Electrical pain relief comes in several forms, one of them being TENS- or “Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.” Aurawave is a state-of-the-art TENS device designed to bring instant paint relief without the use of drugs or the requirement for a prescription.

Just how do TENS models like AuraWave work? The actual science is based on the concept of gently stimulating your body’s nerve fibers using light electrical “pulses.Inch These low rate of recurrence pulses are administered to the body via adhesive electrodes, placed on your skin along either side from the pained area. When the AuraWave device is switched on, the consumer simply selects a treatment setting based on the type of pain he or she is experiencing, and the electric pulses are sent in the unit through the electrodes. They penetrate the nerves, located an in or below the skin, which send messages to the brain.

Whenever an area of the is experiencing pain, the actual nerves in that part of the body send signals towards the brain, which in turn translates these signals as pain. However, the technology of the TENS units is where the newest treatment comes into play. The electrical pulses administered through the AuraWave actually “reroute” the pain indicators in the body, so that the brain only registers the tingling of the electrodes, rather than the pain in that area. Simply speaking, this kind of therapy “confuses” the brain into not realizing the pain in the area.

There are several models of TENS units on the market, however AuraWave is one of the best products with regard to electrical pain relief, for several reasons:

Unlike most other TENS machines, AuraWave can be bought without a doctor’s prescription. It’s actually the first device of its kind to be authorized by the FDA for over-the-counter buying. This allows consumers to steer clear of doctor’s visits and dealing with insurance companies more than prescription and protection details- it can simply be purchased and used right away.
The digital screen readout trumps its competitors when you are easier to navigate as well as understand, complete with a diagram of the body to be able to pinpoint the correct kind of treatment.
It has several different modes of therapy in order to target the perfect frequency of MegaHertz for varying levels of pain, occurring in different areas of the body.
It’s portable, light-weight, and battery-operated, making it comfortable and easy to use.
It comes with an exclusively designed belt which allows the user to wear this underneath clothing for around-the-clock use and continuous pain relief when preferred.
In addition to blocking discomfort signals, it also raises blood circulation in the area to advertise healing, and boosts the body’s release of hormones.

EMS vs. TENS

Many people mistakingly confuse TENS treatment with EMS, which stands for “Electronic Muscle Stimulation“.Inch Both machines use electrodes, look very similar, as well as fall under the category of electrical pain relief devices, but they actually carry out different functions. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulators such as AuraWave target the nerves specifically, in order to “shut off” the pain signals before they can reach the brain. EMS machines, however, stimulate the muscle tissue themselves, forcing them to contract.

Does TENS Hurt?

Ironically, despite the fact that TENS machines were designed to reduce pain, many people associate electrical pain alleviation with electric shocks, and fear that using AuraWave could cause them pain. Fortunately, this is not the case. The sensation it makes is similar to a gentle tingling, buzzing, or even tickling feeling. In fact, it’s used by athletes following a hard workout to savor a safe and gentle massage.

Is It Dependable, or Are There Negative effects?

Unlike many narcotic painkillers prescribed by doctors, AuraWave is completely non-addictive, since it uses no drugs- simply stimulating electric currents. This is great news for people who have difficulty taking prescription pain medications, but nonetheless have the need for alleviation. Some people worry about receiving an electric “shock” when using a TENS unit, but even the maximum rate of recurrence level is not almost strong enough to produce an electrical shock of any kind. The only noticeable sensation is the light tingling sensation where the electrode is placed on the skin. If the tingling sensation feels too strong, it can simply be decreased by adjusting the frequency setting. In rare cases, some people have observed minor skin discomfort due to the adhesive electrode pads, but this is not usually the case. It can also be avoided by making sure to slightly adjust the placement from the pads from day to day to permit the skin to breathe.

TENS electrodes or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Electrodes are generally one of the most important parts of the TENS machine. These electrodes are attached to a TENS machine by wire. Most of the machines are usually battery operated and a mild current that travels to the thin wire from the machine to the patients would help improve the condition of the patients. TENS can be used for pain management for those who experience muscle and joint pain. More to that, for patients who just undergone surgery, the effect of the therapy will help alleviate discomfort.

