Pain management is always a difficult decision since pain is the sensation that alerts you to danger and without it, you could put yourself in harm’s way. However, the pain goes beyond just being a warning signal. If left untreated, chronic pain can have serious impacts on your mental and physical health, leading to depression and fatigue.
Thankfully there are ways to manage pain through non-invasive treatments like electrical muscle stimulation devices or EMS. Learn more about what they are, the benefits they provide, and how they work by reading on!
What is EMS Devices, Anyway?
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) devices are tools that transmit electrical currents through the body to stimulate muscles and reduce pain. These devices work by releasing endorphins, which block pain signals from the brain. This is a non-invasive way for people to manage pain without relying on medications that can cause side effects or addiction. You may check here if you want to get more details about such a device.
The Benefits of EMS
Electrical muscle stimulation offers many benefits for managing pain. EMS is non-invasive and can be used to treat a variety of ailments from back pain to arthritis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more. EMS can also help with nerve pain because it releases endorphins in the brain which are natural painkillers. One study found that the use of EMS has almost immediate positive effects on patients with chronic low back pain.
One of the most common reasons people decide to purchase an EMS device is because it’s a relatively affordable option for managing chronic pain. This technology uses electrodes placed on your skin to send electrical pulses through your muscle tissue and stimulate activity in your nerves and muscles.
It was originally designed as a physical therapy tool but has since been adopted by people who are looking for an alternative way to manage their chronic pain symptoms without invasive surgery or drugs like opioids.
Examples of EMS Treatments
Electrical muscle stimulation is often used in physical therapy sessions as it can help alleviate pain while improving range of motion and strength.
EMS can also be used at home in between visits with your physician or therapist; this will allow you to continue your progress even if you’re not able to visit regularly. You can use one at work thanks to its portability! Simply connect it via your computer or laptop and enjoy the benefits of EMS while you work.
Cost and Availability
Electrical muscle stimulation is a non-invasive treatment that gives pain relief by sending small electrical pulses to the nerves. The cost of an EMS device can range from just a hundred dollars to thousands. There are two different types:
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices use a low voltage electrical current to stimulate the nerve and block pain signals. TENS units are available at most pharmacies and online for about $100.
- Peripheral nerve stimulation devices also use electricity but send it through electrodes that are implanted in the body. These simulators typically cost around $5,000-$10,000 and require surgery or a catheter insertion to place the electrodes near the nerve.