Top positive review
A surprisingly powerful and versatile unit.
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2015
I've been using the SantaMedical TENS unit for a while now and loving it. My main, and I felt modest, problems with it were 1) no way to extend the treatment cycles and 2) even at the highest setting, I couldn't actually feel the treatment on certain parts of my foot because of my neuropathy. This latter is not a problem with the machine but rather with my foot so I was philosophical about it. It certainly wasn't enough for me to decide the unit wasn't worth my time or money, and it did help me feel better. Yes, I do understand that many people feel that the TENS units operate on the placebo effect, and that's certainly possible, but I've found that placebo only lasts for a certain length of time before the effect fades or goes away entirely. Even after months of using my TENS unit, I'm still getting relief. Yes, it's temporary and it's not going to fix my problems, but I do feel better for a while.
I introduced a friend to the TENS machines, and while researching various units (they decided on the SantaMedical unit that I have) her husband found the Healthmate here on Amazon and alerted me to it. I saw that there were 8 pads which meant that I could treat both feet, both knees, etc. in the time it normally took to treat one, which my itself was a huge selling point for me. The other? I could extend treatment time up to 80 minutes instead of being stuck at 15 minute bursts. At a price point only $10 higher than what I'd paid for the SantaMedical unit, I thought it looked like a good alternative. (A note here: My friend's husband looked at the two units and said that he felt the two were almost certainly designed and manufactured by the same company, and were simply branded for Santa and Healthmate. If you're a SantaMedical unit user, you might want to take a look at this Healthmate unit.)
The first thing I noticed is that the instruction manual and the acupressure/acupuncture poster are virtually useless. The poster is largely in Chinese, and printed in such tiny type that I'd have to use a magnifying glass to read it. The ACU mode flummoxed me until I connected it with acupuncture points. There was nothing in the manual that explained the meanings of modes like cupping and scraping. Yes, there are little hand gestures that occur around the perimeter of the screen, but when the screen times out at something like 2-3 seconds, and the gestures are so small they're hard to see, they're also not much help. In the end, I don't think it matters much because I suspect most users are like me, and will choose the mode that feels best to them.
The first place I tried it on was my feet. Remember how I said I couldn't feel the TENS treatment when it was on the highest setting (10) on the SantaMedical unit? Well at 1 on the Healthmate I felt it vaguely. At 5 it was too strong and I had to turn it down. That's how much more intense this unit can be, at least in its Ankle/Foot mode. And that's where it gets kind of interesting.
I always had the sense that no matter the mode, the SantaMedical unit's intensity was consistent. In other words, an intensity setting of five felt roughly the same no matter whether you were using the mode for Waist or the mode for Hand. Only the pattern of pulses changed. However the Healthmate unit programs function at different intensities. I discovered this when I was using it on my back. I clicked on the Back mode and set it at level 5 which seemed optimal. I did notice, however, that on the little man on the left side of the screen, the Back treatment area is mid-back. My damage occurred below the waist, so I thought I'd try setting it to Hip and see whether that program was more effective. It turned out to be more intense to the point where I had to turn the unit down. That's when I realized why, when you change the program, the unit resets the intensity to 1. The change could be an unpleasant surprise if it's sudden. I have yet to to try out all the modes, and I sure haven't turned this up to the highest intensity, but I already see where it gives a much broader scope of treatment.
So to recap briefly, the pros: Higher levels of intensity and more modes of treatment than I've seen with other units, adjustable treatment times, eight pads, good price point by comparison to other units. The cons: Useless documentation, and a back lit screen that might as well not be back lit at all since it times out so quickly In short, the cons are not serious or numerous enough for me to mark this down more than half a star, so it comes in as a 5 with minor reservations.
