Is a Theragun Worth It? A Massage Expert’s Opinion
If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for new and better ways to practice self-care, decrease pain, or increase performance. And you’ve probably heard about Theragun, a popular percussion massage gun, for a while.
After reading countless Theragun reviews and talking to other massage therapists, I have frequently asked myself if a Theragun is worth it. There are so many other massage guns on the market. Is the Theragn worth all the hype and a higher price tag?
In this blog post, we will take a look at the Theragun from all angles and decide once and for all if it’s worth purchasing one for yourself.
What Others Have Said
The vast majority of Theragun reviews are positive. People love how easy it is to use, and how quickly it helps with pain relief and muscle soreness. Theraguns have even been featured in lots of “best of” articles and as a favorite of athletes and celebrities. Just this morning I saw Conan tweet about a Theragun. Sure, celebrities may like it and use it. However, they are not experts in this area.
My Turn
I have tried and reviewed dozens of percussion massage guns in the past few years. The Theragun always is brought up as being one of the best massage guns, and also one of the most expensive. Is it worth the cost? Are there better options out there for your muscle soreness and pain relief? If you are a massage therapist, is this the one you should choose to use with your clients?
As always, I’ll give my honest feedback.
Bob and Brad’s Massage Gun Comparison: C2 vs T2 vs X6 Pro
A couple of weeks ago I shared my review of Bob and Brads’s C2 Massage Gun. The C2 massage gun was quite impressive. After some research, I discovered they actually have a couple other options available, the T2 and X6 Pro. I decided to compare these three massage guns to see how they perform side by side. Which one is right for you? Let’s compare Bob and Brad’s C2, T2, and X6 Pro massage guns.
Here is a quick look at each one available on Amazon.com before I begin breaking down the differences.
Bob and Brad’s C2 Massage Gun
(affiliate link)
Bob and Brad’s T2 Massage Gun
(affiliate link)
Bob and Brad’s X6 Massage Gun
(affiliate link)
Comparison Video: C2 vs T2 vs X6
These three massage guns do have many things in common. They all have five speeds, five attachments, a compact travel case for storage, and come from a brand you can actually trust. That alone goes a long way in my opinion.
But there are some differences you should be aware of if you are trying to figure out which one of these three massage guns is right for you.
Five Speeds
All three massage guns have five speeds, ranging from 2000 to 3200 RPMs.
Five Attachments/Heads
Each of these three massage guns comes with 5 attachments.
- Airhead attachment
- Foam Ball
- Bullet
- Fork/2 Prong
- Flathead
The airhead attachment is included with all three of these massage guns. It is also one of my favorite attachments for a massage gun. It glides over the entire body, including bony landmarks, with ease and just has a really nice feel to it. When someone is sore or tender in an area, this is the attachment I begin with.
The X6 Pro comes with an all-metal flathead attachment. As I mention in the video, it can be used for heat or cryotherapy. It is solid metal and delivers an incredible amount of firm pressure (in a good way). This upgrade adds a lot of value to this massage gun.
Size
All three have the oval-shaped silicone gripped handle.
The C2 massage gun comes in at 1.5 pounds. It is very light and compact.
The T2 is only slightly bigger. The difference is hardly noticeable.
The X6 Pro is noticeably larger. It weighs 1.9 pounds, which is still a very manageable size for prolonged use by a professional.
Amplitude
Amplitude refers to how far the attachment travels each time it strikes the skin. The higher the amplitude, the deeper the massage gun is supposed to feel. If the amplitude is really low, the massage gun can just feel like vibration. None of these will have that issue, but the X6 does feel the most powerful.
- C2 = 8mm
- T2 = 10mm
- X6 = 10.5mm
Charging
The C2 and T2 both use a USB-C charger (which is included with each product). This makes it easy to charge on the go. The T2 does have 2.5x more battery life than the C2. This upgrade alone makes it worth the small price increase over the T2.
The X6 Pro uses a wall charger, but it is included. If you use it for 10 minutes each day, you should only need to charge it about once a month.
Noise
All three massage guns are very quiet, coming in around 55 dB. The X6 Pro seems only slightly louder.
