Best TENS Units

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Two features separate a usable TENS unit from a frustrating one, and the mode count is neither of them. The first is whether the two channels are independently controlled. Dual output sharing one intensity dial means both pad pairs receive the same strength, and a lower back and a shoulder never want the same setting, whereas independent channels let you work two areas at once or run two placements at different levels. The second is how many intensity steps there are, because the difference between 20 levels and 40 is resolution around your own threshold, and coarse steps leave you bouncing between not enough and too much. Programme counts of 20 or 24 read well on a box, but most people settle on two or three and never touch the others. It also helps to know that TENS and EMS are different functions frequently packaged together, since TENS works on nerve sensation while EMS drives a muscle contraction, so a combined unit only earns its keep if you want both. Then consider the electrodes, which are the real consumable: pads lose their tack after a couple of dozen applications, so check they are a common size and connector rather than proprietary. Rechargeable batteries save a running cost. Anyone with a pacemaker or another implanted device needs medical advice first.