I introduced a friend to the TENS machines, and while researching various units (they decided on the SantaMedical unit that I have) her husband found the Healthmate here on Amazon and alerted me to it. I saw that there were 8 pads which meant that I could treat both feet, both knees, etc. in the time it normally took to treat one, which my itself was a huge selling point for me. The other? I could extend treatment time up to 80 minutes instead of being stuck at 15 minute bursts. At a price point only $10 higher than what I'd paid for the SantaMedical unit, I thought it looked like a good alternative. (A note here: My friend's husband looked at the two units and said that he felt the two were almost certainly designed and manufactured by the same company, and were simply branded for Santa and Healthmate. If you're a SantaMedical unit user, you might want to take a look at this Healthmate unit.)
The first thing I noticed is that the instruction manual and the acupressure/acupuncture poster are virtually useless. The poster is largely in Chinese, and printed in such tiny type that I'd have to use a magnifying glass to read it. The ACU mode flummoxed me until I connected it with acupuncture points. There was nothing in the manual that explained the meanings of modes like cupping and scraping. Yes, there are little hand gestures that occur around the perimeter of the screen, but when the screen times out at something like 2-3 seconds, and the gestures are so small they're hard to see, they're also not much help. In the end, I don't think it matters much because I suspect most users are like me, and will choose the mode that feels best to them.
The first place I tried it on was my feet. Remember how I said I couldn't feel the TENS treatment when it was on the highest setting (10) on the SantaMedical unit? Well at 1 on the Healthmate I felt it vaguely. At 5 it was too strong and I had to turn it down. That's how much more intense this unit can be, at least in its Ankle/Foot mode. And that's where it gets kind of interesting.
I always had the sense that no matter the mode, the SantaMedical unit's intensity was consistent. In other words, an intensity setting of five felt roughly the same no matter whether you were using the mode for Waist or the mode for Hand. Only the pattern of pulses changed. However the Healthmate unit programs function at different intensities. I discovered this when I was using it on my back. I clicked on the Back mode and set it at level 5 which seemed optimal. I did notice, however, that on the little man on the left side of the screen, the Back treatment area is mid-back. My damage occurred below the waist, so I thought I'd try setting it to Hip and see whether that program was more effective. It turned out to be more intense to the point where I had to turn the unit down. That's when I realized why, when you change the program, the unit resets the intensity to 1. The change could be an unpleasant surprise if it's sudden. I have yet to to try out all the modes, and I sure haven't turned this up to the highest intensity, but I already see where it gives a much broader scope of treatment.
So to recap briefly, the pros: Higher levels of intensity and more modes of treatment than I've seen with other units, adjustable treatment times, eight pads, good price point by comparison to other units. The cons: Useless documentation, and a back lit screen that might as well not be back lit at all since it times out so quickly In short, the cons are not serious or numerous enough for me to mark this down more than half a star, so it comes in as a 5 with minor reservations.
78 people found this helpful
Top critical review
Very sticky.
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2021
I just bought mine recently so my experience is limited. I've used it twice this week in lieu of pain relievers. I have placed the pads on my inner ankles and they deliver intense vibrating sensations which I normally don't like but for this instance it helps relive abdominal pain. I tried placing the pads directly on my lower abdomen for pain relief but felt little to no difference in pain levels. Ankles and abdomen or just ankles seem to work very well for me. So far I'm pleased with the results. The screen is easy to see and dims after a few moments of inactivity. The icons are easy understand. After reading the brief instructions sheet, I 'played' with it for 5 minutes and ran it through all the settings and found a combination that I liked ok. There are a lot of buttons but in reality there are not a great variety of options to choose from sensation-wise. They feel very similar. To me they feel like two options either pins & needles or muscle spasms in varying degrees of speed and intensity. I have not used it for the rest of the body so I hope it is just as effective when I need it for larger areas.
The pads are very very gooey and sticky and work very well on clean dry skin. Removing the pads after use is a sticky job but surprisingly only leaves tiny amounts of residue. Since the residue is so sticky I pick the pieces off and roll them into a 'goober' (which is very satisfying). That's it, no other mess to scrub, wipe or wash off.
Over all I'm pleased as it works for my intended purpose and was a good price. Would recommend.
Follow up: I decided to stop using my device because I started having disturbing palpitations a few times a week. Not during the use of the device but still, without knowing the cause of my problem it seemed prudent to stop for now. At least until I know more. The palpitations have since stopped.
