If you’re recovering from a disease, an injury, or an infection, your body will naturally create inflammation to protect you.
At some stage, everybody has gone through some sort of inflammation in their lives. However, if you’re experiencing chronic pain, a TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) can help alleviate your suffering.
There are various TENS units on the market, each with different features. However, you don’t have to buy them all to know which ones are the most efficient.
In this article, we’ll outline the best TENS units and their key features. Keep reading to find out more.
Comparison Chart
Easy@Home Rechargeable Compact Wireless TENS Unit – 510K Cleared, FSA Eligible Electric EMS Muscle Stimulator Pain Relief Therapy, Portable Pain Management Device EHE015
Belifu Dual Channel Tens Unit Electro Muscle Stimulator, Fully Isolated with Independent 24 Modes, Rechargeable Pulse Massager with Electrodes Pads for Neck Back Arms Chronic Pain Relief Body Building
Best TENS Units for Inflammation Reviews
Easy@Home Rechargeable Compact Wireless TENS Unit
You don’t have to go to your chiropractor anymore to help you ease the stubborn pain. This device is as good as those used by professionals. What’s more, you can use it at home, on an airplane, or even at a meeting.
Product Highlights
Since it weighs just 20g, you can wear this small device anywhere to ease soreness, stiffness, or any kind of joint pain. In addition, you get to decide how long you want your therapy to last. And with six different modes and 20 strength levels, it’s customizable to suit people with varying levels of sensitivity.
Some TENS units have a bunch of buttons, which can be annoying. But this one doesn’t. It’s only got two control buttons designed to ease your pain almost immediately.
The device also has a one-year product warranty. If anything should happen to it in that amount of time, you’ll be able to resolve the issue.
What I Like
You really get your money’s worth from this TENS unit. Even if you’re experiencing excruciating pain, after couple of days, you’ll feel an immense relief. The acupuncture feature is strong and feels like real acupuncture. Furthermore, since it has different levels of intensity, it can soothe even systematic inflammation.
What I Don’t Like
The pads that come with the unit don’t stick very well after a couple of uses. And since there aren’t extra pads, you’ll have to get new ones very quickly if you use the device on a daily basis. Another thing is that it doesn’t come with a carrying case, which may pose a problem when you’re traveling.
Pros
- Affordable
- Different sensitivity levels
- Only two control buttons
- Small and light
Cons
- Pads not sticky enough
- No carrying case
Belifu Dual Channel Tens Unit Electro Muscle Stimulator
If you’re looking for a product that will help you become active again, but is also inexpensive, you should give this TENS unit a try. And because it has 63 intensity levels, it offers the same results as if you would get from a professional.
Product Highlights
The patches on this device are large, so covering bigger parts of the body isn’t an issue. Whether you need to treat an inflamed shoulder, or back, it’ll give you almost immediate relief. And if the inflammation is stubborn, expect a couple of days for the therapy to work. But rest assured, it’ll work in the end!
The batteries are of good-quality and long-lasting, so you won’t have huge issues even after prolonged use. There’s no therapy time limit, so you can use this device as long as the battery lasts. However, make sure you take 10-minute breaks between each session.
What I Like
This nonmedication pain reliever comes with extra batteries. This is a nice detail in case your battery dies while traveling. The unit is big enough to cover larger parts of the body. For that, it’s great for people with broader shoulders who experience persistent inflammation.
What I Don’t Like
You have to be extra careful when using this device because anything above level 50 can cause unpleasant tingling. Another thing is that the large patches might not work for people with smaller shoulders. They’re also incredibly sticky, therefore, removing them may be a bit painful.
Pros
- Has extra batteries
- Relieves even consistent inflammation
- Battery is long-lasting
Cons
- Pads too sticky
- Levels above 50 can cause pain
WiTouch Wireless TENS Device
If a chronic condition like inflammatory back pain is your issue, then this device is the best TENS unit for you. It’s pricier, but it comes with five replaceable gel pads that stick really nicely and last for several days.