Generally, TENS electrodes are attached to the patients skin for stimulation. They are always held intact on the skin with the use of a sticky patch placed at the end of the electrodes. When electrical impulses pass from the machine to the patients’ nerve, it blocks the pain signal before reaching the brain.

It is very vital to consider the proper placement of the TENS pads over the patients. If during the treatment, the pads are improperly placed, patients’ pain scale will heighten. Following surgery, pads are placed around the surgical wound. Moreover, electrodes are also recommended to settle it on the skin just between the brain and the affected area for long term pain management.

For physical therapists, they usually place the electrodes just above the muscles that need to be aided. This method is safe and effective especially for muscle and joint pain. The duration of this treatment depends upon the condition of the patients. On the other hand, patients who had undergone surgical operation receive the therapy for three to five days in the hospital. For home pain management, this therapy can also be possible with the guidance of a trained caregiver.

When patients experience constant pain scale of 8/10 -10/10, it needs to be addressed immediately because severe pain can jeopardize the condition of the patients especially those with heart problems. Heart rate, blood pressure and breathing will hike up. Moreover, with the advent of TENS, patients will experience soothing and relaxing effects without the use of drugs. On the hand, these machines that are available in the market are proven to promote comfort.

TENS therapy is safe and effective because it offers total relief for patients who experience chronic and acute pain. Without TENS electrodes, it is impossible for the mild electrical current to run through the wire going to the patients nerve for stimulation. These electrodes are responsible for maintaining the patients’ optimum wellness during the entire treatment.

You’ve probably heard a lot about muscle stimulators recently and chances are, you’ve heard TENS being mentioned, as well. They are both commonly advertised machines that you can get easily for home use. But what is the difference between these two treatments? If you aren’t sure about this then you won’t be able to make the best purchase decision.

The main difference between the two is that a muscle stimulator is used to cause muscle contraction, while TENS focuses on nerve stimulation and tries to avoid contracting the muscles. Both use electrical pulses to do their job, but have different purposes.

TENS
The main use of a TENS machine is for pain relief, particularly in the case of chronic pain. It is most often used for joint or muscle pain that won’t go away, but can also be used to help treat nerve problems without resorting to drugs. It isn’t uniformly effective, that is, different people will have different results. For some, TENS electrical pulses interrupt the pain signals so effectively that they are literally without pain. For others, the relief is nearly non-existent, but most commonly, this treatment provides considerable relief from the chronic pain that haunts the user.

On occasion, with medical consent, the TENS can be used at the end of pregnancy, to help alleviate the pains associated with early labor. Since this is only recommended with a doctor’s permission, it’s not a good idea to try this without checking first.

TENS can be used for up to 12 hours and consists of two small electrodes that are placed on either side of the area where the pain originates. The higher frequencies tend to block the pain signals, while much lower frequencies will stimulate the body to produce endorphins which naturally reduce pain.

Muscle Stimulation
This is a very similar machine to the TENS, also using two electrodes to send electrical pulses through the body. However, the purpose is quite different. Here, the purpose is to cause the muscles to contract and the reason has nothing to do with pain relief.

Muscle stimulation has been found to be an effective method of training the muscles. The electrical impulses mimic those of the brain to tell muscles to move. There are two main reasons to use a muscle stimulator.

Training: Using electrical stimulation for training purposes is very useful. It allows the person to focus on specific muscle groups by choosing the right frequency and will work just those muscles, working them and conditioning them. This is particularly useful for aesthetic purposes.

Medical: When it comes to therapeutic use, electrical pulses can be used to stimulate muscles that are not being used. This can keep them conditioned and prevents atrophying. It’s a useful measure in medical situations.

Both TENS machines and muscle stimulators have their uses, but they are very different in their reasons for being used. If you are looking for an alternative to standard pain relief, then the TENS machine is what you should be looking at. However, for the prevention of atrophied muscles and to define specific muscle groups, the muscle stimulator is the way to go.

Now that you know the difference between these two different types of therapies, you’ll be able to choose the correct one. These machines can be bought for home use and you can safely use them yourself, as long as you follow the directions and take care not to use them if you have heart problems or a pacemaker.