There may be contraindications for others as well.
The pads are very very gooey and sticky and work very well on clean dry skin. Removing the pads after use is a sticky job but surprisingly only leaves tiny amounts of residue. Since the residue is so sticky I pick the pieces off and roll them into a 'goober' (which is very satisfying). That's it, no other mess to scrub, wipe or wash off.
Over all I'm pleased as it works for my intended purpose and was a good price. Would recommend.
Follow up: I decided to stop using my device because I started having disturbing palpitations a few times a week. Not during the use of the device but still, without knowing the cause of my problem it seemed prudent to stop for now. At least until I know more. The palpitations have since stopped.
There may be contraindications for others as well.
One person found this helpful
28,066 total ratings, 10,881 with reviews
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From the United States
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2015
I've been using the SantaMedical TENS unit for a while now and loving it. My main, and I felt modest, problems with it were 1) no way to extend the treatment cycles and 2) even at the highest setting, I couldn't actually feel the treatment on certain parts of my foot because of my neuropathy. This latter is not a problem with the machine but rather with my foot so I was philosophical about it. It certainly wasn't enough for me to decide the unit wasn't worth my time or money, and it did help me feel better. Yes, I do understand that many people feel that the TENS units operate on the placebo effect, and that's certainly possible, but I've found that placebo only lasts for a certain length of time before the effect fades or goes away entirely. Even after months of using my TENS unit, I'm still getting relief. Yes, it's temporary and it's not going to fix my problems, but I do feel better for a while.
I introduced a friend to the TENS machines, and while researching various units (they decided on the SantaMedical unit that I have) her husband found the Healthmate here on Amazon and alerted me to it. I saw that there were 8 pads which meant that I could treat both feet, both knees, etc. in the time it normally took to treat one, which my itself was a huge selling point for me. The other? I could extend treatment time up to 80 minutes instead of being stuck at 15 minute bursts. At a price point only $10 higher than what I'd paid for the SantaMedical unit, I thought it looked like a good alternative. (A note here: My friend's husband looked at the two units and said that he felt the two were almost certainly designed and manufactured by the same company, and were simply branded for Santa and Healthmate. If you're a SantaMedical unit user, you might want to take a look at this Healthmate unit.)
The first thing I noticed is that the instruction manual and the acupressure/acupuncture poster are virtually useless. The poster is largely in Chinese, and printed in such tiny type that I'd have to use a magnifying glass to read it. The ACU mode flummoxed me until I connected it with acupuncture points. There was nothing in the manual that explained the meanings of modes like cupping and scraping. Yes, there are little hand gestures that occur around the perimeter of the screen, but when the screen times out at something like 2-3 seconds, and the gestures are so small they're hard to see, they're also not much help. In the end, I don't think it matters much because I suspect most users are like me, and will choose the mode that feels best to them.
The first place I tried it on was my feet. Remember how I said I couldn't feel the TENS treatment when it was on the highest setting (10) on the SantaMedical unit? Well at 1 on the Healthmate I felt it vaguely. At 5 it was too strong and I had to turn it down. That's how much more intense this unit can be, at least in its Ankle/Foot mode. And that's where it gets kind of interesting.
I always had the sense that no matter the mode, the SantaMedical unit's intensity was consistent. In other words, an intensity setting of five felt roughly the same no matter whether you were using the mode for Waist or the mode for Hand. Only the pattern of pulses changed. However the Healthmate unit programs function at different intensities. I discovered this when I was using it on my back. I clicked on the Back mode and set it at level 5 which seemed optimal. I did notice, however, that on the little man on the left side of the screen, the Back treatment area is mid-back. My damage occurred below the waist, so I thought I'd try setting it to Hip and see whether that program was more effective. It turned out to be more intense to the point where I had to turn the unit down. That's when I realized why, when you change the program, the unit resets the intensity to 1. The change could be an unpleasant surprise if it's sudden. I have yet to to try out all the modes, and I sure haven't turned this up to the highest intensity, but I already see where it gives a much broader scope of treatment.
