In this busy lifestyle, it is very difficult for people to take some time out and pay attention to their ailing bodies. It always starts with discomfort, a niggle, which people continue to ignore until the pain becomes unbearable. In such situations, people take all sorts of painkillers and treatments, spending hundreds of dollars on massage chairs, which by the way, I like a lot and encourage people to buy because of their features and effectiveness, but massage chairs are expensive, period. Not everyone can buy a massage chair, so what options do those people have for getting rid of the pain?
Well, there is a product called ‘TENS Unit’, which is a special device that treats pain using electrical signals. If you haven’t had a chance to use such pain relieving machine, then it’s the right time to buy one. To make your task easier, I have reviewed six best TENS unit consumer reports, so you just have to pick one of these six products and use it in the affected area of your body that is causing debilitating pain for months.
Reviews Of 6 Best TENS Units
1. TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit with Accessories
Get this TENS unit if you want to get rid of different body pains in the easiest of ways. This unit features a small screen along with two sections, which are encapsulated in a plastic case with other metal and rubber elements. There are four control buttons on the unit with each covered by a protective lid on the backside.
The sensors are connected to quality wires unlike many TENS units, which use substandard wires. Before using this product, you need to go through the instruction manual and adjust the settings or else, you will receive electric shocks. The unit has the capability of storing up to 60 sets of operation records; whereas the total recorded time turning out to be 999 hours.
The TENS Unit comes with five consumer modes in which each mode combines a predefined set of power, speed, and intensity, so there is no need to adjust those manually. The battery operates on battery power and it features a 9A battery that runs for 48 hours uninterrupted.
2. NueMedics Tens Unit Machine Pulse Massager
Check out this product, which is a combination of TENS and PMS device. The unit is FDA approved and is very effective in relieving pain from your body, regardless of where it is, thanks to its endorphin increasing capability. The unit has a user-friendly interface and plenty of features that help you in using the machine without any issue. The inclusion of multiple modes allow you to treat pain rising in the shoulder, back, neck, feet, hands, hip, knead and tap. To check as to which mode is working, the company has provided a backlit LCD display.
The unit also includes 24 pre-programmed massage modes, which include cupping, deep tissue, joint, and acupuncture, and you can set the duration of the massage from 10 minutes to 1 hour, thanks to the built-in timer. For treating pain in an efficient manner, you will get 6 large-sized conductive electrode pads with the unit that cover the entire affected area, thus help alleviate the pain. The unit operates on a rechargeable Li-ion battery, which charges in about 2-3 hours and then, lasts for about 20 hours non-stop. A battery level indicator is also provided that lets you know about the status of the battery.
3. Belifu Dual Channels Tens Unit Electro EMS Muscle Stimulator
This may seem like any other TENS unit, but the feature that makes it stand apart from the competition is its ability to be used as two separate TENS units at a time. You can treat two different parts of your body simultaneously using this unit. It comes with full isolated dual channels along with 20 level intensity settings, 24 modes, and time control. Featuring a large backlit LCD touch screen with a touch pen allows you to see the settings and adjust those quite easily. You don’t have to press the mini button repeatedly to select a suitable mode, as there is a touch pen for that function.
The TENS Unit has the ability to relieve you from a wide range of body pains such as arthritis, back pain (read more: best mattress for back pain), neck pain, period pain, knee pain, and sports injuries. You can even use it for chronic pain and labor pain. The unit runs on battery power, so you will find a rechargeable Li-ion battery, which can easily operate for 10 hours on a full charge. Moreover, there is a battery level indicator as well to let you know about the battery status. Coming to the accessories that are included with the product, then those include a high-quality travel case, 10 reusable pads (self-adhesive), free hardcover organizer bag and fastening cable ties.
4. AUVON Dual Channel TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator Machine
AUVON TENS Unit is another spectacular electric muscle stimulator that is packed with many awesome features. The unit features 20 pre-set modes in comparison to 15 in most TENS units in the same price range. Some of the popular modes include hammering, shiatsu, kneading and more. A standout feature in this TENS unit is the independent mode control through which you can select different settings for both channels.
You can select any mode with any intensity on channel A and a completely different mode and intensity level on channel B. The company has provided quality TENS pads with the unit, which don’t lose their adhesiveness even after being used for more than 20 times. To get the maximum relief, you should use 2-inch TENS electrodes while targeting more compact areas of the body. Similarly, when targeting larger spots, use 2x4-inch electrodes.
5. Belifu Dual Channel TENS EMS Unit 24 Modes Muscle Stimulator
Another product by Belifu on the list, but this one is different from the last. It comes with 24 pre-programmed massage modes, with each focusing on bringing relief from body pain. The ability of this TENS unit to relieve different kinds of conditions such as back pain, neck pain, knee pain, period pain, arthritis, and sports injuries make it one of the most sought after TENS unit. People have even found relief from chronic pain after using this machine. Along with 24 modes, the unit is equipped with 20 level intensity and time control.