Performance
These three massage guns all have a professional feel and solid performance. In order to prevent overheating and preserve the motor, each will automatically shut off after 10 minutes of constant use. While this is not my favorite feature, it is one I understand.
I explain stall force in the video a little. This is when the massage gun shuts itself off automatically if it reaches a certain about of pressure. The C2 will stall out at about 35 pounds and the T2 and X6 will stall out at 44 pounds. If you like a lot of pressure or plan to provide a lot of pressure on others with this massage gun, make sure to upgrade to the T2 or X6.
How far the massage gun head travels is referred to as amplitude. The C2 amplitude is 8mm and the T2 and X6 both measure 10mm.
Price
As I have mentioned before, these three massage guns are very affordable in comparison to massage guns with similar features. I would most certainly recommend these massage guns over other massage guns that run $100 to $200 dollars more. The C2 ad T2 are ideal for everyday use and self-care at home. If you are between the C2 and T2, the extra battery life and performance only cost $10 more, so I really do recommend choosing the T2 in that case. The X6 Pro is an obvious choice for athletes for professional use for massage therapists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, or chiropractors. The titanium alloy build and flathead attachment make the X6 upgrade an ideal choice.
The C2 is available on Amazon for 119 with coupons.
Affiliate link image
The T2 is available on Amazon for 129 with coupons.
Affiliate link image
The X6 is available on Amazon for 169 with coupons.
Affiliate link image
Again, it is hard to go wrong with any of these three massage guns. I hope whichever one you choose, you get the pain relief, injury recovery, or just a little relaxation you need in your life.
Affiliate Disclosure
I am an affiliate for Amazon Associates, and will receive a commission if you use any of the affiliate links in this post. This is at no additional cost to you. I only review products I have tried and always provide my honest and professional opinion.
Bob and Brad’s C2 Massage Gun Review
There are thousands of massage guns on the market today. For most people the choices are overwhelming. Do you buy the $30 one at TJ Maxx or Wal-Mart? Do you need fifteen different massage gun heads? Should you go ahead and buy the popular $400 massage gun on Amazon. I am here to tell you this- probably not. Today I want to introduce you to a massage gun you should consider, Bob and Brad’s C2 massage gun.
You know who Bob and Brad are, right?
A couple of weeks ago I woke up to an email from Bob and Brad’s marketing team asking me if I would be willing to review their C2massage gun. Honestly, I have been a Bob and Brad fan for years. I have used their videos to help my massage clients get relief from various muscular issues. Even when I had bursitis, their videos were a large part of my self-care and complete recovery. They truly have helped so many people get needed relief from pain and discomfort via their YouTube Channel (with nearly 4 million subscribers).
In my opinion, they are pain relief experts. And as a fan of self-care massage tools, I was extremely excited to try their C2 massage gun out.
Quick Review of the C2 Massage Gun Specs
I’m going to start out on the specs. Last, but not least, I will talk about the one thing that this massage gun has that makes it well worth the cost of it. It is something that is different from every massage gun that I have tried.
5 Heads
This gun comes with 5 heads, 4 of them you will find standard with most other massage guns.
- Bullet
- Fork
- Ball
- Flat
- Air-Head (which I will talk more about later)
Compact and Perfectly-Sized Handle
This massage gun is more compact than I expected it to be. It is not as big as many of my massage guns, but it’s also not as small as my mini massage guns. Please see the photo for details.
In my other massage gun reviews, I have talked about the size of the massage gun handle for my hands. This is really important because if they’re too big, they’re awkward for me to hold, so I know the same has to be true for others. The size of the handle is just about perfect. Plus, it is more of an oval shape, not a perfect circle, and has a nice silicone grip on it.
And weight is not an issue, as the C2 only weighs one and a half pounds.
Noise
It is extremely quiet. Certainly one of, if not, the quietest massage guns I have used.
Speeds or Gears
The C2 massage gun has five speeds or gears. More than enough for home or professional use.
What Else Does It Include?
It includes a compact travel case, making it easy to take with you just about anywhere.
The battery can easily be charged with the type C charger that we all use for many of our cell phones.