So to recap briefly, the pros: Higher levels of intensity and more modes of treatment than I've seen with other units, adjustable treatment times, eight pads, good price point by comparison to other units. The cons: Useless documentation, and a back lit screen that might as well not be back lit at all since it times out so quickly In short, the cons are not serious or numerous enough for me to mark this down more than half a star, so it comes in as a 5 with minor reservations.
I introduced a friend to the TENS machines, and while researching various units (they decided on the SantaMedical unit that I have) her husband found the Healthmate here on Amazon and alerted me to it. I saw that there were 8 pads which meant that I could treat both feet, both knees, etc. in the time it normally took to treat one, which my itself was a huge selling point for me. The other? I could extend treatment time up to 80 minutes instead of being stuck at 15 minute bursts. At a price point only $10 higher than what I'd paid for the SantaMedical unit, I thought it looked like a good alternative. (A note here: My friend's husband looked at the two units and said that he felt the two were almost certainly designed and manufactured by the same company, and were simply branded for Santa and Healthmate. If you're a SantaMedical unit user, you might want to take a look at this Healthmate unit.)
The first thing I noticed is that the instruction manual and the acupressure/acupuncture poster are virtually useless. The poster is largely in Chinese, and printed in such tiny type that I'd have to use a magnifying glass to read it. The ACU mode flummoxed me until I connected it with acupuncture points. There was nothing in the manual that explained the meanings of modes like cupping and scraping. Yes, there are little hand gestures that occur around the perimeter of the screen, but when the screen times out at something like 2-3 seconds, and the gestures are so small they're hard to see, they're also not much help. In the end, I don't think it matters much because I suspect most users are like me, and will choose the mode that feels best to them.
The first place I tried it on was my feet. Remember how I said I couldn't feel the TENS treatment when it was on the highest setting (10) on the SantaMedical unit? Well at 1 on the Healthmate I felt it vaguely. At 5 it was too strong and I had to turn it down. That's how much more intense this unit can be, at least in its Ankle/Foot mode. And that's where it gets kind of interesting.
I always had the sense that no matter the mode, the SantaMedical unit's intensity was consistent. In other words, an intensity setting of five felt roughly the same no matter whether you were using the mode for Waist or the mode for Hand. Only the pattern of pulses changed. However the Healthmate unit programs function at different intensities. I discovered this when I was using it on my back. I clicked on the Back mode and set it at level 5 which seemed optimal. I did notice, however, that on the little man on the left side of the screen, the Back treatment area is mid-back. My damage occurred below the waist, so I thought I'd try setting it to Hip and see whether that program was more effective. It turned out to be more intense to the point where I had to turn the unit down. That's when I realized why, when you change the program, the unit resets the intensity to 1. The change could be an unpleasant surprise if it's sudden. I have yet to to try out all the modes, and I sure haven't turned this up to the highest intensity, but I already see where it gives a much broader scope of treatment.
So to recap briefly, the pros: Higher levels of intensity and more modes of treatment than I've seen with other units, adjustable treatment times, eight pads, good price point by comparison to other units. The cons: Useless documentation, and a back lit screen that might as well not be back lit at all since it times out so quickly In short, the cons are not serious or numerous enough for me to mark this down more than half a star, so it comes in as a 5 with minor reservations.
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2019
Review:
First off let me just say that I have been dealing with lower back pain due to a series of work place injuries for the past 12 years now. Yeah, a series, that's the medical field for you. Anyway, over the past 12 years I have tried many different things. PT, medication, rf ablations, medication, steroid injections, more medication, weight loss, though that doesn't last when it hurts to be active, ice/heatpacks, back massage devices, heck I've even tried reiki massage on several occasions and while that does seem to help, it's not cheap. So I got online to find out about other options that did not include more medication or even the remote thought of surgery and I discovered tens units. I had never heard of such a thing and oddly enough, none of the PTs that I had been to had mentioned them. Then again, my last pt visit was probably 6 or 7 years ago, so maybe they were not as frequently used? Either way, up until a few weeks ago, I knew nothing of such glorious devices.
