EMS Foot Massagers: Frequently Asked Questions About EMS [Updated 2023]

If you’re dealing with foot pain, leg pain, circulation issues or all three, you’re likely familiar with pain therapy devices. When pain is localized to the foot and leg areas, it's so important to find a reliable method of pain relief since we use our feet and legs every single day. If you’ve been wondering about EMS foot massagers in particular, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more about EMS therapy and how you may benefit from using an EMS foot massager!

What is EMS Therapy?

EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) is a natural pain therapy method. EMS gently stimulates healthy muscles, causing them to contract and relax in order to temporarily increase local circulation and soothe soreness. Stimulating healthy muscles also helps improve and facilitate muscle performance.

How Do EMS Devices Such as a Foot Massager Work?

Generally speaking, foot massaging devices are situated on the ground underneath the user, and the user will then place their feet on designated footpads on the device. Some foot massagers have unique features such as being lightweight, thin and portable, and some can offer acupressure-like stimulation as well. Oftentimes, the user can choose from a variety of different modes, helping them customize the massage to their liking. The overall goals of EMS foot massagers are:

• To provide relaxing, massage-like stimulations on the soles of the feet.
• To conduct EMS Pain Therapy via footpads for temporary relief of pain and discomfort.
• To soothe sore, aching muscles in the feet and legs.

What Can EMS be Used For?

When it comes to EMS foot massagers specifically, some common reasons for using a device include:

• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Types of Arthritis
• Poor circulation in the feet and/or legs
• Difficulty standing or being active on one's feet for long periods of time
• Arch pain from wearing heeled shoes
• Acute injuries

EMS massagers can be used to help individuals find pain relief from household activities such as work or chores, and they can be used for symptomatic relief of chronic or arthritic pain as well.

What Does EMS Feel Like?

Involuntary muscle contraction may sound like something that’s painful, but that’s just not true! This is a common misconception that likely derives from video clips of people using EMS machines at high frequencies, or the popular and highly debated idea that EMS can be used to build muscle and reduce fat. Regardless, your device should never cause you harm or discomfort. EMS is meant to feel good and provide stimulation that mimics a massage, with modes that feel like kneading, chopping, rubbing, shaking and similar.

Are There Side Effects to Using EMS? Is it Safe?

Side effects associated with the use of an EMS device are minimal, considering that these machines use safe, low-level pulses of electricity to work. Some side effects can include:

• Potential skin irritation at the site of application
• A worn-out feeling in atrophied muscles (muscles that are not regularly used)

How Does EMS Differ From TENS?

EMS and TENS are often confused with each other. While they can both be used in the same device, their purposes are totally different:

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is another pain therapy method that gently stimulates the nervous system to help reduce pain signals sent to the brain and provide temporary relief of pain. TENS therapy is also thought to aid in the release of endorphins — a naturally occurring chemical that may also provide temporary pain relief.

TENS doesn’t work to provide massage-like stimulations like EMS does, which is why using both pain therapies in one device can help pain sufferers target the muscles and the nerves as well.

DR-HO’S EMS foot massager called the Circulation Promoter also features proprietary technology for added benefits in addition to TENS and EMS:

Most TENS/EMS machines offer a single mode of stimulation which may work at first, but eventually, the body may adapt as the same stimulations are repeated over and over again. The Circulation Promoter utilizes AMP (Auto Modulated Pulse) technology to deliver more than 300 different stimulations that vary in wave patterns, frequencies, and rest periods.

How Often Can I Use an EMS Foot Massager?

A TENS and EMS foot massager like the Circulation Promoter is recommended to be used for 20-30 minutes at a time. You can use the device multiple times a day depending on your needs and comfort level. Consult your preferred healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

What is DR-HO’S Circulation Promoter?

The Circulation Promoter is an EMS foot massager, recommended to be used:

• For relief of pain associated with sore and aching muscles in the legs and feet due to strain from exercise or normal household work activities.
• For symptomatic relief and management of chronic, intractable pain and relief of pain associated with arthritis.
• To stimulate healthy muscles to improve and facilitate muscle performance.
• To increase local blood circulation in healthy muscles.

The Circulation Promoter can offer pain sufferers an effective, alternative method of temporary pain relief. In addition to not having to make various appointments outside of the house, some benefits of having a Circulation Promoter device at home include:

Ease of use: Spray some gel or water on the smart electrodes. Put your feet on the footpads. Turn the device on and enjoy the stimulations!

Portability: The battery-powered device can be used anywhere, whether you’re at work, at home or traveling. Save some time by using the device while performing other activities.

Adaptability: DR-HO’S Pain Therapy device that provides the TENS, EMS and AMP can be detached from the Circulation Promoter and connected to body pads to use elsewhere on the body.

Custom Modes: Select from three different therapy modes that feel like three different massage techniques! Mode A feels like a deep, kneading massage; Mode B feels like gentle chopping and shaking; Mode C feels like gentle soothing and rubbing.

Manage pain on your own terms.

We hope that our FAQ on EMS foot massagers helps you feel more confident in deciding what device is right for your pain management routine. Find a safe, effective method of pain relief so that you can get back to feeling like yourself and doing the things you love!