21.12.2015

I'm a fairly serious runner, in that I've run a few marathons and several half marathons, albeit at pretty much bang on average pace, so I'm hardly a stellar performer. What I am, however, is someone who gets quite tight leg muscles after long runs. When I was offered this device through the Vine programme, I was keen to experiment with the EMS and massage functions to see if I could ease off my muscles without having to go to the physio for a deep tissue massage instead.It arrived in a box containing a rather stylish, smart and durable-looking zip-around case, which contains the device itself, the 8 electrodes, the cables for them, and the batteries for it too.The box also contained an intimidatingly-thick instruction manual. I'm not usually a 'read-the-manual-from-cover-to-cover' kind of bloke, tending instead to dive in and work out the basics before referring to the manual to understand the more complex bits later. But this manual demands careful reading if you're going to get the best out of this device.Not only that, though, but you will need to take care every time you use it if you're to reap the benefits. A simple test on my calf muscles (almost invariably tight after a long race) demonstrates the difficulty in practice. The instruction manual shows the different 'massage' programmes available, and I placed the electrodes pretty carefully in the backs of my calfs as shown. First try, and I only experienced a very gentle tickly sensation. OK, I thought, I'll whack up the intensity a bit to make sure I can feel how powerful it is. And it is genuinely powerful - at full power (remember it only has 3 AA batteries inside!), it can really feel like you're hanging onto an admittedly low-setting electric fence. It took me back to school days when myself and some classmates were playing silly games with the 12 volt power supplies and giving each other electric shocks. You can really feel the on-off twitch in your muscles - and see it too. But the issue is that the next time I tried it, I must have put a couple of the electrodes about an inch away from where they'd been the first time. Result - one side felt like it was being pricked with a pin, and the other hardly felt anything at all.And this is before we even discuss the relative merits of the multitude of programmes you can select. I've still only played around with a handful properly, and to be honest, I found that at least 10 minutes of sitting around with it on sort of 2/3 power is about the minimum to get any benefit (assuming you've placed the electrodes carefully). When I HAVE taken the time to tweak the placement until it's just right, and have then done a decent length of massage, I'd genuinely say it's roughly the equivalent of a half hour leg massage at the physio after a race. But it takes me almost as long as the short drive there and back, plus that half hour, to get this benefit! OK, it DID save me £25 or so, but it's certainly not a quick and easy solution.It's a similar story with the EMS programme. Again, with the power up fairly high, I do notice some muscles with improved definition, although I think it would take a concerted and focussed programme to gain any really noticeable improvement.As other reviewers have mentioned too, the fact that you're supposed to replace the electrodes after about 20 uses is another cost and slight inconvenience factor to consider.All in all, then, this IS a pretty professional device, and well presented. Apart from the electrodes being consumable, it feels sturdy, built to last and is effective at what it does. But only when you're equally effective with your placement of the electrodes, selection of programme, power, and duration. It will continue to demand care every time you use it, however, and this is why it loses a star for me.

