Got pain? We are going to show you the best TENS units available, so you relieve that suffering and take your life back.

When you are suffering from chronic pain, it really diminishes your quality of life. You may lose interest in things that used to bring you joy, and find that your temper is short due to the constant effort of just maintaining throughout the day. This can be true even if your pain is temporary. Pain medications help but come with their own dangerous side effects – addiction to narcotics is just one potential problem.

A TENS unit is a safe alternative for pain relief. (TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.) This is a small device with electrodes attached to deliver a small current through the skin. This can cause some tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation; at higher settings it might make your muscle twitch.

It works for pain relief because these signals disrupt the pain messages being sent to the brain. It actually modulates the way you process the painful sensations. To put it another way, TENS closes the pain gate. Certain frequencies can also cause the body to release endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that we get after exercise. Endorphins are natural painkillers and signal the brain that all is well.

Research has looked closely at the potential of TENS units to control pain. The upshot is that it does work, but not necessarily for everyone. The cause of your pain makes a difference. Interestingly, it seems that TENS works more reliably for acute, rather than chronic, pain. That means you may feel more relief using it occasionally when that bad back flares up, rather than daily to manage the daily discomfort.

Still, some people swear by it for all sorts of pain. These units are quite affordable – often less than a one-month’s supply of pain medication – so it is certainly worth it to try. There are basically no adverse effects to using TENS. It won’t make you tired, interact with other medications, or harm your internal organs. You can even use TENS while doing other activities.

Features to Consider in Your TENS Unit

Most TENS units are basically the same, but there are some distinguishing features that can make one better for your particular case than the others. Following are some things to think about before making your choice.

Dual channels

A channel is simply a conduit between the base unit and the electrodes. If you have more than one channel, you can usually run more than one program at a time. This means that if you like a certain intensity on your back but your knees do better with a different intensity, you can treat them both at once.

EMS capability

TENS is a form of nerve stimulation that aims to block the painful signals from reaching your brain. EMS, on the other hand, stimulates the muscles. It can be helpful to have both functions, depending on your particular situation. TENS is more about relieving pain, while EMS is for rebuilding torn muscles. So if your pain has something to do with damaged muscles, consider getting a TENS and EMS combo unit.

Mode lock or protection

A lot of times you will want to be moving around while you use your TENS unit. After you set the program you like with the intensity you prefer, you don’t want it to change suddenly with an inadvertent bump. With a mode lock feature, or a simple cover over the setting buttons, you don’t have to worry about getting shocked by a sudden increase in intensity when you roll over or brush against the unit with your hand.

Program length

Some people like to use their TENS unit all day long when they are in pain. However, most units have a maximum length to any given program. When the program ends, you’ll need to reset the unit to keep it going. If you think you will use TENS for extended periods of time, look for a unit that has a longer maximum program length. Some go only 15 minutes or so. A typical max program time is about an hour, after which you may need to reset the program entirely. Some TENS units do retain the last program run.

Reusable pads

All TENS units use sticky electrode pads that are applied to the site of pain. Most units come with a certain number of reusable pads that can last for some time. Eventually, you will need to buy new pads. Consider the cost of replacements before you choose your best TENS unit. You may also want to choose a unit that can take multiple sizes of pad.

Before You Begin – Remember This

As with any pain relief regimen, TENS reduces the discomfort you feel but does not actually heal the underlying cause. People can easily be tricked into a false sense of security when they feel better, and as a result, overdo activities they have been putting off. Just remember that even though you feel fine, your body still has healing to do.

TENS is not suggested for everyone. People with poor sensation, pregnant women, and people with cancer or a pacemaker should not use a TENS unit. It is also not for use around the heart, on the head, or over breast tissue. The most common place of use is the back, followed by joints.

Talk to Your Doctor

TENS units are available for purchase online or at a pharmacy, but you should still speak to your doctor before beginning a TENS regimen. You will probably be encouraged to give it a try as a non-invasive, drug-free method of pain relief. But only your doctor will be well-versed enough in your entire medical history and the statistics surrounding TENS to determine if it is the right choice for you. He or she might want you to speak to a physical therapist who can help fine tune the setting that will be ideal for your condition.

Best 5 TENS Units

Overview

Start here with at-a-glance specs on the top five TENS units available.

*Product Reviews

Following are in-depth reviews of each product.

Consumer TENS devices are considered extremely safe with little risk of dangerous side effects. The worst that could happen is that you receive a mild shock, but nothing powerful enough to actually injure you. These consumer models are set with relatively low top ends of power. TENS used in a therapeutic environment, such as at the doctor’s or chiropractor’s office, will often deliver stronger pulses but be monitored carefully in a clinical environment.

Other potential side effects of TENS are:

• Numbness and tingling around the site of the electrodes.
• Sensory overreaction – unusual nerve response.
• Skin irritation around the electrode site.