Electronic muscle boosters are being used on a much more consistent basis with doctor’s offices and clinics, but also in most physiotherapy rooms and treatment centers. The ability of these machines to provide relief for — and in some cases even remedy - back as well as muscle pain, means that these machines will be in make use of for many years to come. Utilized in beauty salons, fitness and health facilities, and by physiotherapists treating workplace injuires and other muscle and nerve ailments, the electronic muscle activator has become an essential therapy tool.

This isn’t just for treating muscle injuries and back muscle mass pain, however. These types of instruments are generally known as TENS machines (Transcutaneous Electrical Muscle Stimulation) and therefore are a drug-free way to handle all sorts of muscle as well as nerve pain. The instrument uses a low frequency and mild voltage to provide a prickling sensation rather than an electric jolt to provide a stroking, deep pulsating feeling within the affected nerve and muscle places. By applying the electrodes straight to the pain area, the actual TENS machine can quickly provide a high level associated with pain relief and can, generally, remove the pain altogether after just a few periods. Chronic pain could be alleviated during these periods because of the way that the TENS machine interrupts the pain transmitters sending signals towards the brain.

Anyone who can do a low-level exercise routine can benefit from a session and it is perfectly safe for most of us. Some people should not use the TENS machine should they have pace makers, are pregnant, have heart disease, have metal pins or plates within their body, have diabetic issues or high blood pressure, or have cancerous skin lesions. As with any form of new treatment regimens, it is absolutely essential that you speak things over with your physician before starting any therapy.

Electronic muscle stimulators work by sending tiny electrical impulses through electrodes set on the affected area of the physique. These electrodes are generally attached to the skin along with adhesive tape to keep the surface of the electrode in constant contact with the skin. In this manner, the underlying nerves as well as muscles are lightly stimulated during the therapy. As the electrical signals pass through the skin and contact with the nerves, the pain receptors in the nerve fibers are temporarily blocked, shutting off the pain transmitters to the brain. Additionally they promote the release associated with endorphins in the body, which are chemicals that behave as the body’s natural discomfort blocking mechanism. Individuals recovering from strokes and people who’ve had muscle and nerve damage find that the treatments have a profound effect on the way that their bodies recover.

When properly used, these instruments are completely safe but again, this sort of treatment should only be carried out after consulting with your doctor or health care professional. Many people with persistent pain conditions find almost instant alleviation by having regular remedies. The treatments are so popular and safe that many people with chronic discomfort administer the treatment themselves in their own home.

Many people deal with chronic pain on a near daily basis. For lot’s of those people, the worst is chronic back pain. Back pain can be disabling and make an otherwise healthy person feel completely depleted of energy and unable to perform day to day tasks. In this post, we’ll look at the 4 biggest reasons for back pain.

1. Sports & Work Related Injuries - From sports to work, an injury is a big cause for chronic back pain. These kinds of causes are usually lifting accidents or using improper technique during an exercise. Use caution and follow proper safety instructions when working or playing.

2. Acquired Conditions or Diseases - When you think of back pain from a disease, scoliosis or arthritis is the first thing that comes to mind. Also, pregnancy, kidney stones, and other conditions can cause chronic back pain because of the drastic change to the body.

3. Infections - Although not as common as the other causes of back pain, an infection in the spine or vertebrae can cause a debilitating condition. Similar to infections, tumors can mis-align vertebrae and cause chronic back pain.

4. Mechanical Issues -  Pain from mechanical issues can be narrowed down to a persons locomotion or the way the move during certain activities. Another source can be from their posture. If sitting for long periods of time in a poor position, mechanical problems can occur and cause chronic back pain.

One can relieve chronic back pain with the use of TENS units, muscle stimulators, and EMS technology. Use under the suggestion of a physician and use cautiously. While TENS therapy won’t be the cure for the problem, it can provide some temporary pain relief. Consult with a doctor to find a long-term solution for the pain.