It has a 10-minute auto shut down feature. For home use, this feature is fine because I understand that people have a tendency to overwork an area that is bothering them. However, professionally, this is not one of my favorite features and my one complaint about this massage gun.
Now that I have got my one complaint in, let’s talk about my favorite feature of this massage gun.
Introducing the Best Massage Gun Tool Head Ever: The Air Head
I didn’t really give this particular head much attention when I first got the massage gun. It was awkwardly shaped and I really didn’t understand how great it was and how much of a game-changer this head would be for massage guns. As you can see from my video, if you accidentally go over a bony prominence or protuberance the massage gun jumps. It really isn’t a comfortable sensation for the receiver whether you’re doing this to somebody else or using a massage gun on yourself.
This particular head, the airhead, glides seamlessly over the entire body. There is no jumping, no bouncing, nothing. You can do the entire back very easily without worrying about bouncing on the shoulder blades or going over the spine with this head. This makes for an incredibly smooth and comfortable massage gun experience.
Final Verdict
Bob and Brad have given self-care massage and home care more attention, which is something I also really believe in as a massage therapist. You can only accomplish so much in a one-hour massage or physical therapy session. If you have pain or muscle issues, you also have to address them at home between appointments.
If you’re in the market for a massage gun, I give it a look. It was really a pleasure to get to work with one of Bob and Brad’s tools. Their team obviously put a lot of thought into some of the fine details that other massage gun companies have not. This is an excellent choice for a physical therapist, massage therapist, chiropractor, athlete, weekend warrior, dad, mom, or friend.
I also love that they were bold enough to compare their massage gun to the two most well-known massage guns on the market on their Amazon product page. They are very confident in their product and I absolutely love that! And after trying it out, I understand why- it is an incredible massage gun.
When putting together the size, heads, performance, and cost – this has to be one of the best values for a massage gun on the market right now.
Cost and Where to Buy
The C2 massage gun (affiliate link) is regularly $119 on Amazon, but has a $30 coupon available as of this posting date.
Other Massage Gun Options From Bob and Brad
There are a couple of variations you may want to consider.
X6 Pro Massage Gun (Affiliate link)
The X6 Pro Massage Gun has a metal flat head, which is a feature I really like in other massage guns. Don’t worry, it still has the air head.
This one retails on Amazon for $169 with a $40 coupon.
Q2 Mini Massage Gun (Affiliate link)
This small massage gun option retails on Amazon for $89 and has a $20 coupon. It also includes a small air head.
AUVON Professional TENS Unit
AUVON has asked me to review a number of their TENS units over the past couple of years (one of my favorites is this one). Most of them have subtle differences, such as timers, controls, or the number of leads the unit has. But this latest release is quite different from the rest of the ones I have previously reviewed.
AUVON recently released a professional TENS/EMS unit. I received one recently for review (TUP324) and here are some of my thoughts on it.
As I write this, I have the TENS unit on my mid to lower back. I spent last weekend sitting on bleachers watching my daughter play volleyball. This TENS unit review came at just the right time.
(Amazon affiliate link)
Out of the Box First Thoughts
Here is what I noticed first. It is bulkier than most other TENS units by AUVON, but still can be easily clipped to your pants or put in your pocket. The clip is built-in on this unit. Again, that is one of my favorite things about a TENS unit, they can go nearly anywhere with you.
Powerful!
I am not exactly sure how this unit compares to most of their other AUVON units as far as power, but I do know that with the other AUVON units I have tried, I am able to use the highest setting without discomfort. With this unit, I have not been able to increase the channel intensity all the way- not even close, actually. So, if you are looking for more power in your TENS unit, give this one a try.
Different Batteries
This unit comes with 3 AAA batteries. It does not have a lithium battery that you can recharge. While this may be something people like, I am one of those people that never has the battery I need with something around the house needs new batteries.
I really prefer something that can simply be plugged in and recharged. However, I will say that I have used this device many times and the battery has remained fully charged according to the battery display.
Bump Protection
This unit has a small door to cover all of the buttons. This keeps you from bumping the unit and inadvertently changing the mode, intensity, timer, or power button.
