Pain serves as a pointer to specific parts of your body that require your immediate attention; you can’t deny its function in the health and functionality of the human body. However, sometimes the pain can get too much or long-lasting like chronic pain, and this can affect the quality of life for any human being. This is where the best TENS unit comes into the picture as a way to alleviate any pain in your body.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit is a device that employs the use of electrical impulses in the treatment of muscle and joint pain. They are designed to ease the pain caused by minor injuries, stress, tension, or any other chronic and acute conditions. Being a drug-free medium of treatment, they are natural and non-invasive for users seeking relief from shoulder pain.
Reviews of Top 6 Best Tens Unit For Shoulder Pain
TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit with Accessories
The TENS 7000 is a compact and portable model that comes in a plastic case for easy transport; the product can be used to apply pain relief to areas of the shoulder, eliminating any acute or chronic tension you might be experiencing. They can also be used to increase blood circulation as well as relax any muscle spasms in your shoulder.
This TENS unit is one of the most durable available in the market; the model has a responsive and easy-to-use interface that the users can use to toggle between functions. Speaking of functions, the TENS 7000 has five different massage modes programmed into its system, which can be used in special scenarios. This unit is FDA-certified, as a Class II medical device, and comes with a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer.
A timer, adjustable in increments of five minutes up to 60 minutes or set to Continuous mode, is also added to the design of the TENS unit. The TENS 7000 is powered by a standard battery of 9V; there are knobs on the device for adjusting the intensity level of the unit in increments of 10mA up to 100mA. Four electrodes, unit pads, are featured in the package for providing relief to targeted pain spots in your shoulder or any other part of your body.
Pros:
- FDA-approved medical device
- Excellent user experience
- Affordable option
- Five massage modes
- Lightweight and portable design
Cons:
- Low battery capacity; not rechargeable
- Pads are low-quality relative to replacement electrodes
Belifu Dual Channel TENS EMS Unit 24 Modes Muscle Stimulator
This is a very versatile option that offers 24 pre-programmed massages to the users, each with a focus on alleviating any pain from your shoulders, back, neck, or any applicable part of your body. This model can also be used to combat chronic pain through several massage therapies available.
The Belifu TENS unit features 10 reusable electrode pads of different sizes, which include 2 small pads, 2 large pads, and 6 standard-size pads. Users also have access to A/B Dual channels as well as 20 levels of intensity you can toggle between to get the right massage settings. The package comes in a dust-proof bag that houses the device for easy transport and storage. The design is compact and lightweight for convenient use anywhere you want
There is also an adjustable timer accessible on the interactive display for duration settings. The TENS unit uses a rechargeable Li-ion battery, which can function continuously up to 20 hours after charging. You can check the battery indicator provided to check the level of power you have on the device.
Pros:
- Highly efficient massage therapy unit
- Comes with a storage bag
- Rechargeable battery
- Has 20 intensity levels and 24 massage modes
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- High-intensity levels consume more power
HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS Unit
Every part of this TENS unit works together effectively to provide a soothing effect on the applied region of the body. This powerful model from HealthmateForever is guaranteed to boost the healing process of your body. The unit is portable in size and can be used conveniently either in your home, office, or any other desired location.
The product comes with 8 electrode pads, which can be used through the 4 outputs on its body. The pads produce powerful but safe electrical impulses that can be used to stimulate the muscles in your shoulder, neck, back, and several other bodily parts. You can use the protocol guide contained in the package to maneuver through the simple display interface on the device.
There are 15 massage settings embedded into the device’s system; nine are custom-designed modes, while the other six are therapeutic massage settings that can be combined to create new modes to suit your preferences. You also have 20 different levels of intensity settings for control; the devices make use of three standard AAA batteries for performance.
Pros:
- Features four outputs for combined usage of the electrode pads
- A high number of massage modes and intensity levels
- Lightweight and portable
- Has a belt clip for convenient usage
- Dual-channel design for usage on the left and right side of your body
Cons:
- Short preset duration of the backlight
- Not rechargeable
AUVON Dual Channel TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator Machine
This is a trusted brand in the market known for its effective muscle stimulating procedures, which works by electrical impulses down the sensory nerves in any given part of your body. There are about 20 programmed massage modes you can access on the user-friendly interface of the device. There are 8 electrode gel pads included in the package available in two different sizes.