Physical therapy refers to the use of one or more physical approaches to promote and maintain the body’s well-being, to help a horse recover from injury, and to re-educate an injured body part to move or function normally. Electrotherapy, in particular, is the application of an electric current via surface electrodes to produce controlled movement of the skin, muscle, tendon, and associated ligaments, explains Sheila Schils, PhD (biomechanics/kinesiology), a private equine rehabilitator in Wisconsin who reviewed the use of electrotherapy devices in horses at the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners annual convention. There are two main types of electrotherapy devices: sensory nerve or motor nerve stimulator.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENS) These tools can be used to decrease pain by changing how the nervous system responds to pain signals. In general, TENS units send electrical signals that confuse the pain pathways, blocking the sensation of pain. These systems are designed to stimulate only sensory nerves.

Interferential stimulators These units also are nerve stimulators, but each uses a pair of high-frequency waves that can penetrate deeper into the skin than TENS units. Therapists use these stimulators to treat patients with debilitating pain. “Due to the very uncomfortable sensation of these stimulators, they should not be used for muscle stimulation, only very carefully used for nerve stimulation,” says Schils.

Neuromuscular and functional electrical stimulators (FES) These units use electrical waves to stimulate motor nerves (i.e., nerves that control muscles). Thus, neuromuscular stimulators offer a way to mobilize muscles and associated tendons and ligaments through controlled muscular contractions, which can be uncomfortable for the horse. Ultimately, the deep muscle contractions these units induce reduce spasticity and the associated pain in the stimulated muscles. Unlike the TENS and interferential stimulators, this pain relief is long-lasting.

Galvanic muscle stimulators These units use direct current to generate a very low-voltage electrical signal to be transmitted in one direction. Professionals use this type of stimulus mainly to transmit substances, such as medications, through the skin in a process known as iontophoresis.

“These units can cause an unpleasant stinging sensation and can cause tissue trauma if used excessively, which limit their use,” Schils explains.

Microcurrent electrical stimulators - These units produce low-amplitude currents that mimic weak electrical currents produced during normal/natural tissue healing. Unlike TENS and neuromuscular electrical stimulators, these units do not stimulate sensory nerves or muscles, which means the patient feels no tingling.

Not all stimulators are appropriate for horses, despite their commercial availability. “Because the tissue mass of horses is greater than for humans, the tissues that need to be activated in horses are deeper and a specific type of waveform is necessary,” Schils explains.

This means horses require a higher amplitude signal, but these increased signals could case irritation or trauma to the skin if the wrong device is selected or if the correct device is used inappropriately.

“Humans can rationalize the discomfort, whereas horses cannot,” notes Schils. “An appropriate unit must be selected that will be tolerated by the horse without the need to administer a tranquilizer. Neuromuscular (FES) electrical stimulators appear to be most appropriate for horses because they produce controlled responses superficially as well as to the deeper tissues and are accepted by most horses.”

The electric muscle stimulator claims to help you increase muscle tone while you do absolutely nothing. Undoubtedly, this is an appealing prospect, but can it possibly work and, if so, how?

How Long Has the Electric Muscle Stimulator Been Around?

Believe it or not, the first scientific research to prove the ability of electricity to stimulate muscle movement came back in 1791. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, this topic fascinated scientists, who identified the exact properties of electricity that stimulated muscles and showed that this could affect long-term alterations to the muscle exposed to electric impulses.

However, it was not until the 1960s, when the Soviet Union began using an electric muscle stimulator to train its athletes that the notion of using this technique to create ‘the body beautiful’ began.

The Science

So, how does it work? Well, electric muscle stimulation (EMS) is the delivery of electric impulses into the muscles via electrodes (pads placed over the muscles). The electricity mimics what is known as the action potential, which in natural circumstances would come from the central nervous system, and causes the muscle or muscles to contract.

The effect of this procedure is different depending on the fiber type of the muscle being treated and the method of treatment. However, it is believed that under the correct circumstances EMS may increase the strength of a muscle, improve muscle endurance and fatigue resistance.

Are EMS Products Safe?

In the U.S., EMS products are approved by the FDA, Food and Drug Administration, and are certified in two categories: over-the-counter products that you could go out and buy today, and prescription products that are designed for treating a medical condition and must be used under supervision.

Typically, an electric muscle stimulator is perfectly safe. However, in accordance with FDA guidelines, all products must carry literature about the possible side effects and the danger for certain groups of people, for example, those with pacemakers.

