15, 2021
`
`How we reviewed this article:
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`@ sources
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`@ HISTORY
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`Share this article
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`Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles
`when new information becomes available.
`
`[ Current Version
`
`Jan 15, 2021
`
`Written By
`Carly Vandergriendt
`Edited By
`Claire Brocato
`Medically Reviewed By
`Lauren Jarmusz, PT, DPT, OCS
`Copy Edited By
`Sofia Santamarina
`
`READ THIS NEXT
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`Document title: TENS vs. EMS: How Do These E-Stim Therapies Differ?
`Capture URL: https://www.healthline.com/health/tens-vs-ems
`Capture timestamp (UTC): Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:05:52 GMT
`
`Page 6 of 8
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`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1029, 0006
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`

`

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`Document title: TENS vs. EMS: How Do These E-Stim Therapies Differ?
`Capture URL: https://www.healthline.com/health/tens-vs-ems
`Capture timestamp (UTC): Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:05:52 GMT
`
`Page 7 of 8
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`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1029, 0007
`
`

`

` Piety
`
`Ui) LT
`Tome Ne
`
`Sergeant
`
`
`
`CEU Rec ea SL CC
`
`CLO
`
`eat
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`EMA
`
`Q
`
`What are the main types of e-stim?
`
`The two main types of e-stim are transcutaneous electrical netve stimulation (TENS) and
`electrical muscle stimulation (EMS).
`
`TENS
`
`TENS may be used for chronic (long-term) pain as well as for acute (short-term) pain. Electrodes
`are placed on the skin near the source of the pain. Signals are sent through nerve fibers to
`block or at least reduce the pain signals traveling to the brain.
`
`EMS
`
`EMS uses a slightly stronger current than TENS to get muscles to contract. The unit’s
`electrodes (also placed on the skin near the affected muscles) cause rhythmic contractions.
`This can improve muscle strength if the user attempts to contract the muscle simultaneously.
`
`Other e-stim types
`
`In addition to EMS and TENS, your doctor or physical therapist may recommend other e-stim
`
`treatments.
`
`OTHER TYPES OF E-STIM
`
`One of the following similar e-stim treatments may help you, depending on your
`condition:
`
`+ Electrical stimulation for tissue repair (ESTR) helps reduce swelling, increase
`circulation, and speed up wound healing.
`+ Interferential current (IFC) stimulates nerves to reduce pain.
`+ Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) stimulates the nerves in muscles to
`restore function and strength, prevent muscle atrophy, and reduce muscle
`spasms.
`+ Functional electrical stimulation (FES) involves a unit implanted in the body to
`provide long-term muscle stimulation aimed at preserving function and motor
`skills.
`+ Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) uses an implantable device to relieve pain.
`+ lontophoresis helps deliver ionically charged medication to tissue to help speed
`up healing.
`
`
`
`
`
`You may have seen TV and online advertisements for home e-stim systems. If you're interested
`in one of these products, talk with your doctor or a physical therapist. Be sure to get proper
`instruction on its use before trying it out.
`
`Document title: TENS vs. EMS: How Do These E-Stim Therapies Differ?
`Capture URL: https://www.healthline.com/health/tens-vs-ems
`Capture timestamp (UTC): Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:05:52 GMT
`
`Page 8 of 8
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`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1029, 0008
`
`