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3 of our favourite electrical muscle stimulators
Written byH&B editorial team
Reviewed byHeeral Patel
Electric muscle stimulators can be a great way to relieve muscle or joint pain, but which to buy? Here's an edit of handy electrical helpers to relieve pain and help strengthen and repair your muscles
Our top picks
If you’re experiencing pain during recovery from injury or a muscle condition, you may be interested to learn how electrical stimulation could help.
Electric muscle stimulator machines are designed to help strengthen and rehabilitate your muscles using tiny electrical impulses.
Discover EMS and TENS machines below so you can decide which is best for you.
What are EMS and TENS?
Electronic muscle stimulation (EMS)
Electronic muscle stimulation uses electrical pulses that mimic signals coming from neurons (the cells in your nervous system). These make muscles contract, causing blood to flow and helping injured muscles to repair in some conditions.1
The repeated contractions are thought to improve muscle strength.2
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
TENS uses a mild electrical current to help reduce pain signals travelling to the brain. They may also help the body produce endorphins, hormones that are often considered to be the ‘body’s natural painkillers’.3
TENS only has these effects while you’re using a machine, so it’s designed for short-term pain relief only.
Potential benefits of electrical stimulation
While nerve pain may vary, the idea of using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine to target and reduce nerve pain works in the same way as with muscles.
TENS works by interfering with or confusing the pain signals that your body transmits.
Not only could electrical stimulation help reduce pain, but it may also increase blood flow to injured areas, which can help stimulate recovery.1
Using an EMS machine provides a safe, non-addictive way to manage muscular pain.
Neck pain, back pain, sports injuries and more can all have a huge impact on daily life. While medication, such as painkillers, can provide relief, electrotherapy can offer a great alternative for some people assed by their doctor.
When you can’t use your muscles due to injury, illness or nerve damage it can result in them wasting away.1,2
This can lead to pain and stiffness, making movement difficult or more limited.
Electrical muscle stimulation may help prevent this by helping your muscles contract regularly instead of staying still.1,2
Picking out the best muscle stimulators can be a difficult process, as the market is flooded with different designs and features that you may or may not find useful for your needs. That's why we've narrowed down some for you...
You also asked...
TENS machines are more often used for long-term pain as well as acute pain. They work by using electrodes placed on the skin near the source of the pain. Signals are then sent through nerves to block out or reduce the pain signals travelling to the brain.3
While electrodes are placed on the skin of affected areas in the same way, EMS may help improve muscle strength through contracting rather than attempting to block out pain.1
The NHS states that there is not yet enough scientific evidence to be certain whether or not TENS and EMS machines work. However, it’s safe to try for most people.3
Many health professionals report that while it seems to help some people, it is dependent on the individual and the condition being treated.
Electronic muscle stimulators may be used for:
- back pain
- joint pain
- muscle conditioning (mostly for athletes, such as long-distance runners)
- muscle injury from trauma or disease
- nerve inflammation
- poor muscle strength
- urinary incontinence
You shouldn’t use EMS or TENS while pregnant unless your GP has said it’s safe for you.3 However, the NHS lists it as a potential method of pain relief during early labour. So, if this sounds like you, speak to your doctor to find out if it may be suitable for you.4
There are very few reported side effects from using electrical stimulation on your muscles. Occasionally, some people may notice skin irritation from the machine’s adhesive pads.3
The final say
So, could electrical stimulation machines live up to the buzz?
Whether you need help with the occasional strain, period cramps or you experience muscle aches more frequently, this pain relief gadget might be worth a try.
Check with a GP to see if EMS and TENS machines are right for you, as they’re not suitable for certain people.
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
- Nussbaum EL et al. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Treatment of Muscle Impairment: Critical Review and Recommendations for Clinical Practice. Physiother Can [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2024 Aug 14]; 69(5): 1-76. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5683854/
- Lake DA. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation. Sports Medicine [Internet]. 2012 Nov 25 [cited 2024 Aug 14]; 13: 320-36. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00007256-199213050-00003
- NHS. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) [Internet]. NHS [reviewed 2022 Apr 13; cited 2024 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens/
- NHS. Pain relief in labour [Internet]. NHS [reviewed 2023 Mar 13; cited 2024 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/pain-relief-in-labour/
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