Easy, Convenient Directions
Something I really liked was when I opened the little door, or cover, the directions on how to operate the TENS unit are right inside of it. I would say that one of the most common complaints about TENS units is learning how to operate them. These directions make it really easy and convenient. I think this addition will help many people that have previously found TENS units to difficult to use.
29 Different Modes
There are so different many modes for you to try. And this unit allows you to adjust the pulse width and pulse rate for the last 5 modes (P25-P29). This allows for a very customized experience.
As with other recent AUVON units, this one also has a continuous timer or you can also set the timer anywhere up to 90 minutes.
Price
As always, the price of this AUVON unit is very reasonable at around $30 on Amazon. I see similar professional units on Amazon retail for triple the price.
Where to Buy Your AUVON Professional TENS Unit
You can buy your AUVON Professional TENS unit here: AUVON Professional TENS Unit (Amazon affiliate link)
As a review, this AUVON TENS unit comes with:
- One Professional TENS/EMS unit with 2 Channels
- So you can address multiple areas of the body at the same time
- Built-in pants clip
- TENS units are excellent for discrete pain relief on the go. Yes, you can sit on your couch and binge-watch TV with a TENS unit, but you can also sit all weekend at your daughter’s volleyball tournament with the TENS unit providing some much-needed relief.
- 3-AAA Batteries
- 8 Pads total
- This unit contains 4 round pads and 4 square pads that are each good for multiple uses. There are no large rectangle pads included with this unit.
- 1 pad holder
- This makes storing used pads easier between uses
- 1 TENS unit pouch
- Carry around all of your TENS unit supplies with ease
Achedaway Cupper Review
I want to talk with you about one of my favorite massage modalities and tools, cupping therapy. There are many benefits of cupping for both massage practitioners and clients. I also will share with you some information about one of the most innovative massage tools I have seen that hit the market this year, the Achedaway Cupper.
Why cupping?
After massage school, I fell in love with barefoot massage and the deep pressure it could provide with minimal strain on my body. But I also dove into learning more about cupping. It wasn’t the cool marks that got me, but the lifting and separation of tissues that intrigued me. Do you ever just imaging your tense areas and what it would feel like if someone was able to grab them, pull them up and release all that tension clinging to the body? Cupping often does that. As a massage therapist, I can only push so much, I also wanted some pull on the tissue. And grabbing tissue with Massage cream on it isn’t always that easy.
Cupping is another one of those modalities that is easy on my body and when combining it with massage my clients get better results. Another win-win.
There are many benefits of cupping.
Types of Cupping Cups
Today, there are so many different cupping cups, or cupping devices, available on the market. If you are new to cupping, you may wonder what is best for you.
Plastic Cupping Set with Hand Pump
When I started my massage journey, over 20 years ago now, one of my first eBay purchases was a cupping set that used a hand pump. This was before the Olympics when everyone saw those mysterious marks https://amzn.to/3zcJCm2 on athletes and interest in cupping therapy exploded. This type of set is still widely available today. It was a good set to use to explore, but I would never go back to using these types of cups.
Glass Cupping
Of course, the only other alternative at that time was glass cups and fire -which can be dangerous without proper training. Not only that, this style is rarely covered under most massage therapist insurance policies. I certainly did not have the training at that time to try them nor the desire to use something that would not be covered under my policy. But I understand the draw to this as it is really the “OG” cupping method.
Silicone Cups
Over the years, I became a fan of more a mobile, or dynamic, style cupping. Some people call this “modern cupping”. Dynamic cupping means I rarely let cups sit and develop the dark-bruise-like” marks they leave behind. I move and glide the cups around, lifting, creating space and separation in areas that feel tight and “stuck”. For this type of cupping, I rely on my favorite cups to date, silicone cups. My only issue with silicone cups is keeping the pressure consistent. https://amzn.to/3FMdF6w. Other than that, they are easy to store, clean, and travel with.
If I was going to start out with a basic, affordable cup – silicone is where I would begin.
Vacuum Cupping Machine
I have also tried cupping machines. These vacuum cupping machines allow you to adjust pressure and keep it consistent. With a massage cream or oil, they make my mobile style of cupping very easy. However, this device can be expensive, takes up a lot of room, and is not easy to travel with.