There are no recorded reports of actual nerve damage or ill effects from using TENS, though it does not work for everyone. The science on how and why it works at all is a bit unclear, but the prevailing theory is that it interrupts pain signals by stimulating the nerves and muscles around the hurt area.

EMS as a Complementary Treatment

There are is one similarity and several key differences between the two treatments. Both deliver low voltage electric impulses to stimulate tissues, however:

• TENS stimulates the nerves to keep pain signals from reaching the brain.
• EMS causes the muscles to contract by replicating the signals that cause this action.

When you consider TENS vs EMS, think about what you ultimately need from the treatment.

Popular Uses for TENS

TENS is primarily a pain relief tool that disrupts signals caused by chronic and acute pain. Common conditions that could benefit from TENS include:

• Arthritis/joint pain
• Back pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Foot pain
• Menstrual cramps
• Multiple sclerosis
• Sciatica

Popular Uses for EMS

While TENS is used mostly for nerve pain, EMS targets muscles. It is most frequently used for:

• Muscle strengthening
• Rehabilitation after injury
• Preventing or reversing muscle atrophy
• Increasing blood circulation
• Muscle relaxation
• Cosmetic muscle toning

Conclusion

If you are suffering chronic or acute pain, it’s worth it to try a TENS unit. Though it doesn’t work for everybody, it is a trusted device that has been used in doctor and physical therapy offices for many years. A professional TENS unit is more powerful that one you can purchase over the counter, but home versions are still able to disrupt the pain signals fired off by damaged nerves. The best TENS unit for you depends on your overall goals, but we are confident that one of our reviewed models will fit the bill. Thousands of users are leading happier and more comfortable lives because of TENS. You can be one of them, too!

If you are looking for the best foot massager to relieve your chronic pain, you’ve come to the right place. Foot pain is extremely common in a busy modern world that has us on the go constantly. Overuse tends to spark inflammation and swelling, which causes pain. Massage is one great way to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and relieve discomfort. At the end of a hard day, a nice foot massage can make all the difference.

But what do you do if you live alone or your partner isn’t keen on rubbing your feet? At least the modern world that insists we spend so much time on our feet also has a solution. We have reviews to share on some of the most highly reviewed foot massagers available. The best foot massager for you is just a click away.

Types of Massage Machines

Not all foot massagers are the same. There are many different types and styles, and each one approaches the foot a little bit differently.

Shiatsu

A shiatsu foot massager is designed to replicate a particular style of Japanese foot massage called shiatsu. Shiatsu massage can be effective all over the body, but is especially good for feet. It is an intense experience that targets specific pressure points on each foot.

Kneading

A kneading foot massager engages the feet with a circular motion, similar to what a massage therapist does when he or she presses into the fleshy part of your foot with the fingertips. This motion is probably what most people think of when they imagine a massage.

Foot bath

Some foot massaging machines do more than just massage. Foot bath massagers are meant to wash your feet as well as massage them by virtue of jets of water and bubbles. This provides less direct pressure than other massagers, but soaking in warm water can also have the effect of reducing painful inflammation.

Foot spa

A foot massager spa takes things a bit further and automates several different types of foot massage and care. They aim to replicate a list of services you could enjoy at the spa, and often come with useful attachments that make it easier to pamper yourself with a massage/pedicure combo.

Rolling

Many of the foot massagers found on the market today are fancy electric models, but sometimes a low-tech device does just as well. For almost no money you can get a foot massager that consists of a series of knobby rollers that spin on wire stabilizing bars. Simply push your feet backwards and forwards over the rollers to engage those sore spots with the knobs.

Medical

Medical massagers are specifically designed to assist healing from chronic foot issues like plantar fasciitis. They are often square pads with raised areas on them that can be used by people of any foot size and allow for any foot positioning. This targets the specific area of concern more fully.

3 Surprising Foot Massage Benefits

Sore feet are troubling enough, but did you know that foot massage can actually relieve pain in other part of your body? A system called reflexology targets the connection between areas of our feet and other parts of the body. Stick with us after the reviews for more about reflexology – for now, here are three surprising ways that getting a foot massage can make you feel better all over.

Cure Headaches

Headache sufferers, rejoice! If you have tried everything else but are still troubled by recurring headaches, try adding foot massage into your regimen. A recent Danish study found that 65% of the chronic headache sufferers who participated were able to stop using pain relief medication after taking on an intensive foot massage program.

Reduce High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a dangerous condition that can lead to cardiovascular disease or strokes. Unfortunately, it is typically asymptomatic until it causes another problem that leads to its diagnosis. In Spain, researcher Dr. Jesus Manzanares determined that among people with a hypertension diagnosis, regular therapeutic foot massages allowed 50% of them to reduce their blood pressure medication by half.

