Has this ever happened to you?
After a long day at work, you pick up the kids from school and take them somewhere nice to play. You run and jump with them, feeling energetic like you're seventeen again. Then you go home, have dinner, take a shower to bring yourself to bed finally. But instead of feeling relieved, you go through the nightmare with that annoying pain in your back and joints. Not again.
You're not alone. Almost every other man suffers from some kind of chronic pain, and as we start using analgesics daily, our nerves no longer react to pain killers.
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So is there something we can do?
Yes! The latest innovation on the market appeared in the form of a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator. What they do is send electrical pulses through our skin to our brain to reduce the production of pain signals, while enhancing the pain-relieving feeling.
We made a list of 9 best tens machines on the market, so feel free to explore it!
Top 3 Recommendations
The Best Tens Machine For You In 2022
For over more than fifteen years, Med-Fit 1 Dual Channel remains the sole leader on the market as the bestseller tens machine for physical therapy. Supplying many primary clinics and hospitals throughout the UK, their manufacturer verified the efficiency and high-quality of its product.
Being made for clinical purposes, it has a reliable medical quality which over the years became at hand over the counter, to become accessible to everyone as today is eventually.
This electrical muscle stimulator comes in the full package. At a price set on Amazon, you get one tens machine, two lead wires, two packs of reusable premium electrodes, one 9-volt battery, a quick start guide instruction manual, and a belt clip.
Now, in the pack, you get eight electrodes which are pretty durable and can be reused many times, yet as they wear off, it is essential that you can find a replacement on the market.
The best TENS machine on the current market can work as a single channel pain reliever if you use only two electrodes or as a dual-channel device If you attach all four. Furthermore, it has five therapy modes Constant, modulation and burst modes, Variable pulse rate and Variable pulse width.
With medically tested device at your hands, and its versatility of use you can treat Back, Neck, Shoulder, Knee, Elbow, Leg and Foot pain without worries, as this machine is FDA-approved.
- FDA-approved
- Five modes
- Dual-channel
- Bestseller
- Reusable pads
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First of all, Beurer Digital TENS/EMS Machine presents a clinically tested device, perfectly safe to use and proven to have many beneficial effects on the overall state of the human body, and also improving the health condition with specific medical difficulties.
With its innovative and upgraded design, this TENS model has a three-in-one function, precisely, electric muscle stimulation (EMS) for the simulation of muscle training, electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief, and muscle rehabilitation and massage function for relaxing and tension-relieving effects.
When it comes to settings, this model has no competition. It includes sixty-four pre-programmed settings, out of which 12 preset TENS programs, 32 preset EMS programs and 20 preset massage programs. Furthermore, you may add six individualized plans to adjust the machine functioning to your needs correctly.
You can also adjust the intensity, and the timer function goes between five and one hundred minutes, so as it comes to this tens unit, you have complete freedom.
Being a dual-channel machine, it also enables you to individually adjust the programmes for each channel, treating different areas at once.
- high programme diversity
- three-in-one design
- adjustable intensity
- timer from 5min to 100min
- clinically tested
- only four electrodes
Whatever chronic pain you suffer from, this fantastic tense unit can fix it. With the highest number of pads and the most versatile electrical impulses intensity, it can be said Fit Dual Channel presents the best wireless tens machine UK.
This pocket-size device has twenty-four preprogrammed massage and pain relief modes and dual channel. It also gives you the option to adjust the intensity and thus produce the most appropriate nerve stimulation for your condition.
With a single 9V PP3 battery, you can use this tens unit for thirty to seventy hours, but the battery is available at stores, so you can replace it and use the machine again. It does not include the timer settings, so you decide for how long you will be treating a particular area to achieve the wanted results.
Finally, Med-Fit Dual Channel includes twelve-packs of self-adhesive pads which in total are forty-eight self-adhesive pads. This is most certainly the highest number of pads you get with any tens machine.
Due to its design and the way the modes are programmed, this machine simulates the natural human massage and thus provides the best first aid when in pain.