You can set different mode with different intensity for channel A and channel B separately. The TENS unit is packed with microcomputer intelligent control technology and human body simulation technology, which together result in simulating and relaxing massage experience. The unit runs on Li-ion battery, which can be charged in 2-3 hours, after which, it keeps the device running for 20 hours continuously. Along with the unit, you will get reusable fastening cable ties, dust-proof drawstring storage bag and 10 pieces of self-adhesive conductive reusable pads.
6. NURSAL TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator
An FDA-approved TENS unit, NUSRAL has developed a portable product, which can be used anywhere, anytime for the treatment of pain occurring in elbows, wrist, ankles, shoulder, knee, and back. With eight pads of different sizes, the unit can cover compact to wide areas of the body with ease. You can apply six pads in two different areas at a time.
With multi massage modes, you just need to select ‘M’ button on the dialer pad to choose the mode of your choice. The unit supports 20 intensity levels, so you can adjust the intensity as per your convenience. To check all the settings, a bright and animated LCD screen has been integrated into the unit. The unit gets power to run through a Li-ion battery, which is rechargeable but non-removable. The battery runs for 10 hours continuously once fully charged. You can set the treatment time from 10 minutes to an hour, which adds to the convenience.
Note: Don’t use the unit when it is charging.
How Does A TENS Unit Work?
A TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit despite being small in size work in a complex way to bring relief to your body from pain. This device produces an electrical current, which flows into your skin, stimulating specific nerve pathways, which in turn bring the person huge relief from pain. The functioning of this device has a lot to do with ‘Gate Control Theory’, which states that the neural mechanisms in the spinal cords of your body act like a gate, so the gate opens and closes upon receiving signals from the brain. Some signals trigger the gate to open where others trigger it to close, and some special signals trigger the gate to close partially.
The electrical signals produced by TENS machine interfere with the signals produced by your body, which determine pain sensation in the brain. The gate doesn’t react to the signals produced by your spinal cord, but it reacts to the signals generated by TENS unit, thus prohibiting brain to register the brain even when after the production of pain signals. TENS unit produces electrical impulses, which stimulate endorphins production in the body, according to Endorphin Release Theory. The production of endorphins makes your body feel like how it would feel after taking prescription drugs, but without any side effects.
Things To Consider When Buying A TENS Unit
TENS Unit is known for bringing relief from different body pains, yet this machine is not made for everybody. If you want to know whether this machine is actually for you or not, and if you want to know about things that you need to keep in mind while buying a TENS unit, then read on.
Do you really need a TENS Unit?
This is the first question that you need to ask yourself. If you experience mild to severe pains frequently, then you should opt for a TENS Unit than a painkiller or other drugs, otherwise not.
Output Intensity
Before you buy a TENS unit, you need to check the output intensity of the product along with the procedure of setting it. The output intensity is nothing but the intensity of current that the unit will deliver to the affected area of the body.
Features
A TENS Unit needs to have all the features that you need now or possibly need in the future. Check if the unit has a timer, different modes, and safety features.
Battery
You need to check the operating mechanism of the TENS Unit, whether it operates on battery power or 120V power outlet. You should opt for the unit, which comprises a removable and rechargeable battery because those are portable and convenient.
Portability & Ease Of Use
Damn, I was just talking about it and here we are on the feature itself. You should invest in a portable TENS unit, which you carry along at the office, outdoors and wherever you want.
Treatment Timer
You should check whether the TENS Unit comes with a treatment timer or not, as it is an important feature to have.
OTC Or Prescription
A TENS unit can be bought on prescription or ‘Over-the-counter’. If it is OTC, then it has to be FDA approved because only then, you can use it at home or the hospital.
Output Channels
Check as to how many outputs does a TENS unit have; the more output it has, the better it is. If you are feeling pain in one small area of the body, then a single or dual output TENS unit will do the job, otherwise, get a TENS unit with multiple outputs.
Warranty
When scouring through dozens of TENS units, you need to pay attention to the warranty because TENS unit being an electronic device can malfunction at any given time, so you must have a decent warranty to get the device repaired or replaced.
Accessories
TENS units come with various accessories such as batteries, replacement parts and wires, so you should opt for a TENS unit, which comes with maximum accessories.
Budget
Finally, you need to look at the price of the TENS Unit, whether it fits your budget or not. I will suggest if you are getting a better product for a little extra price, then you should not hesitate to spend extra money because this is a one-time investment, which will be great for you for a very long time.
Wrap Up
If you have been in pain for quite some time, then you need to stop consuming painkillers and start using TENS Unit because it is way more effective than painkillers and has no side-effects as well. You just need to find the right product and adjust the settings correctly, and I assure you of the best results, i.e., huge relief from pain that you have been feeling in your neck, back, shoulders, hips, elbows, joints, hands, knees or any other part. I have reviewed six best TENS unit consumer reports, so select one product and get rid of your body pains once and for all.