Best EMS Machines in Canada | EMS vs TENS Units. 2022 Buyer's Guide

There are several trustworthy manufacturers of EMS units that produce reliable and medical-grade devices. Today, we will compare two of them — PlayMakar and Compex. Both brands are trusted by professionals and are sold globally. Compex is a Swiss company with 30 years of experience in the industry. Over the years, the company has become the world leader in portable muscle stimulators for recovery and enhanced performance in sports. Its products belong to medical device category class II, meeting the EU standards. PlayMakar is an American company headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. Although PlayMakar was established only 4 years ago, it has already become a significant market player and is well-known among professional athletes for its top-quality muscle stimulation devices.

PlayMakar Vs Compex EMS Machine: Pros & Cons

Both brands make products, the effectiveness of which has been proven by clinical trials. However, if we look at their muscle stimulators, there is an essential difference between them. The PlayMakar PRO-500 Sport Muscle Stimulator System is more suitable for those who are looking for a greater level of customization. The device features as many as 25 intensity levels so you can adjust it precisely to your needs. It has ten pre-set programs for muscle stimulation, six EMS modes and eight TENS modes. This means that you can use it for recovery, massage, or improving your muscles’ strength as well as to mitigate pain.

Like the PlayMaker model, the Compex Sport Elite 2.0 Muscle Stimulator Kit with TENS has 10 programs. Out of them, four are intended to increase muscle strength, two programs help warm up muscle faster without fatigue, three reduce muscle soreness and facilitate muscle relaxation, and one is a TENS program for pain relief. However, the Compex model offers only five levels of progression. Is it really that important? Well, this question has no clear-cut answer. On the one hand, it is always beneficial to have more choices, especially when it comes to physical therapy. On the other hand, there is a reason that manufacturers include only specific programs and intensity levels. Unless you are an experienced physical therapist, it is a wise choice to rely on what professionals offer and avoid experimenting. Anyway, it is up to you to decide which is better for you — a greater number of intensity levels or a limited set of proven options.

Now, let’s move to the operational features of these models. Both are powered by rechargeable batteries and come with charging systems. The PlayMaker EMS unit uses lithium polymer batteries that last for 3 to 5 hours on a charge depending on the program, with the strength mode being the most battery-draining one. The Compex EMS machine features a 1200 mA/h NIMH rechargeable battery with a charge duration of about 12 hours. The Compex battery lasts longer, therefore, we recommend this model for those who want to use their EMS unit while traveling or simply do not always have a power outlet nearby.

Another important part of any EMS machine is electrodes. The PlayMaker has two lead wires and electrode pads with a thin layer of hydrogel, so there is no need to purchase gel for better conductivity. The Compex model comes with a set of 4 electrode lead wires and 12 Easy Snap Performance Electrodes of two different sizes. From my experience, the PlayMakar’s pads are a little bit flimsy and are arching instead of lying flat when used at maximum power. It seems that electrode pads are the major weakness of this device, which by itself is a great product with lots of features.

When to Use EMS vs TENs: Difference and Recommendations

While these two physical therapy techniques use the same technology — electrical muscle stimulation — they are intended for different purposes and should by no means be confused. To begin with, electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) transmits electrical impulses that trigger repeated muscle contractions of different frequencies. This procedure imitates voluntary constructions of muscles during exercise with the difference that it does not damage muscles nor does it cause fatigue.

The EMS mode is meant for rehabilitation and improving athletic performance. Scientists point out that this therapy is widely used to strengthen muscles after ligament and meniscal injuries. A group of Brazilian researchers have analysed 19 studies and revealed that EMS in combination with traditional rehabilitation exercises may be effective in improving muscle strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and meniscectomy.

Designed for pain management, the TENS technology emits low-voltage electrical signals that work by interfering with pain signals in your body. The intensity can be increased until you feel the pain decreasing. You can use TENS units for back pain, neck pain, knee pain, tendonitis, sciatica, and other health issues. According to experts from the University of Rochester Medical Center, TENS can ease pain caused by arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, surgery, wounds, injuries as well as headaches and nerve pain. There is also an opinion that TENS therapy has “the greatest use for treating nerve pain”. Keep in mind that TENS therapy is not a curative technique and can only provide temporary pain relief.

Additionally, EMS and TENS techniques are applied to different areas of the body. When using an EMS mode, you should apply to large muscle groups like quadriceps as well as triceps, biceps and calves. When you have set the unit on a TENS mode, the pads should be placed on the ankle, back, wrist, elbow, foot, hip, knee, shoulder, and thigh.

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