- Twenty-four modes
- Adjustable intensity
- Dual channel
- 48 Tens pads
- Easy to use
- You can’t use all ten pads at once
If we are to explain what makes this product better than rival tens machines on the market, two things come to our mind. The first one is the highest durability of the pads, while the second is a fantastic property to choose independent modes on channels.
What this means in practice is that you can treat the neck with two pads, choosing the appropriate mode for that area, while attaching the other two on shoulders and operating them independently.
This two-channel tens machine has twenty modes including hammering, kneading, shiatsu and more choices for pain-relieving and massaging effects. Therefore it is appropriate for muscle pain and fatigue, sports injuries, knee pain, arthritis, etc.
When you purchase a TENS machine, the most significant concern is the electrodes which frequently can not be reused, and even when they can, they usually wary off soon. This machine has medical-grade electrodes which include a non-woven cloth layer, conductive wire-end layer, conductive carbon film and TENS premium gel, so they provide the excellent self-stick experience for amazing 45 uses.
- Independent modes for channels
- Premium-quality pads
- Versatile intensities
- Ten hours usage
- Rechargeable
- Problems with settings may appear
Although not so many people have heard about EMS, their tens machine is slowly climbing to the top of Amazon’s best-seller list. It’s a multi-functional device with many different settings and intensities, built to provide pain relief and target the areas you find critical. Let’s look into it.
While all tens machines look alike, it’s the subtle details that differentiate between high-quality products and cheap alternatives. For example, this Moonssy tens machine is equipped with two independent channels that allow different intensities and separate modes so that you can massage two parts of your body simultaneously, but in entirely different ways.
Since there are fourteen pre-programmed massage modes, it is really up to you to decide how you choose to treat each painful spot of your body and combine massage styles to get the best out of your tens machine. Some of the settings you can use are acupuncture, shiatsu, tuina, vibration, rubbing, foot reflexology, etc.
Besides different massages, this Moonssy machine offers different intensities, letting you choose between twenty levels of power and between ten and ninety-minute sessions. There is also a default setting of twenty minutes since that’s the average durability of the tens sessions.
It’s pretty simple to adjust the setting, as everything is displayed on a small LCD monitor, so you don’t have to struggle with it.
In a single charge, you get around ten hours of continuous use, and the hydrogel pads allow fifteen to twenty services until the need for replacement appears.
- Two independent channels
- Twenty intensities
- Fourteen modes
- Hydrogel pads
- Not suitable for pregnant women
What differentiates this tens unit from other tens machines on the market is the innovative fusion of different pain relief methods based on muscle stimulation through electrodes.
It combines body simulation, bionic, bioelectricity and electromagnetic technology with a smart mechanic program simulating different massages such as cupping, acupuncture, etc. and hence have proven efficient in the treatment of many chronic pain conditions such as back pain, arthritic or inflamed discs/joints, shoulder tension and so on.
With eight different modes on TENS settings and eight modes on EMS, you have a pretty realistic subjective feeling of a real massage. It even has a better effect than a human hand massage as it triggers muscles and bones deeper than any hand can.
What this tens unit includes are four electrode pads, three AAA 1.5V batteries, two channels, a free clip holder, a storage bag and a quick start guide This is of high importance for the longevity and storage of your device.
You will take better care of the reusable pads if you can put them away correctly and prevent dust and debris from damaging it.
- Combines EMS and TENS
- Has four pads
- Includes a holder for pads
- Multimodality
- The intensity between the channels not well balanced
The Best Tens Machines are usually used to treat chronic pain of any kind, but it is little known that they can cause pain relief during some acute states such as labour.
Due to its optimized, clinically tested technology, this device is entirely safe for both mum and the baby with zero side effects and contraindications.
With preset modes and Optimax technology installed, this tens machine is extremely easy to use and quite beneficial for pain relief during contractions and the very labour.
