PEMF vs. TENS: How They're Different

PEMF and TENS both get mentioned for aches and pains. But they work in different ways. Here's a plain comparison.

People ask us this a lot. They've used a TENS unit at a chiropractor's office or bought one online, and they want to know how PEMF is different. The short answer: they use different kinds of energy and feel different.

How Does TENS Work?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Sticky electrode pads go on your skin and send small electrical currents through it. You feel a buzzing or tingling where the pads sit. Many people like it for short-term comfort, and it's easy to use at home.

How Is PEMF Different?

PEMF doesn't use pads or send current through your skin. A coil creates a pulsing magnetic field, and that field passes through clothing into the area underneath. You lie on a mat or we place an applicator nearby. You can read more in our PEMF explainer.

The Key Differences

• TENS uses electrical current through electrodes on your skin. PEMF uses a pulsing magnetic field.
• TENS needs bare skin under the pads. PEMF works through clothing.
• TENS units are small and made for home use. The PEMF system we use is a larger studio device.
• Neither one is a cure for anything. Both are tools some people find comfortable.

Is One Better Than the Other?

We can't honestly say. They haven't been compared head to head in the research we rely on. For PEMF, most studies look at knee osteoarthritis, and the results are mixed and modest. If a TENS unit works for you, there's no reason to stop. If you're curious about PEMF, a free first session is an easy way to see how it feels.

PEMF isn't for everyone. Skip it if you have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, or if you're pregnant. If you have metal implants, ask us first.

Want to learn more? See our PEMF page or reach out. We're at (973) 908-1524.