If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best TENS unit is for shoulder pain, then I’d recommend the NURSAL TENS Unit Rechargeable Electronic Pain Relief Massager With 8 Pads as the best one.
That nagging stitch in my left shoulder hasn’t been going away for the last year now.
While the pain is not bad, it does interfere with my workouts when trying to lift weights and perform side planks.
It’s a slight annoyance now, but at times I worry about it possibly getting worse. This has led me to look at some options (and get it diagnosed).
Any kind of pain can sideline individuals from the least active to all-star athletes.
And, when it comes to shoulder pain, even the simplest of tasks can turn into an uncomfortable nightmare.
Shoulder injuries and pain are among the most common. Millions of dollars are spent on finding ways to relieve this excruciating pain.
If you are suffering from shoulder pain, whether from an injury or repetitive motion, a TENS unit could provide the relief you are looking for.
Here are the top TENS units we’ll be reviewing:
- TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit
- HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS Unit
- AUVON Dual Channel TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator Machine
- NURSAL EMS TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator
- KEDSUM Rechargeable Tens Unit Muscle Stimulator
What Is a TENS Unit?
A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit is a battery-operated instrument that people use for pain relief.
It provides this relief by producing small electrical surges via electrodes with adhesive pads connecting them to the skin.
These electrical vibrations affect the nervous system and minimize its capability to deliver pain signals to the spine and brain.
The same type of electrical impulses similarly stimulates the body to generate natural painkillers called endorphins.
Choosing the Best TENS Unit
Proper Power Levels
When choosing the best TENS unit tens unit for shoulder pain, you must make certain that the power settings adequately meet your needs.
Lower end units typically produce ineffective power even at the highest setting and usually end up being a waste of your money.
A wide variation of power is strongly suggested as every body part is different in regards to sensitivity.
Battery Type
Many cheaper devices still operate using a 9-volt battery or 3 AAA batteries.
With a high-quality lithium battery, you can get weeks or even a month of usage before having to recharge the device.
Settings
Having the choices for a wide range of electronic pulsations, or settings is vital when looking for the best TENS unit for your shoulder pain.
You may discover that certain settings work for different types of pain. Having a wide choice range makes it even more convenient.
Life of the Electrode Pads
It’s important to ask about the life of the TENS pads. A high-quality set should last for months of day-to-day use before needing to be switched out.
Constant replacement of poor quality pads will be a costly waste of money.
Warranty and Service
Because TENS units have become accessible over-the-counter, they have become very much sought-after items.
Choosing the best TENS unit for your shoulder pain is an investment in your wellness. A reputable unit manufacturer will provide a direct and practical warranty.
Advantages of a TENS Unit
The TENS unit is a noninvasive technique for alleviating pain.
Individuals who experience relief from TENS may have the ability to decrease their need for pain medicines which can be habit forming or induce unpleasant reactions.
Since they are compact, mobile, and fairly discrete, TENS units are also fuss-free.
They can be carried in your pocket or attached to your belt for instant access to pain relief.
The Best Way to Use a TENS Unit
Shoulder Injury
The positioning of the electrode pads is dependent on the pain location. Ideally, you should use 2 pads (1 channel) or 4 pads (2 channels) together.
Most TENS machines have at least 1 channel (2 pads).
Therefore, for shoulder pain, you should affix the pads on the left and right side of your spine in an up and down position, taking care that the pads are at least 1 to 2 inches apart, never touching each other.
The further apart the pads are placed, the more effective the treatment will be.
Your goal is to completely surround the pain so practice a bit with the specific positioning for the most effective results.
Try using 4 pads if the pain happens to expand out further above or below the shoulder area.
Frozen Shoulder
If you suffer from frozen shoulder, a condition which causes a great deal of pain and stiffness when moving your shoulder, you should place the electrode pads as follows:
One pad is put on the front of the shoulder while the other one is put on the back of the shoulder.
Positioning the pads in this way will stimulate your whole shoulder joint.
The TENS Unit Controversy
Because of a shortage of high-quality studies and clinical tests, researchers have not yet established whether TENS is a dependable procedure for pain relief.
One research study discovered that TENS therapy offered short-term pain relief for individuals with fibromyalgia when they used the unit.
While there currently is not enough solid medical verification for its success, TENS continues to be a low-risk pain relief choice for lots of people with shoulder pain.
Precautions
Though it is safe for most individuals, medical professionals advise that some groups of people stay clear of TENS treatment unless a doctor suggests its use.
This recommendation is applicable to the following individuals:
- Pregnant women should stay clear of using TENS in the pelvic and abdominal areas.
- Putting electrodes on the head or neck of individuals with epilepsy may bring about seizures.
- People with heart conditions.
- People with a pacemaker or another sort of electrical or metal implant.
The pulses may produce a prickling, buzzing, or tingling sensation which may cause discomfort in some individuals.
Furthermore, it is not advisable to put the electrode pads on the front of your neck or eyes. This can cause seizures and possible eye injury.
Some people may also develop an allergic reaction to the pads resulting in skin irritation. If this is the case, you can switch to hypoallergenic pads.
Review of the 5 Best TENS Units for Shoulder Pain
In the following sections, we will list the pros and cons of 5 different TENS units.
