Massage Therapy Concepts VPOD TUW20, User Manual, Page: 17 / 60

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DEFINING TENS, EMS and NMES
What is TENS?
The term TENS means Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a weak electrical current applied to the
surface of the skin to stimulate the nerves beneath. TENS devices are available without a prescription and are
used as a non-invasive nerve stimulation method intended to reduce both acute and chronic pain. Electrodes
are placed on the skin on your pain points. The VPOD has sixteen TENS modes. Refer to the VPOD Modes
section for the list. ( Modes: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 23)
What is EMS?
The term EMS stands for Electrical Muscle Stimulation. Similar to TENS, weak electrical current is applied
to the surface of the skin, but to stimulate muscle contractions. It is used for strength training for athletes,
and rehabilitation for immobilized patients, among other uses. Electrode pads are placed on the skin near
the muscles that are to be stimulated. The impulses mimic the signals that comes from the central nervous
system, causing the muscles to contract. The VPOD has seventeen EMS modes. Refer to the VPOD Modes
section for the list. (Modes: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)