Should You Buy an EMS Product?

Consumer opinion over these products is divided. Many will state that EMS did nothing for them, whereas others claim to have noticed a marked difference. However, this may come down to the effectiveness of individual products, the method of use and the age of the user, because all of these factors will affect the success of the product. If you are interested in purchasing an electric muscle stimulator, it is advisable to research the specific brand and seek the opinion of fellow customers.

There is published work documenting the benefits of EMS in sports training, but it wise to remember that this is based on the most sophisticated equipment available and is coupled with workout routines.

Obviously, in some instance, electric muscle stimulators are effective. However, it is worth mentioning that these products are by no means necessary. In fact, you are likely to achieve better results with a few sit-ups every day and they will not cost you a penny.

Remember, when it comes to fitness and weight loss, quick fixes rarely live up to expectation.

Looking to pack on some serious muscle mass? Do you want to build a ripped, rock-solid physique that demands respect and turns heads wherever you go? Then you have come to the right place. In this article I am going to introduce you with one single solution that will help you achieve that powerful body quicker than you ever fancy.

With thousands of muscle building options available in stores and online it is virtually impossible to make a particular choice. Well, look no further, we introduce you to the most advanced product, the Electrical muscle stimulator (EMS), designed to give quicker and better results.

Electronic Muscle Stimulator is a revolutionary muscle exercise device serviceable at home or gym. Muscle Stimulators cause your muscles to contract and relax on their own. You don’t have to do anything except hook up the electrodes to your body and turn the device on. A series of electrical signals will be sent to your muscles causing them to contract and relax.

Our Electronic Muscle Stimulator systems are portable, lightweight electronic units that have been scientifically designed and proven to exercise body muscles fast, efficiently & effectively through a series of stimulated contraction & relaxation phases. For years Soviet and Eastern block Olympic contenders have used muscle stimulators to build the same rippling muscles that steroids promised. Now this same muscle stimulation technology is available for you.

The most obvious benefit is cutting your workout time in 1/2. Your muscles will get stronger in no time. Most people see visible results within seven days. You will actually be sore the next day immediately following your first 30-minute AB workout. Being sore the next day just as if you had been through an intense gym workout. Clinical studies have shown that 30 minutes with an RX-8000 Electronic muscle simulator is equivalent to 500 sit up crunches.

Electronic Muscle Stimulator (EMS) or Neuromuscular Stimulator (NMS) is a useful tool for prevention or retardation of muscle spasm, muscle re-education, maintaining and increasing the range of motion, and increasing local blood circulation. Common candidates for EMS Stimulator include those in high stress situations experiencing muscle tension in the upper back and neck areas, and those who suffer from chronic tension headaches.

Muscle stimulators are recommended for anyone participating in bodybuilding, power lifting, martial arts, boxing, and athletics or for people simply wishing to achieve an athletic physique. The majority of our customers are buying muscle stimulators for cutting up their abs, achieving ripped abs, six pack abs, or simply toning their bodies.

The medical community has made great strides in developing innovative treatment methods for patients suffering an injury that requires rehabilitation of the muscle tissues. Injuries can result from a sports related event, an accident that requires the need for physical therapy, or an injury resulting from a daily activity. One therapeutic treatment that has become popular in treating physical injuries is Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)

Electrical muscle stimulation, also referred to as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), or electromyostimulation, is used for the prevention of muscle spasms and muscle atrophy, increasing local blood circulation by stimulating muscle tissue, strengthening the muscle tissue to promote healing, maintaining or increasing the range of motion, muscle re-education, and the stimulation of calf muscles to prevent venous thrombosis

How EMS Works
EMS uses an electrical current to stimulate your muscles. The electrical pulse stimulates the nerves to generate a natural muscle contraction. This is known as passive exercise. EMS devices produce electrical signals that stimulate the nerves. The impulses are produced by an electrical device and delivered through electrodes placed on the skin near the muscles that require stimulation. By placing the pads near a certain group of muscles, and then sending the impulses using the EMS device, the muscles will begin to contract and relax. The impulses imitate the impulses produced by the brain to stimulate muscle tissue. The contractions that results from stimulation are much like muscle contractions during regular exercise. The voltage for different pressure points on the muscle can be adjusted according to need. The result of stimulation is the repairing and strengthening of muscles.