At the end, we will reveal our pick of the best TENS unit tens unit for shoulder pain and why we believe it is the best as compared to the others.
TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit
For the affordable price, the TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit unit has controls for pulse duration and frequency, among others.
It has features not available in other pricier units.
This is a very powerful unit so you want to start out with caution and slowly work up with the settings. It is imperative to read all of the instructions on what and what not to do.
Pros
- Over 1 million TENS 7000 Units Sold.
- Leading preferred TENS device among doctors for over 10 years.
- Features numerous settings for immediate muscle pain relief.
- Dual channels that regulate 4 unit pads for targeted pain treatment.
- 1-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons
- Make sure to use it within the warranty period. There are some reports that the unit stops working after a few months.
- Be sure to start at the lowest power setting to get used to the pulses. The high setting is extremely powerful.
HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS Unit
The HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS Unit also boasts a myriad of features for a reasonable price.
The settings are easy to understand. The intensity can be diversified to different locations and the relief is long-lasting.
This machine also takes some getting used to so it is highly recommended to start at a low setting. That said, it has provided great relief for countless customers.
Pros
- Buttons are precisely tagged for specific body parts.
- The sizeable LCD feature with backlight clearly shows just what you need including the massage type as well as time left on the interval.
- 15 settings and high power – 4 outputs can produce the same 20 levels of strength, regardless if you use 1 output or 4 outputs simultaneously without breaking down the power.
- 9 Auto Stimulation Programs, modifiable Speed & Intensity, 6 Selectable Massage Modes, High-Frequency Pulses.
- Includes 1 control unit; 4 sets of dual leads wires; 4 pair of inserted pin electrode pads (8 pads), 1 pads holder 3 AAA batteries, 1 Application placement chart, and 1 User Manual.
Cons
- Major differences in power intensity between the settings. Some consumers wished it was more gradual.
- Take care if using for carpal tunnel syndrome on your hands – it can be quite intense and possibly painful.
- It has a lifetime limited warranty, however, if it stops working, you do have to pay to send it for diagnostics.
AUVON Dual Channel TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator Machine
Like the HealthmateForever, the AUVON Dual Channel TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator Machine also provides different modes and intensities for 2 different channels.
Pros
- 20 Pre-set modes offer you hammering, kneading, shiatsu and even more options to help soothe the pain.
- You can set independent modes and levels for channel A and channel B.
- The provided electrode pads can deliver exceptional functionality for as much as 20 to 30 uses.
- Excellent battery life with a nice strong current.
Cons
- Even the lowest setting is quite intense which may not be ideal if you are sensitive to touch.
- When selecting the desired mode, you have to scroll through several modes before you reach the mode you want. If you accidentally pass your mode, you have to start over.
NURSAL EMS TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator
We like the fact that the NURSAL EMS TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator shuts off by itself when treatment is done. You can fall asleep with it on and not worry about battery drainage or overtreatment.
While the instructions leave much to be desired, many people found it to be user-friendly.
Even if your job requires a lot of walking and footwork, this little machine will keep up with you every step of the way.
Pros
- 10 intensity levels that you can raise or lower gradually.
- Synchronized dual output configuration.
- 6 pads can be placed on different targeted locations simultaneously.
- Built-in timer ranges 10 to 60 minutes with the default time at 20 minutes. After the time is complete, the unit automatically shuts off.
- Rechargeable lithium battery provides as much as 10 hours of constant use.
- Electrical outlet or USB connectivity for charging.
- Battery level signal prompts you to charge the device when needed.
Cons
- The instruction booklet is difficult to read and not very detailed.
KEDSUM Rechargeable Tens Unit Muscle Stimulator
One of the features that stands out in the KEDSUM Rechargeable Tens Unit Muscle Stimulator is the ability to lock it so that you don’t accidentally bump up the settings and shock yourself.
This another great device with several massage modes and very powerful settings.
While there were a few instances of “dud” devices, the company does read the consumer reviews and responds accordingly. Very proactive service for a great product.
Pros
- You can use 4 pads at once or 2 pads each for 2 people.
- 16 pre-programmed massage settings such as acupuncture, shiatsu, and sensitive areas. There are 2-4 massage techniques under specific mode for 16 modes overall.
- Modifiable 10-60 minute timer. The default timer is 20 minutes.
- 20 levels of adjustable strength.
- Rechargeable built-in lithium battery for approximately 10 hours of constant use.
Cons
- The pads don’t stick well unless you lie down.
- There have been reports that the unit stops working after a few weeks.
The “Winner” Unit Overall
In conducting these reviews and going over the pros and cons of each device, my top choice for the Best TENS Unit For Shoulder Pain is the NURSAL TENS Unit Rechargeable Electronic Pain Relief Massager.
While it is somewhat more expensive than the other units, I like that fact that people with demanding jobs – such as nurses – can wear it while working and it remains effective.
This means that I can most likely wear it while exercising. Furthermore, it operates with a Lithium battery which has a significantly longer life. I also like the USB option.
Now that I know my options, it’s time for me to visit my doctor.
If given the go-ahead, I look forward to the relief this great little gadget will give me during my workouts.
I also know the Best TENS Unit tens unit for shoulder pain that will best suit my needs.
