Muscle stimulation can relieve muscle aches and pains because they respond well to the analgesic effects of muscle stimulation. There are two methods of muscle stimulation, electric muscle stimulation and transubcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS. Electrical impulses applied to the body, release endorphins relieving pain.
Muscle Aches
Muscle aches are a common problem which can also involve other body structures such as ligaments, tendons, fascia, soft tissue and organs. According to Medline Plus, a National Institute of Health website, muscle pain may be related to tension, overuse, or injury from exercise or hard work. The pain from overuse and injury involve specific muscles and begins during or soon after the activity. Muscle pain may also be a sign of problems affecting your entire body, like the flu and conditions affecting tissues throughout the body such as Lupus. One cause of muscle ache is fibromyalgia, a disease that includes soreness in your muscles and surrounding soft tissue, fatigue and possible headaches.
Electronic Muscle Stimulation
Electric Muscle Stimulators -- EMS, provides relief of pain from injured or strained muscles. EMS machines are connected to your body with small electrodes. The electrodes, placed on two or four areas of the problem muscle, send electrical impulses through the muscle which causes the release of natural pain killers such as endorphins. EMS units also cause the muscle to contract and are an effective tool in rehabilitation of injured muscles. According to the Food and Drug Administration, electrical muscle stimulators reviewed by the FDA are intended for use in a physical therapy and rehabilitation settings and under the direct supervision of a physical therapist or doctor.
Transubcutaneous Nerve Stimulation
TENS therapy blocks pain signals from reaching the brain, thereby reducing pain. A TENS unit is a device that sends a weak electrical current through adhesive patches on your skin near the painful area. This interrupts or masks the pain signals, preventing them from reaching your brain. Many doctors use TENS units to help manage pain. If the therapy works, you may be a candidate to buy a unit for home use.
Differences
TENS units are effective in relieving pain associated with chronic pain from nerve problems. EMS units, utilized in acute injury situations, prevent muscle atrophy and increase the flow of blood to the affected area. EMS and TENS use different frequencies and wave lengths to elicit the desired results.
Warning
Although EMS and TENS are safe, discontinue use if skin irritation develops. Talk to your doctor if pain is severe or accompanied by fever or severe trauma.
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