EMS devices help stimulate muscle tissue that may not be affected by regular exercise routines. They will stimulate damaged muscle tissues resulting in restoring, toning, and strengthening of the damaged tissue. The pulses stimulate the tissue fibers to certain degrees and patterns which decreases muscle degeneration caused by nerve atrophy.

Advantages of Using EMS Devices
Most rehabilitation clinics use EMS devices because of their healing qualities. When using EMS, the repair process is much faster because nerve and muscle tissue are able to recover more quickly. Stimulation is sufficient to initiate repair of the muscle. When the muscle tear heals, the patient can continue with the next step in the rehabilitation process. Therefore, the patient’s rehabilitation time is shorter. The method is much less painful. It can also be relaxing because much of the pain is alleviated. As well, the relief can last for some time after the session is complete.

The FDA mandates that manuals display contraindications, warnings, precautions and adverse reactions. This includes: no use for wearers of pacemakers; no use on critical body parts, such as carotid sinus nerves, across the chest, or across the brain; caution in the use during pregnancy, menstruation, and other conditions that may be affected by muscle contractions. Possible adverse effects can include skin irritations and burns

More hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and sport clinics are using Electronic Muscle Simulators, or EMS devices. Their use is growing particularly in the athlete community. The beneficial results have attracted the attention of many in the medical community. General Practitioners are now seeing the benefits of using EMS on their patients. EMS devices can also be found in gyms and in homes to help people recover quicker from a muscle injury. Most people who have received EMS treatment find the process constructive and comforting. Because it speeds up the rehabilitation process, patients will find themselves saving money. Electronic muscle simulators are a great way to encourage muscle healing, control pain, and strengthen the muscles.

1. Understanding the Basics
Electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) uses small electrical charges to zap muscles and make them contract and relax automatically. Pads that contain electrodes, connected by wires to a small control unit, are attached to the body and deliver the charges. The theory is that this helps heal damaged muscles and helps strengthen normal muscles without active exercise. EMS is, in fact, widely used by trainers to help athletes rehabilitate after an injury. But, in recent years EMS has exploded on the retail market as the way to sit-back-and-relax while you develop killer abs and lose weight.

2. Medical Uses of EMS
EMS is often used in rehabilitation following surgery or injury. Muscles quickly lose their strength and tone when they are not used. EMS helps patients who can’t move around during recovery regain some muscle tone. Because EMS causes muscles to contract and relax without the patient’s own effort, it keeps the injured muscles active. It’s a kind of “heal as you sleep” method. For pain control, doctors and physical therapists may use a similar device, known as a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) unit.

3. The FDA Regulates EMS
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is quite interested in electronic muscle stimulators. They watch television just like the rest of us. And, when EMS sales became a multi-billion dollar business, the FDA decided to take a serious look. They’re skeptical about the “rock hard abs” and other claims. But, their main concern is safety. EMS devices that have not been approved by the FDA may be a hazard. Electrical leads might cause shocks or even electrocution. EMS devices might also interfere with other medical devices, like pacemakers. Most FDA-approved devices are intended for use by physical therapists. In fact, the FDA website lists only one EMS device (out of the dozens advertised on television) that has met the FDA requirements. So, “let the buyer beware.”

4. EMS and Weight Loss
Nothing sounds better than kicking up your feet, throwing in your favorite movie, and enjoying a little pizza and beer. If you can do that and lose weight at the same time it would be sheer heaven. But, heaven on earth is sometimes hard to find. Infomercials would have you believe the pizza and beer weight loss plan is reality. But, studies show EMS won’t really help you lose weight. The “passive exercise” you get from EMS just isn’t enough for weight loss.

5. EMS is Not a Quick Fix
The bottom line is that EMS has some terrific uses. But, it’s just not the quick and easy fix that TV commercials make it out to be. It’s definitely helpful for rehab after surgery and injury. But, the “six-pack abs” you’re after will require more effort on your part. EMS can help–a little. EMS will help add some tone to your muscles, but the real muscle building will only come through good, old-fashioned hard work.

Source: livestrong.com