Relive Nausea

Nausea is a side effect of a lot of ailments, but it is often the symptom that keeps you in bed. According to a study published by the peer-reviewed journal, Cancer Nursing, targeted foot massage therapy can reduce nausea in chemotherapy patients. Different areas of the foot may need to be targeted depending on the source of your nausea, but chances are high that receiving a massage will quiet your stomach.

Top 5 Foot Massager 

Product Overview

Start your exploration with our at-a-glance details about each foot massager on our list.

Top 5 Foot Massager 

Product Reviews

Now let’s dig a little deeper into each product

All About Reflexology

The art of foot massage is called reflexology and can actually generate healing all over your body. Every part of our bodies are connected, and stimulating specific pressure points cause reflexes that stimulate nerves beginning in your foot and traveling all the way up to your brain. Along the way, these reflex signals pass through various internal organs.

Practitioners of reflexology believe that stimulating pressure points that connect via nerves to different parts of the body can actually heal illness in those organs. Whether or not you can expect complete healing, the process is known to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. It can also help you fall asleep naturally and sleep more deeply through the night.

It is totally worth it to try reflexology if you have a chronic complaint, but sessions can be costly. Luckily, there is much in the way of instruction available online to teach you how to stimulate pressure points in the feet yourself or with a partner. We have collected the basics here for you so that you can make the most of your new foot massager.

Reflexology Basics

Reflexology includes a map of the feet that indicates the points which correspond to other parts of the body. For example, the toes connect to the head. The ball of the foot connects to the chest. The arch matches up with the digestive organs, and the heel and ankle are linked to the reproductive system. The inside curve of each foot is said to mirror the actual curves of the spine.

Following are some tips to get you started with reflexology:

• To begin, take a moment to relax your feet. Gentle squeezing, tapping, or kneading all over loosens tense muscles and starts to get the blood flowing to that area.
• Next, press and hold on the solar plexus point of each foot for 5-10 seconds. The solar plexus can be found by tracing an imaginary line down from your second toe to the spot right under the ball of the foot. It is a small depression. This area links to the solar plexus in your chest, and stimulating it is thought to balance your energy. If you are too anxious, it’s calming. But if you are too tired, it can invigorate you.
• Refer to the reflexology techniques described below to massage each pressure point on your feet. It’s best to refer to a reflexology chart to really understand where to apply the pressure.
• When you’re done, do another thumb press on each solar plexus point.
• End with light feathery strokes up and down the tops, bottoms, and sides of each foot. This will soothe the nerves that have been stimulated.

Common Reflexology Techniques

Described below are potential methods of applying pressure when you are practicing reflexology.

* Walk technique

The walk technique, often called a thumb walk, is the most common reflexology motion. To do it, use your thumb or forefinger to walk across the foot in a crawling motion, sort of like a worm. Basically, you flex and then straighten the first joint of your thumb or index finger. Walking applies brief pressure followed by a moment of relaxation without breaking skin contact.

* Circle or Rotating technique

 To perform the circle technique, apply firm pressure and make a circular or rotating movement. You are not tracing a circle on the skin but rather moving the tissue under the skin with your thumb. This technique helps to break up any crystal or calcium deposits that have formed around the nerve endings. It is thought to jump start the healing process.

* Pressure

 This is fairly self-explanatory. The press technique means applying firm pressure that stops short of digging. While your foot is receiving pressure, it is a good time to practice breathing awareness. To do this, simply close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing to quiet the body and mind.

* Pivot-on-a-point technique

 You can use the pivot-on-a-point technique on any reflex point, though it is especially helpful for the diaphragm, solar plexus area, and adrenal glands. To do it, apply pressure to a point and place your other hand across the top of the foot. Use your top hand to gently rotate the foot while maintaining firm pressure.

Using Reflexology with a Massager

We have described reflexology moves to do with a partner or by hand to yourself. But these techniques can be equally effective with an electric or rolling massager machine. Simply mimic the movement by pressing your foot onto the machine’s pressure mechanism, whether that is rollers, knobs, or something else. Move your foot around into different positions to target specific pressure points.

Conclusion

Foot pain can have a ripple effect across the whole body. It can also make walking a challenging experience. Luckily there are many products on the market that make foot massage an easy thing to do every day. And it is a good idea to massage tender feet daily. Doing so keeps the blood flow elevated and reduces pain and inflammation. Left unaddressed, these things can build into greater and more painful issues.

All that’s left to do is choose the best foot massager for you. The perfect choice depends on your particular complaints and your intended use. If you want to be able to massage your feet anywhere, consider a rolling model. On the other hand, if you would like a fancier machine that can be set up in one particular place, any of the electric massagers on our list are a great choice. Whatever you choose, we hope you feel better soon!