It includes four large maternity electrode pads; a dual channel tens lead wires, instructions manual, neck cord and a carrying pouch.
As women experience the highest levels of pain during contractions and labour, this tens machine has a boost button for pain relief during contractions and the Optimax technology for maximum power during the labour.
If we refer to the customer reviews, we may see a bunch of satisfied women recommending to hire tens machines as a helper during the most important day of your life, as it proved quite efficient and harmless.
- no side effects
- reusable pads
- Optimax technology
- boost button for contractions
- preset modes
- ease of use
- /
Next off, we have a standard tens machine from EasyHome, almost identical to many models on this list, yet just as effective, which is why we included it.
It’s highly versatile and adjustable, letting you find just the proper massage simulation for the issue you wish to fix, and it can even be a substitute for workout machines.
By now, we’ve learned that tens machines are pretty much the same, so I’ll start from the things that make this device exceptional. Namely, among the sixteen massage modes, there are also seven EMS modes. These modes through external electrical current stimulate the motor nerve, triggering muscle contraction, thus improving the efficiency of your workouts. This is especially effective for the abdomen, arms, legs and buttocks.
On the other hand, massage modes such as kneading, cupping, acupuncture lead to chronic and acute pain relief while also improving the overall wellbeing in conditions such as sciatica, arthritis, etc.
There are twenty intensities you can choose from, and as it comes with a dual-channel, you can independently set the intensity and mode for each channel, stimulating at the same time two areas of your body differently.
A single charge provides up to ten hours of continuous use, and you get a USB charger so that you can always have the machine ready for use.
- Massage and EMS modes
- 10 hours per charge
- 20 intensities
- Independent channels
- Pads are not very high-quality
Now AUVON tens machine is a recognisable star in the industry, with almost five thousand customer ratings on Amazon alone. It’s affordable, durable and well-built with many different settings and an ultra-functional system.
First of all, it’s essential to mention that this machine comes with medical-level electrodes. Not just that it comes with eight electrodes, in contrast to standard devices that have only four, but the electrodes are so heavy-duty that you’ll use them up to forty-five times.
They include four layers: a non-woven cloth, a conductive wire-end layer, a conductive carbon film, and TENS premium gel. The gel is provenly biocompatible and reusable with a 45ᘯ resistance.
The electrodes feature a square shape and a classic pin-style design that has proven better than the button-style design.
When it comes to massages, there are sixteen different modes you can choose from. As we learned by now, that’s the golden standard for the products of this kind. And it also has adjustable timings and intensities so that you can set everything up to your liking.
Since it includes a rechargeable battery, you won’t have to spend any extra money on frequent changes; simply recharge the device, and you have ten more hours at your disposal.
Notably, the machine comes with a 1-year warranty and a satisfaction guarantee, so you can rest assured you made a good choice.
- Medical-grade electrodes
- High-quality gel
- Rechargeable battery
- Eight electrodes
- Sixteen modes
- Not suitable for pregnant women
Buyer's Guide
If you haven't heard of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, do not worry. We explored the topic in-depth and simplified the science behind their mechanics for anyone to understand it.
So, what are these machines exactly?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a non-invasive, medication-free method with minimal contraindications and side effects. It has been used for decades in health care and is more and more prescribed by doctors for patients with fibromyalgia and arthritis.
TENS machines rely on gate control theory and endorphin release. Now how do we feel pain? As some source of inflammation exists, the fibres of our PNS fastly take the stimulus from the source to the spinal cord. The incentives are then transferred through our spinal cord to the CNS informing us that "something hurts". Now the bad thing about this mechanism is that pain memory is created and thus, the neurons in the spinal cord sometimes create stimuli by themselves and send them to the brain.
Now the TENS machines send electric stimuli to the pads on our skin and through the skin transfer the low-frequency current to the spinal cord inhibiting incoming stimuli and preventing the spinal neurons from firing spontaneously. Consequently, endorphin is released, and we no longer feel pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do TENS machines actually work?