Achedaway Cupper
But now we have smart cups. Cups that have apps, consistent pressure, the ability to take cupping with us on the go – and we have Achedaway to thank for that. Really, this is one of the most innovative massage tools I have seen in my 20 years as a massage therapist who has reviewed hundreds of massage tools.
Achedaway sent me a free cup to review. And here are some of my thoughts.
Pros
Easy to Use
Easy to store or take with you. There are three cups. The smallest one is curved for the forearm or other body curves. To change cups, simply unscrew one and replace it with the desired size.
Well Thought Out
They thought this tool out. There is a cord for you to hold onto. Because it did slip out of my hand on occasion and the cord saved it from falling on the ground
The copper includes red light therapy. This warming sensation is a nice addition.
Powerful
There is no lack of suction with this device. Much more than expected. If pressure and pull are what you want, you will not be disappointed here.
Cons
Like most other massage tools, nothing is perfect.
Powerful
Yes. I hate making this a con. And, yes, this was a pro too. I am a pressure-loving person, but I do wish there was an option for a little less suction. The lowest setting is still quite intense for me. But for others, this may be just fine.
Also, the suction was so much, that even with a fair amount of cream or oil, I was rarely able to move the cup around. This made dynamic cupping very difficult.
Noisy
It is a little noisy. If you are back in the office working, this is not something that is quiet like a TENS unit, other massage tools, or manual cupping devices. People will hear the device if you are all sitting around the living room trying to watch TV together.
Cost
Currently, the Achedaway cupper costs over $150. So, this device is not cheap. But innovative tools rarely are. However, this does not mean it is not worth the cost. This is not a $20 silicone cupping set. It is like comparing your old landline phone to your smartphone. They both make calls, but one is just on another level in a technical sense.
Where to Buy
You can purchase the Achedaway Cupper on Amazon or directly from their website.
Final Thoughts
Again, the Achedaway cup is extremely easy to use. Simply turn on and place on an area until it is able to achieve suction. You can manually control from on the unit, or use the app.
There are 5 modes, which really are just patterns of suction and release. Choose one and then one of the five intensity levels you desire.
This tool is good for home use or for massage professionals. In my opinion, it is a good investment in your massage practice and your body.
It truly warmed and loosened the muscle tissues, helped increase range of motion, and alleviate pain. My three words to describe it are effective, powerful, and innovative. It is a device I recommend to those interested in cupping therapy and those with cupping experience looking for a modern take on an ancient therapy.
Thanks again Achedaway for letting me try out your product. It was fun to experiment with this innovative massage product. Looking forward to seeing what else you have lined up in the future!
Here is the link to buy it again – Achedaway Cupper
Here is a quick video demonstration to show you how easy this device is to use.
5 Christmas Massage Gift Ideas Approved By A Massage Therapist
Looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, co-worker, friend, or acquaintance? Here are some great Christmas massage gift ideas from a massage therapist that are surely going to be a hit this holiday season. Everyone loves relaxing, especially when it involves self-care, and these gifts can bring much-needed joy to just about anyone. We could all use a little more touch and joy after these past couple of years. Right? And, best of all, these gifts will give your hands a break.
Whether you are shopping for Christmas or just want to surprise your hardworking mom, these gift ideas from a massage therapist are a great way to show your love or appreciation.
The links in this article are affiliate links. They are all products I have owned or reviewed in the past. I hope you or your gift recipient enjoy them as much as I do.
Christmas presents laid on a white wooden table background
1. Gift Certificate for a Massage
A simple gift that can make someone’s day. Imagine a relaxing massage after a long day of work, it’s just perfection. If you don’t know a massage therapist, there are several ways to nail down the perfect one! Asking your friends is a surefire way of reaching a therapist that’s tried and trusted. You can also check out online reviews as well, most of them are trustworthy. The best way in my opinion is to go to the massage therapist yourself, after all, you can trust your own judgment.
Be on the lookout for deals as well, many massage therapists have coupons or sales going on. Schools also offer reduced prices for student massages if you are looking to get a good deal. Keeping an eye or ear out for good deals is always great, who knows you can book a double massage for the same price!
