The muscle contraction caused by EMS is effective in helping to treat swelling and inflammation, which can be crucial in treating injuries or pain at the joints, in particular. However, the key difference is that the electrical impulses delivered during EMS cause muscle contractions rather than affecting pain signals. Just as with TENS devices, EMS devices send an electrical impulse through electrodes that adhere to the surface of the skin. By “reset,” we mean that the nerve endings are stimulated in such a way that the pain signals are lost for a time in the electrical impulse.ĮMS, or Electric Muscle Stimulation devices, operate very similarly to TENS devices. These electrical impulses signal the nerve endings to promote the release of endorphins and “reset” the pain signals in that region of the body.

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices offer pain relief by delivering an electrical impulse directly to the area that hurts by simple adhesive electrodes. TENS and EMS units are a popular method of pain relief, offering safe, effective, and drug-free relief from a variety of musculoskeletal pain. Perhaps one of the most innovative methods of helping to relieve nerve, joint, and muscular pain is through the use of TENS and EMS units.

Tinge unit physical therapy