18.11.2015

I have always wondered about the effectiveness of a TENS machine. I live in constant pain and so the opportunity to try out this complicated looking machine was very appealing and also a little overwhelming.The actual package is very smart. A not too large bag contains the actual machine and the electrode pads in a side pocket.This is not only a Tens machine but also has an EMS function. This means being able to stimulate tired and aching muscles in order to reduce fatigue and help restore the energy in them.You have so many choices, a total of 50 programs in fact!20 Tens programmes (pain relief)20 EMS programmes (muscle toning/electrical muscle toning)and also 10 Massage Programmes that I forgot to mention.There is a chart to help you plot your way plus a separate set of diagrams showing where to place the electrode pads for each programme.You are able to set the length of each cycle separately too.I would have liked the diagrams and charts to be printed larger. They are helpful and indeed vital but the added strain of reading the tiny numbers on the diagrams them did not help my beginners nerves in what I was doing!I say this hoping that Beurer will print the pull out version a couple of sizes larger.Having said that it is still relatively simple to make a start and test it out before going onto put together your preferred program, which you can then set under the under the "Doctors" function on the machine.The instructions also give a Quick Start set of programmes and then procedures for individual programmes.There are many different ailments this machine should be able to help with but also you may need to check with your GP too. e.g. if epileptic.I trust Beurer products as I own a few now and have found them to be good quality and reliable machines.Now the main point does it work? I find myself not sure yet about the Tens pain relief, has it made much of a difference yet?My muscle pain is very deep and chronic and I think I will need to be consistent and give this more time to make enough of a difference to make the effort of fixing the pads worthwhile.Also I need another person to fix them to my back .I am enjoying the Ems sensations and finding more relief in tired and aching muscles. I will be updating as I am hopeful this will lead to more improvements.I haven't tried the massage effect as I tend not to like my aching muscles massaged ever. I am too hypersensitive in this, my muscles hate to be touched beyond a very gentle stroking.The Instruction booklet does mention that for hygiene purposes it is not good to share the pads with anyone else. So I haven't yet allowed anyone else to try this out.I want to try this machine for much longer and update, it feels too soon to make a proper judgement as my body takes time to get used to new procedures and be comfortable with them. Hopefully the gentle effect I have felt will build to a much more satisfying pain relief situation.Also It may be that I need to experiment with different programmes before finding the best one for me.I am hopeful and positive, watch this space for updates!Also the small white bag it comes in is well made and makes it easy to carry this kit around.

1.11.2015

Have used a (medical endorsed, physio recommended) tens machine on and off for a while but not one with muscle stimulation inbuilt in some of the programmes on it. My previous one was a non digital one, so the chance to use one that is both digital and having so many different programmes on it appealed to me. Both with suffering from chronic back pain and also fibro related aches and pains. So far after using it for a couple of days for a bad back attack it does seem to be keeping the pain under control and manageable, still using pain killers but without it think it might be much worse. Trick is to use it as soon as start of pain happens to lessen the amount of time spent in pain.The one big thing I notice with this though is that it is not as portable for using whilst out and about.Too big and bulky, so one for using if at home as too big to stick to you and attach to clothes unlike the tens machine I use at present a Medicare one. So this one will be used when at home but one a I have already for using when out. Was quite surprised as how big it was if honest. Does come in a little bag do when taken out of box all bits are together for storage when not in use.Easy to set up once instructions read, no used all the settings as of yet as so many, plus you can also put your own personal settings into it. Have put the settings from my other tens machine into it so know it works just as well on same setting as that. So something I could compare it with. The sticky pads are sticky, no loose pads even under clothing waistbands. The nicest setting I think and one which I think makes this relaxing for me is the massaging one, nice to use after a bath before bedtime if having a bad back flare. Will update again at a later stage to see how it is going and how long the pads seem to last. Also how the wires wear over time too and if they become not as effective. The digital display is an easy one to see though which does help when setting it to setting and changing them around.With already using one know if it suits or is suitable for me, best checking with Doctor etc to make sure a tens device is suitable for you as some conditions it is not to be used with. Replacement pads are readily available on the web and not that expensive, as they do loose their stickiness over time. Plus if another member of the family want to use it for them, best using another set of pads.With it having eight pads on it, it means I can get the lower back done both sides all the way up to top of back too if needs be. With it having a good three year warranty on it too makes it something worth looking at if being recommend to use a tens machine.Four star as one I have a I can use attached to trousers or skirt waist band and go out without anyone knowing I am wearing it as small and not bulky.

11.11.2015

This is a good looking unit in glossy white plastic with a large, clear backlit LCD. There are 2 sets of cables supplied with 4 pads on each; the machine can be used with one cable, for 4 pads, or with both, for 8 pads. 8 pads and 3 AA batteries are supplied and the whole is housed in a zip-up carry case along with the instructions.There are 20 programs for TENS, 20 for EMS and 10 for massage, length of application and pulse intensity can be set for all programs and for half of the TENS and EMS programs you can also alter pulse frequency, pulse width, ON and OFF times of the individual cycles as well as the number of cycles.I have a TENS machine, an OMRON E4,

