Medical Device Technologies (Electrotherapy)

Our Medical Device Technologies (Electrotherapy) Range

Featuring the latest technology and products from the most experienced and reliable providers of electrotherapy equipment.

Our range is simple to use and will give you confidence when administering treatments.

Dependable devices that are well worth your investment, with our reliable, high level of service.

If you can’t see what you need please contact our Product Sourcing service by emailing sourcing@physique.co.uk or call us on 02392 471346 and we will do your best to find it for you.

Electrotherapy FAQs

The following information is not meant to be in any way prescriptive and is merely content that has been compiled to help you make an informed decision about which product could suit you. Please remember to contact your physician or sports medicine professional for proper, qualified guidance. 

What is Electrotherapy?

Electrotherapy is the use of electrical currents for a range of uses. Electrotherapy can be used in treatments such as pain relief, improving circulation, repairing tissues, bone growth, strengthening muscles.

How does Electrotherapy work?

Our brains send signals to every part of the body, the nervous system and brain need electricity to send and receive these signals. Electrotherapy devices send electrical impulses that block or interfere with the body’s pain signals which are how pain-relief is achieved – the cells aren’t magically recovering through electrotherapy alone; your body is just not registering the pain due to the interference between the nerves and brain from the electrotherapy.

How is Electrostimulation different and what does it do?

Electrostimulation, although similar to electrotherapy is different is the sense that it has a different purpose. Electrostimulation sends electrical currents that aim to target both muscles and nerves, this is because electrostimulation is used for muscle recovery. The electrical currents create repetitive muscle contractions, improve blood circulation as well as help repair injured muscles. These all help you to achieve a more effective workout and faster recovery.

What is TENS

TENS stands for Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and refers to the use of a mild current to achieve pain relief. TENS devices usually refer to a small, battery powered device that uses electrodes to connect to various parts of the body.

What is EMS?

Electrical muscle stimulation machines are designed to stimulate the muscles with the aim of strengthening them and promoting rehabilitation.

What is NMES

NMES is Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and it is similar to TENS in the sense that they both use an electrical current to treat pain and the only difference is the way this is achieved and the purpose. TENS stimulates the nerves and aim to block pain signals from the brain or release pain relief endorphins whereas NMES stimulates the muscles which causes the muscle to contract and simulates exercise.

Where should TENS pads/electrodes not be placed?

Do not place electrodes on :

• Irritated or infected skin, Inflammations
• Open wounds or rashes.
• Active cancer/ malignant lesion
• The Face, head or throat
• Both sides of the chest or torso at the same time.
• Directly on your backbone

What are the side effects of Electrotherapy?

There are no known side effects of electrotherapy, this is in part due to lack of extensive, conclusive research but all contemporary studies suggest it is perfectly safe. The most reoccurring side effect is damage done by electrodes to the skin in the form of irritation.

How are often can I use Electrotherapy devices and can I sleep with one on?

Please consult your physician or physiotherapist for proper, qualified guidance. It is recommended that you use your EMS device on one muscle group at a time, alternating muscles or muscle groups and you should only use it 1-2 times a week. For TENS purposes, you can use your TENS device as frequently as required but remember to give yourself a break because the effects last for 30 minutes depending on your pain tolerance, therefore, try to give yourself a 20 – 30 minute break to avoid skin irritation.  Also, try to keep in mind that your pain tolerance will increase the more you use the device so try to avoid overusing to continue getting the same benefits and feeling of pain relief. Please do not sleep with an electrotherapy device on, this is not a good idea.