Electrotherapy

Electrotherapies are used quite widely in health, wellbeing and fitness. They are used to treat a range of things and are primarily used in physiotherapy to help treat injuries

Electrotherapy is also becoming increasingly popular in sports and fitness with more innovative devices because TENS and NMES can be used to recover better and improve physical performance. 

What is electrotherapy?

Electrotherapy is the use of electricity as a treatment for various different purposes, this is done through the use of electrodes to send a mild current using a specific stimulation waveform.

There are different types of electrotherapy, we sell TENS machines and devices and NMES devices which are used quite widely in sports and physical therapy. We also sell shockwave therapy devices and EMS machines which are also forms of electrotherapy.

Ultrasound machines are not strictly for electrotherapy but they are used quite widely for electrotherapy treatments in physiotherapy.  

What are the benefits of electrotherapy?

Different types of electrotherapy offer different benefits but some of the main benefits are:

• Pain relief
• Improved circulation
• Muscle strengthening
• Improved bone health
• Tissue Repair 
• Better overall physical performance

What is electrotherapy used for?

Electrotherapy is used for a wide range of treatments such as for chronic pain, general recovery, musculoskeletal injuries/pain and it's even used for things such as pregnancy and labour.

There are numerous different conditions that are treated with electrotherapies; some common ones are fibromyalgia, sciatica, arthritis and even plantar fasciitis.

TENS, EMS and NMES are also used in sports and fitness for acute or general injuries, reaching peak performance levels and faster recovery.

The type of electrotherapy used usually depends on the condition or the reason for the treatment, for example, ultrasound is used primarily to promote healing and reduce inflammation whereas EMS offers similar benefits but is used more for pain relief, rehabilitation and muscle strengthening. 

What is the difference between TENS and NMES?

The two are actually quite similar, even in terms of the stimulation waveform used but they offer different benefits and are better for different things.

TENS is better for general recovery and pain relief so it helps you to train or workout for longer and recover quicker

NMES is better for retraining muscles after an injury or after long periods of inactivity so it's, therefore, better at helping you optimise your performance and can be incorporated into workouts or training sessions to maximise the benefits. 

Our Electrotherapy machines and devices 

TENS Machines 

Mini TENS Machine 

This TENS device is the best-selling device recommended by the NHS.

It is perfect for simple pain relief and its size makes it convenient to carry around with you for immediate relief.

It's a more affordable option but therefore comes with limitations. 

Here are the ratings provided by the manufacturer of this product:

• Fast Pain Relief - 5/5 | Muscle Pain Relief - 2/5
• Chronic and Lasting Pain Relief - 4/5
• Acute Pain Relief - 3/5 | Targeted Pain Relief - 2/5
• Joint Pain Relief - 2/5 | Arthritic Pain - 4/5
• Reduction in Swelling - 4/5 | Improve Circulation - 5/5
• Knee Joint Tendon - 3/5 

Bluetens Classic TENS device

The Bluetens Classic is an electrostimulation device connected to a dedicated application so it can be easily controlled by your phone via Bluetooth.

It is a medically certified device that, depending on the mode of use, allows you to relieve pain, relax or strengthen muscles.

The Bluetens app stimulates 15 parts of the body through unique programs and generic or personalized effective treatments of common problems, including lower back pain, osteoarthritis, sprains and painful periods.

Benefits:

• Pain Relief 
• Muscle and tissue recovery 
• Muscle strengthening

Bluetens DuoSport TENS device 

The Bluetens Duo Sport allows you to combine physical exercises and electrostimulation for double efficiency in muscle building and increasing your sports performance!

Bluetens allows you to do a series of runs/games/training sessions without ever feeling muscle fatigue.

Recovery is faster and better with the Duo Sport - your muscles are always at peak strength, and you reach your goals faster

The Bluetens Duo Sport is used for physical preparation, muscle recovery, and anti-pain programs for injuries and muscle pain.

The device covers all your needs as an amateur or professional athlete

The Bluetens App has :

• 15 options for targeted use
• Over 100 preset programs created by health professionals to meet the needs of all athletes and all types of training/ workout sessions. 