This model has an adjustable timer you can use to set the duration of each massage session. The TENS unit has two isolated channel control options, which can be used to set different intensity levels on separate parts of your body at once. The device is powered by rechargeable batteries, which can last up to 10 hours after a full charge.
There is a 1-year warranty offered by the manufacturer on every unit of this model as well as a professional customer support team ready and willing to tend to your queries.
Pros:
- Dual-channel functions
- 1-year warranty
- Portable design and package
- Holds up to 20 massage modes
- Sticky electrode pads
- Has an adjustable timer
Cons:
- The device is missing some base functions
TechCare Massager Plus 24 TENS Unit
This TENS unit holds a wide range of massage programs you can use for different parts of your body. The device has 24 pre-installed massage modes which provide electrical stimulation similar to acupuncture, tapping, and deep tissue. You can toggle between the modes to get the suitable one, which eases your pain and tension.
The timer featured can be set in 10 minutes increments up to 60 minutes, which is enough for you to work with conveniently. This TENS unit comes with dual channels with intensity controls that can be used to raise or decrease the 20 different levels of intensity.
Included in the package are the model’s controller, user’s manual, 6 large electrode pads, a treatment points’ chart, 2 electrode cables, a small electrode pad with a wire holder, USB and a wall charger. The device is powered by a rechargeable Li-battery that can last up to 20 hours of use.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Versatile functionality
- Easy to read screen display
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Doesn’t feature a belt clip
NURSAL EMS TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator
This TENS unit has been programmed to deliver the most effective electrical stimulation to sore nerves in your body. Even the most severe of pain can be eradicated with the soothing impulses generated by this first-rate product. The device has 16 different massage modes that can be activated through the interactive display on the unit.
The timer can set between 10 to 60 minutes of usage; there are 8 adhesive conductive pads of different sizes included in the package for users to treat separate parts of the body simultaneously. The device is powered by an in-built rechargeable Lithium battery that can serve you for up to 20 hours.
Pros:
- Pocket-sized unit
- Limited Lifetime warranty and a replacement guarantee for a year
- 20 levels of intensity and 16 massage modes
- Affordable option
Cons:
- Limited information on usage
How To Choose The Best TENS Unit
TENS units are available in different sizes, shapes, and designs, which can be quite arduous for an inexperienced buyer to choose from. Each model comes with its unique attributes and features that could either serve you well or underperform.
We realized that you might need some help procuring a high-quality unit, which is why we included several criteria you can base your decision on. Each of the following criteria affects the performance of the TENS unit; you can evaluate several options based on them to know the right fit.
Levels of Intensity
The TENS model you need to opt for must have multiple levels of intensity for you to choose from. This way, you can search for just the right amount of electrical stimulation your shoulder needs to eradicate the pain. There should be at least ten intensity levels on the product you intend to purchase, and they must be easy to switch between.
Some individuals require soft stimulation, while others prefer the full intensity on the pain spots. Wherever you might fall in, make sure you have a product that gives the ability to switch to any level of intensity that suits you at any time.
Programmed Modes
Each model comes with its preset treatment modes or programs designed using several massage styles. These modes can be used to target pain in different parts of your body; all you have to do is specify the part of the body you will be using the device to massage.
Some even possess the option to assemble your modes using a combination of the functions available. Hence, you need to go for a TENS unit that is versatile in terms of functionality to fully enjoy the experience.
Timer
Almost all the models in the market have a timer integrated into their design to enable users to input the duration of the massages. This also helps in turning off the device after use, should you forget or fall asleep, to prevent bruising or discomfort from overuse.
Power
Some models are designed to receive power directly from outlets while others are battery-operated, meaning they can be used anywhere without hassle. The battery-operated models make use of either standard or in-built rechargeable batteries. You should go for a model that makes use of rechargeable batteries to save the expenses of constant replacement from burning out.
Portability
There are different sizes and shapes to consider when going for a TENS unit; while some are slightly larger than a smartphone and can be slid into your pocket easily, other models tend to be larger and require more space.
Certain models come with complementary attachments to enable easy transport by hooking them to your belt or somewhere fitting. You should go for a model that suits your style but which is also convenient to use.
Conclusion
TENS therapy provides relief to the nerve strands by stimulating and blocking the pain signals from reaching your brain. After which the stimulation helps your body release more of its natural painkillers, endorphins. This highly functional piece of equipment is portable and very easy to use because they come with programmed functions; you can just switch between for optimum muscle relaxation.