Unfortunately, TENS machines have not proven 100 % efficient in the treatment of every chronic or acute pain. Yet as the analysis with placebo was conducted, the most beneficial effects were noted in the patients with the source of pain in bones and soft tissues.
Also, the excellent efficiency was indicated in treating the postoperative pain. However, further studies are needed for obtaining more reliable results.
How do I choose a TENS unit?
Before you choose the proper TENSE unit for you, think about what type of pain you want to treat and how large is the surface you wish to cover.
After deciding so, pay attention to the following feature:
Which TENS machine is the best?
It is hard to choose among the wide range of products similar in features and customer rating. As the market grows, the number of TENS machines increase, so consequently, more non-efficient devices appear as well.
On the current UK market, the best are two-channel TENS machines with multiple modes and a high number of pads. They must be FDA-approved and have adjustable intensity levels.
Two best products on the current UK market are Med-Fit 1 Dual Channel and Beurer Digital TENS/EMS Machine.
Which TENS settings are the most effective?
It by no means simple to answer this question because it depends on every person individually. Basically, there are three different modes: normal, burst, and modulation. The normal mode is the best mode for beginners, the burst mode is the most effective for chronic pain, while the modulation mode performs excellently in acute pain relief.
Besides the modes, there is a specific frequency at which different types of pain are targeted. For example, for the muscle stimulation, set the frequency at 35-50 Hertz for acute pain between 80-120 Hertz and chronic pain between 2-10 Hertz.
However, always adjust the settings to your liking, and follow your body. If you feel discomfort, do not force yourself throughout the session.
Who should not use a TENS unit?
Pregnant women should not use TENS units. This is very disappointing since many pregnant women suffer from sciatica, back pain, and they could really use the benefits of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.
But unfortunately, it’s not entirely SAFE for them. Also, you should not place the pads near your cardiac pacemaker, open wounds, the front of your neck, or if you have malignant tumours. More about it you can read here.
How much does a decent TENS unit cost?
Well, these machines vary in price, but the standard, for now, is around £30-£50 for a decent product.
Final Thoughts
To finish our story about the best TENS machines for pain relief, we can once again briefly explain how these devices work. They rely on electric stimuli which are sent to our brain through the skin where they block the spinal cord from sending "pain warnings" to the brain. As a consequence of that, more endorphin is released, and we feel pain-free.
The best tens machine on Amazon UK is currently Med-Fit 1 Dual Channel as it has multiple, adjustable modes for different types of pain.
It has different intensities and includes eight pads. The machine is of clinical quality and was used by physicians for decades; furthermore, it obtained an FDA-certificate and hence is perfectly safe for use.
- CHRONIC PAIN RELIEF - The Med-Fit TENS machine uses mild, safe electrical signals to the nervous system to inhibit pain. These electrical pulses stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain reliever. For the best results use this machine for a duration of 60-90 minutes
- LONG TERM PAIN MANAGEMENT - Ideal for lower back, muscle, joint, shoulder and knee pain, sciatica, fibromyalgia and arthritis. The TENS machine is an alternative to chronic pain medication and directly targets painful areas of the body for more effective and immediate relief. Safe for daily use
- DUAL CHANNEL FUNCTIONALITY - The Dual Channel TENS machine assists pain management at home, work or while travelling. Its dual-channel functionality allows you to surround pain with electrode pads and choose between constant, modulation and burst modes - and set your desired pulse rate and pulse width
- IN THE BOX - This device includes instructions and a patient and placement guide for easy assembly and use. Inside the box, you’ll also find 1 x belt clip, 2 x packs of 8 high-quality self-adhesive electrodes, 2 x Patient leads and 2 x AA batteries
- SAFE & EFFECTIVE - The TENS Machine is safe for home use and fully compliant with the medical device directive Class 2a. The device is a true TENS machine and is recommended by most pain clinics across the UK. It has full medical approval and certifications CE 2460. This machine is not suitable for use in pregnancy.
Last Updated on February 24, 2022 by Sean
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