30.10.2015

The Beurer EM80 is a very well specified 3 in 1 machine that provides TENS relief (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), EMS (Electro Muscle Stimulation) and also has a Massage function.It has 4 channels that are independently controllable, and the colour coded leads help determine which is which, and 8 adhesive electrode patches which in my experience last for ages, and you can get a set of spares for £10 ... perfect for hygiene reasons if more than one family member is going to use the device.I remember buying a 2 channel EMS when I had a bad leg injury, and that cost over £200 about 15 years ago ... so whilst the price tag might seem expensive in comparison to the cheapie units you can buy at hight street chemists,

1.11.2015

I found this soothing and relaxing. I have tried it on my ankle and knee which get very painful in this cold weather, and the pulsing and tingling really helped.It certainly eases the pain and helps mobility. I like this tens machine as you can use the TENS for pain, EMS for muscles and the MASSAGE for sheer bliss and relaxation. Each function has several programmes which can be set at different levels to suit. There is a programme for all needs, its fantastic. You get the operating unit which is easy to use following the instruction booklet.The unit has clear markings and has a good back-light. You get eight electrodes which is great for me as I have multi painful areas,

3.11.2015

I suffer chronic joint pain and will try anything to avoid large doses of pain killers. I have tried similar devices with great success so when an offer to try this one came my way I jumped at it.Beurer is a long established, quality, German manufacturer of medical equipment and this certainly looks and handles like a quality instrument.But does it work? Yes for me it certainly does . A couple of hours application when relaxing with a book or in front of the telly gives me almost instant relief which lasts for over 4 hours.i use it for an arthritic condition so have to date had no need to use it for sprained muscles , but I have to assume that it is equally effective .Eight pads is more than enough for one person,

7.11.2015

This TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) offers three functions:- pain relief- muscle toning (EMS - Electrical Muscle Stimulation)- massageThe effectiveness of the pain relief very much depends on the individual - some find it works wonders, others feel it does nothing. The Beurer EM80 works as well as other devices but benefits from having 8 electrodes and a wide range of different programs - so you are sure to find one that suits you.The muscle toning works pretty well actually but don't expect to turn into the hulk. It takes a couple of months before you start noticing the benefits - but you really can see and feel the difference.

28.10.2015

As a chronic migraine sufferer I have tried a few times and so far it is easing the pain, it is less severe, so I will keep using in the hope I may some days be pain free. A family member tried on their back and again has had good results, seems to be quite effective, maybe if you use over a period of time it could help people with a lot of pain control it. There are four separate adjustable channels with 8 self adhesive electrodes. Thirty programme applications including one for a massage, not tried that one yet. An easy to read display and a safety switch off feature. You can adjust your treatment time from 5 mins to 90 mins depending how long you need to use for. It comes with batteries and a storage bag.

31.10.2015

I use a TENS/EMS all the time for nerve pain. This unit offers TENS pain relief, EMS muscle stimulation and also massage. Price-wise I think it is very good especially if you use these machines a lot like I do. You get 8 electrode pads to place at the appropriate (illustrated) areas for use and optimal performance.The accompanying booklet explains the different functions that this machine can offer; key functions and menu, programmes and cycles. You just key in the programme that you want according to the TENS, EMS or MASSAGE tables.So far I have used all of the functions and it works similarly to my current piece of kit. I like the whole unit and the way it has been put together.

8.11.2015

Having had a serious back injury some years ago, then surgery on my shoulder, I do have assorted aches and pains on a regular basis. This machine was very effective at reducing the pain. It not only has the TENS feature, but also muscle stimulation and massage functions. Have tried the massage function on my tired aching legs one day and it really helped. The machine is very well made and has a 3-year warranty. It comes with a nice bag to store it in, along with the electrode pads. The instruction book is clear and well written, giving excellent guidance on the use of the various functions. The price of this machines seems incredible value when considered in relation to the features it offers

11.4.2014

Effective and easy to use.....would recommend this product without hesitation......great selection between TENS EMS and MASSAGE lightweight and easy to handle

11.1.2018

Deffo help me a lot with my back pain ! Have a lot of functions and you can choose which one is better for you !I would recommend this to everyone!

14.10.2015

Amazing equipment, makes me realize how I managed without it. I am getting wonderful results from my patients

13.7.2020

The instructions don't make sense - but once I figured out how to use it all is well.

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