Product Highlights
This wireless device with TENS technology is thin and designed to fit the back of every user perfectly. It’s amazing if you have lower back pain, but it can also be used for upper back pain. It’s safe, and like many other best TENS units, it can give you pain ease without having to take drugs.
There are 15 different levels of intensity and five easy to affix gel pads. What’s more, if you have sensitive skin, the adhesive won’t irritate it.
What I Like
This device does wonders for your back pain. Even if you have severe pain, it’ll help you become active in no time. It’s extremely powerful, so even if you choose the highest setting, the device will keep working.
What I Don’t Like
The problem with this TENS unit is that it can be too heavy for some people. And because of the weight, it tends to just fall off. Another thing is the 30 minute on/off mechanism. If you’re traveling or at a meeting, it can be bothersome having to turn the device off once the therapy is done.
Pros
- No annoying wires
- Provides almost instant pain relief
- Has extra pads
Cons
- Too heavy for some people
- Costly pads
TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit
One of the most popular TENS units on the market is the TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit, and it matches the expensive equipment chiropractors use.
Product Highlights
The fantastic thing about this device is that you’ll barely notice wearing it. It’s comfortable, unlike some other TENS units out there. And for the price of $28.99, you’ll get a unit that allows you to control not only pulse duration and intensity but also frequency.
Set the device to 2, and you’ll be able to reduce inflammation successfully. And you’ll probably never even use the highest setting.
What I Like
This device has a neat little feature – a plastic cover for intensity dials. This means you won’t get accidental painful stimulations. It also comes with a fantastic manual, which carefully explains what you should and shouldn’t do.
What I Don’t Like
If you have any problems with this device, you won’t be able to reach the customer support. This is because the device doesn’t come with any email address. And since the unit occasionally starts acting up after a couple of months of using it, not being able to reach customer support can be a problem.
Pros
- Thorough manual
- Excellent stimulation
- Good-quality pads
Cons
- The unit or the lead wires become faulty after three months on average
- Battery issues
NueMedics Tens Unit Machine Pulse Massager
All modes on this device are labeled by the body parts, which is why it’s so user-friendly. Moreover, it’s rechargeable, so you don’t have to spend money on batteries.
Product Highlights
If you’re looking for a compact device with precise settings, consider getting NueMedics Tens Unit Machine Pulse Massager. It has long battery life and suggestion settings for each part of your body.
What I Like
The device is small, sleek, and performs really well. But what’s even better is the customer support. They’re very responsive and try to fix a problem immediately. Also, the battery life is amazing here.
What I Don’t Like
Some users have complained of the pads causing rashes. Because of the skin irritation, they weren’t able to continue using this TENS device. However, if your skin isn’t sensitive, you won’t have any issues.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Excellent customer support
- Clear instructions
Cons
- Pads cause skin irritations
- The device is fragile
FAQs
What is a TENS Unit?
A TENS unit is a device that uses transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to helps you relieve pain. It works by attaching pads to your skin.
Is TENS Invasive?
No, it isn’t. It’s a noninvasive method of easing the pain.
Where Shouldn’t You Use a TENS Unit?
You shouldn’t use a TENS unit on damaged skin. Furthermore, you shouldn’t put it on the front of your neck and close to your eyes.
How Safe is a TENS Unit?
It’s safe to use a TENS unit even a couple of times during a day. However, make sure you read the manual carefully and don’t use the highest setting if you experience unpleasant tingling.
Does a TENS Unit Help With Inflammation?
There are various studies which show using TENS for an extended period can help reduce inflammation successfully.
Final Verdict
Choosing the best TENS unit can be a difficult task. Lucky for you, we’ve done a little research to see which devices are the best on the market and why.
Our recommendation is Easy@Home Rechargeable Compact Wireless TENS Unit. It’s inexpensive and extremely light. Pads that aren’t very sticky are the main problem, but you can fix this issue by getting the gel.
Alternatively, you could get NueMedics Tens Unit Machine Pulse Massager if you know your skin isn’t sensitive. It’s small, user friendly, and comes with clear instructions.