NMES products 

diPulse SmartSkin kit - NMES

The diPulse SmartSkin Kit is a compression-based top and tights kit with a heart rate sensor and built-in NMES technology.

It has dry-carbon electrodes in the shirt and tights 

With the SmartSkin Kit, comprehensive training possibilities are limitless.

Featuring carefully designed electrode placement for torso, upper and lower body stimulation points, all your workout needs are covered.

The kit has app integration and allows you to have full control over pre-warm-up, to Combined Muscle Training (CMT) and cool down, you can select full body NMES stimulation for a warm-up or cool down. 

diPulse Smart Recovery Kit - NMES 

The SmartRecovery Kit is a highly adaptable fitness enhancement product. It includes the SmartBelt, two SmartStim Modules, SmartStraps and the necessary electrodes. 

The SmartBelt can support core stability and offer sensory stimulation to the lower back. The SmartStrap focuses primarily on stimulation of the biceps, triceps and calf muscles.

The app gives you full control to target functional muscle groups in CMT training or where required, you can also isolate individual muscles for focused muscle stimulation and treatment. 

Primo Combination EMS860 Therapy Unit 

This machine makes use of both NMES and ultrasound.

It offers dual-frequency ultrasound (1MHz and 3MHz) and the complete range of neuromuscular stimulation outputs (NMES) that can be used individually or simultaneously in combination therapy.

Therapeutic voltage and current waveforms may be applied to a wide range of conditions with successful outcomes.

These include acute and subacute traumatic and inflammatory conditions, chronic rheumatoid and arthritic conditions, and pain relief.

These kinds of devices require training and are quite costly so they are more for Physiotherapists or other medical professionals. 

Shockwave Therapy 

Primo Shockwave Therapy Unit 

As mentioned earlier, shockwave therapy is used as an electrotherapy treatment.

It is an innovative therapy that works by targeting specific pain in the bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. 

The shockwave unit will send impulses of energy to the injured tissues which help reduce pain and promote healing.

It is used to treat chronic pain and painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis. It can also be used to help with rehabilitation and recovery. 

These kinds of devices require training and are quite costly so they are more for Physiotherapists or other medical professionals. 

Ultrasound Machines 

Chattanooga Intelect Mobile 2 Ultrasound 

The Intelect Mobile 2 Ultrasound offers dual frequency Ultrasound at 1 or 3 MHz, Pulsed or continuous duty cycles (10%, 20%, 50% & 100%).

This offers you more control over ultrasound treatments, especially with the additional optional heads available. 

The Intelect Mobile 2 gives both audio and visual feedback, it also measures each treatment for easy record keeping and more advanced treatments. 

The interface even has guidelines for each treatment available on the interface

This makes it user-friendly and easy to use although it should only be used under the supervision of a trained medical professional. 

Used for:

• Relief of pain from muscle spasm
• Relief of pain from joint contracture
• Relief of pain associated with ligament
• Sprains, tendinitis and muscle spasms

Chattanooga Intelect Mobile 2 Combo 

The Intellect Mobile 2 Combo offers even more control over your electrotherapy treatments because it is both an ultrasound and TENS machine. 

It's a two-channel system that has 5 waveforms:

Interferential, VMS, High Volt, Asymmetric biphasic TENS and Symmetric biphasic TENS.

There are fully functional 1 and 3 MHz ultrasound frequencies and two channels of electrical stimulation output.

Primo Therasonic Ultrasound 

This is a diverse ultrasound machine that is designed to offer you more choices when it comes to ultrasound treatments. 

The Primo Therasonic has integrated evidence-based algorithms and clinical protocols 

As we've already mentioned, ultrasound is useful for soft-tissue injuries and similar conditions. 

Uses:

Acute and sub-acute traumatic and inflammatory conditions, chronic rheumatoid and arthritic conditions, scar and excessive fibrous tissue and pain relief.

Sources and References.

TensMachines - Choosing the right TENS machine

Shockwave therapy - Physiopedia

diPulse - what is NMES