2. Massage Gun
A massage gun that can be used anytime? Yes, please! With hundreds of massage guns to choose from, you might get confused about which one to pick, this is why I picked them for you.
Theragun
The Theragun Prime is on the expensive side, but it’s made by a well-known company and can last for a long time. The QX65 motor is a proprietary brushless one that provides deep muscle treatment while remaining surprisingly quiet. The gun also comes with a Lithium-ion battery that provides around 2 hours of massage time, it’s quite a leap from other massage guns I’ve used. Theragun Prime also comes with a 5-speed range and an LED screen that displays the status of the device. What I really love is the ergonomic grip that enables you to grab the gun anyway you like, this makes long self-massage sessions a breeze on your hands.
Cryotex Massage Gun
Want a good massage gun on a budget? The Cryotex Massage Gun is a perfect gift! It is affordable and comes with 6 massage heads to help fight against body soreness. It is a great gift for the elderly and athletes alike. I loved the included 6 massage heads that target a different muscle group, combine those with 20-speed levels, and you can customize your massages with ease. The deep tissue massage gun is quiet yet powerful. The gun comes with a lithium-ion battery that lasts around 3-6 hours depending on your speed settings, it also has an LED indicator, so you don’t need to worry about it running out mid-massage.
3. Tens Unit Muscle Stimulator Machine
This electric muscle massager may feel like magic, but it is actually science! The massage can stimulate muscles and sensory nerves, relaxing your body and giving pain management. There are 20 different modes including kneading, hammering, and shiatsu. You can even set up separate modes like acupuncture or tapping. A great gift idea for someone that is in regular pain due to work conditions (long office hours in a seat) or a sportsperson that needs relief after strenuous activities.
The Tens Unit Muscle Stimulator Machine comes with self-sticking pads that can be used up to 45 times. The device also has a 12-month warranty, so you know the company is confident in its product. Overall, it’s a neat gift that is budget-friendly and shows that you care about the well-being of your loved ones.
4. Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow
Zyllion Shiatsu is a massage pillow that helps in relieving sore muscles and stiffness, but that’s not why I’m recommending it. The main reason is how amazingly comfortable it is! I thought it would be a bit uncomfortable to lay on, but I was pleasantly surprised to experience how comfortable it was. You can place it under your head, behind your back, and even under the calves. The pillow also comes with a car adapter, so you can enjoy massages on long drives as well. The only downside is that it needs a power outlet to work, but that’s a small price to pay for the superb relaxation of tightened muscles.
The Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow has a large motor that delivers high-intensity muscle-soothing action. There are 6 lightbulbs inside it for better and efficient heat transfer. The pillow is made with 100% vegan leather that is soft and comfortable to touch and most importantly, pretty easy to clean.
5. Cloud Shiatsu Foot Massager
I don’t know about you, but I feel amazing when I get a foot massage after a long day. Cloud Shiatsu Foot Massager makes it easier to get a foot massage daily at home, and it is super convenient. The foot, leg, and ankle massager is great for blood flow and reducing inflammation. You can even place your calves in the massager for faster muscle recovery and pain relief. The Cloud Shiatsu Foot Massager comes with three different levels of intensity, I recommend starting off with the gentle one and gradually increasing it according to your needs. There are also 5 modes for comfort that include rolling massage, sway function, heat therapy, compression therapy, and a quiet mode.
If you have someone in your life that stands for long periods of time or has to walk around work, this foot massager would be heaven-sent for them. While it is a bit pricey, the experience and relaxation it will provide are worth every penny. Sometimes they offer 50% off coupons on this item on Amazon. So keep an eye out for those this holiday season.
Have Your Own Christmas Massage Gift Idea?
These were a few gift ideas from a massage therapist. Hopefully, one of these gifts will enhance the lives of your loved ones positively. If you have any more suggestions or require my recommendations, feel free to drop a comment below! And also, stay tuned for upcoming Valentine’s Day gift ideas.
AUVON TENS Unit Review
As we settle in for another winter, many of us will deal with some sort of physical pain. This may be from stress, scooping snow, navigating icy sidewalks, or sore muscles from making those new years resolutions to hit the gym.
Despite the many reasons for physical pain, all of them seek relief.
