TENS and EMS are two effective treatments that use weak electrical impulses. Although both devices are easy to use and work in more or less the same way, there is a substantial difference between TENS and EMS.
The main difference is this: TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) targets the nerves and EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) targets the muscles. Through carefully placed electrodes, a TENS device sends small impulses to a specific nerve to stop that nerve from transmitting the pain signal to the brain. EMS acts on the muscle: the electrical impulse causes it to contract. This relieves inflammatory pain on the one hand, but the contraction also strengthens the muscle and improves blood circulation.
So TENS works mainly as pain relief, while EMS stimulates and strengthens muscles.
Combination of TENS and EMS for better, long-lasting results
The difference between TENS and EMS means that the two treatments are very complementary and are often used in combination. TENS causes pain to be stopped, while EMS specifically helps with muscle building. Improved muscle tone and stability help your body cope better with pain symptoms and even prevent them in the future.