Relief has many different meanings, but in general, it is the alleviation or ease through the removal of pain or distress.
One of the most popular at-home self-care tools right now for muscle pain relief is a TENS unit.
Recently, Auvon sent me another TENS unit to try. If you want to read my first review of a previous TENS unit click here (AUVON TENS Unit Review #1). In that article, I talked about how a TENS unit works, a massage therapist’s scope of practice, simple instructions on how to use their previous unit, as well as the benefits of a TENS unit. I really like the previous unit, so much that I also gave out a couple of these as Christmas gifts last year.
As a recap, a TENS unit uses a low voltage electrical current to provide pain relief.
In this article, I’m going to discuss some of the changes to Auvon’s newest TENS unit. Best of all, I will include a short video to show you how to use it, just in case you are having trouble navigating your new TENS unit or if you want to see how easy it can be to use.
What Hasn’t Changed
This unit still provides excellent relief for everyday muscle pain and tension.
As far as new features, the newer unit really isn’t that much different as far as modes. Both have twenty-four modes. My favorite is still mode number 1, which feels like a continuous stimulation of the muscle (almost like vibration).
What Has Changed
Here are some of the changes and updates they made since the last review.
Continuous Timer
One thing that they have introduced with this newer unit is the continuous timer. The max before was a 90-minute timer. If you put this new unit on continuous (or “C”), the timer will continue going until you shut off the unit or it runs out of power.
As a massage therapist, it is important to note that you should not overwork muscles. More is not always better. I think it is best to start with a ten-minute timer and work up to longer times to see how your body responds.
Different Pads
This one came with circle pads which were smaller than the previous square pads, making it easier to place in certain areas. All in all, this unit comes with 8 electrodes that are good for multiple uses (30 uses each). And replacements inexpensive and can be found here – AUVON replacement pads) .
Holster
I guess this is if your pants don’t have pockets. Previously, I just instructed people to place the controller in their pockets while they walked around. That is one thing I really like about TENS units, you can walk around with them and maintain your daily activities while you use them. No one knows that you are using one. They can be very discrete.
Cord Organizers
This one came with little cord organizers so which help me organize the leader cords. Again, these are all very small things but make a difference in portability.
Small Plastic Casing
This new unit is all plastic and one solid color. The previous unit looks and feels more like a cell phone. I can see how a person could easily confuse the two. This new unit is lighter and slightly smaller. My hope is that is just as durable.
Lower Profile Leads
The leads are slightly different so that it doesn’t stick out as much which makes it a little smaller and more compact.
Fewer Outputs
My old unit had four outputs and could accommodate up to eight pads at once, or four different areas. Honestly, two is enough – more than enough. This means you have enough to use four pads at once on two different areas.
Different Charger Port
I just got a new cell phone and it looks like all the charger ports have changed since I bought my last one. This new unit uses the newest Type-C to USB cable to charge. A charging cord is included.
More Battery Life
With the continuous timer, you also get 2x the battery life. Nearly 40 hours! More battery life is always better.
How to Use Your TENS Unit
It took me a little while to adjust to this new unit. I am admittedly bad at reading directions that come with products.
The only negative reviews I do see of this unit are people having some problems with using it and it’s saying it’s too complicated. And, it does have a learning curve, but it is very simple once you know a few simple things. Today, one of the things I thought I could do would be to shoot a short video to show you how to use this unit easily and quickly.
Price and Where to Buy
All in all, I find this TENS unit easier to use than my last one. When someone is wanting to manage pain and tension at home, a TENS unit is often one of my first recommendations along with soft tissue massage. If you have not bought a TENS unit, this unit is a great price on Amazon right now currently it is $32 with a 20% off coupon – making it about $25 right now.
AUVON TENS Unit on Amazon (affiliate links)
My previous reviewed version with 4 outputs is here for $35 – AUVON TENS unit
There are some much-needed changes. Auvon is a great company to work with I wholeheartedly recommend their products especially if you’re looking for a TENS unit.
Own an Auvon TENS unit? Share your experience with others.
I would love to hear below for those people who had this unit or how it’s helped you with a particular problem to share with others who are considering buying one.