So, I have to say that this HealthmateForever is not my first tens unit. I actually purchased the TruMedic model that looks very similar to this. I had to use my FSA card to pay for it at the time and I could purchase the TruMedic model with the card, but could not purchase the HealthmateForever model, It's not eligible.
Anywho, I did receive my TruMedic tens unit and I had been using it a good bit since I got it but the problem with the TruMedic model is that it has a timer of 15 minutes. You know, I knew that when I purchased it but I needed to use that card and honestly I didn't think it would matter, after all, it's not like the device wouldn't be close by. I could just restart it, plus it has that repeat button right?
Well, and here is one of the ways these two similar looking devices differ. The TruMedic Model has a max time of 15 minutes at which point, the program ends and you have to turn the dial until it clicks off, then turn the dial until it clicks back on, pick your program again and reset your intensity level again. You have to do this every.15. minutes. Oh but what about the repeat button? Well low and behold, it doesn't work. Atleast on my device it does absolutely nothing regardless of if I push it after a program has completely stopped or is on the verge of ending. That flip on, flip off business got old real quick and honestly, after the first 3 days I got it, I stopped using the tens unit because that 15 minute timer thing is a headache, coupled with the fact that the controller is the size of a large tv remote from the 80's, thus it did not fit well in my pocket and it has no belt clip or lanyard hoop or any other means of carrying it around on you of any kind. None built in and none aftermarket, so while I was at work, which is where I predominantly was using the device, I had no choice but to stick it in my bra. Can you imagine fishing for your tens device that is the size of a tv remote and is glaringly white out of your bra?Every 15 minutes? Not fun, I'm just saying.
The good thing about the Healthmateforever model is that it DOES have a built in belt clip on the back and while I wish the clip were a little longer, it does have one and it does work better than no belt clip at all. Yeah, I'm talkin' to you TruMedic.
Another great thing about the Healthmateforever model, and another thing that sets it apart from it's TruMedic sibling is the timer length. You get a whopping, glorious 80 minutes of nonstop treatment vs the mediocre 15 minutes you get with the TruMedic version. Now with that said, bare in mind that once you start the 80 minutes, that is the amount of time you have before the tens unit stops the program that is running at the time. Even if you choose a different program in the middle of that 80 minutes, all that does is stop the unit. Stop, not power off. When you pick a new program in the middle of a current one, you have to click the + intensity buttons on the side, to resume the program with the time remaining from the previous program. It will not restart the 80 minutes.
To turn the Healthmateforever device on, you have an on/off switch on the left side of the device. The TruMedic version has no on/off switch, instead it uses the intensity dials on the left and right sides of the device, to turn on the channels on either the left or right side.
Once you flip the device on using the off/on switch, the Healthmateforever uses side buttons marked with a plus and a minus to control the intensity, and there are buttons on both sides to control the channels. One side controls two channels and the buttons on the other side controls two channels. The TruMedic version uses turn dials. Truth be told, I actually prefer the turn dials, simply because I feel the intensity increases in smaller increments. I feel like on the HealthmateForever model, the difference between level one and two intensity is not that significant, but the difference between level 2 and 3 and 3 and 4 is more significant. I feel like the dials on the TruMedic version give me more control over the intensity more gradually.
Speaking of intensity when changing it on the Healthmateforever device there is an onscreen indicator. When you look at the screen there are small blinking squares that appear as you increase the intensity but you have to be careful here because when you first turn the device on, pick your program and click the plus button once to increase the intensity, a box does appear. When you click plus intensity again, a second box appears after two clicks but when you click the intensity button a third time, the blinking box does not appear on the screen a third time, BUT you can feel the intensity increase! So the screen indicates you are at level two but really you are at level 3. When you click the button 4 times, you can feel the intensity shoot up but you only see a third box appear onscreen. After testing this out several times on various setting, I determined that three clicks is about as high as I can go, though the blinking boxes on screen will suggest you're on level 2 intensity when you're really on level 3 intensity so that is something to be aware of.
So the looks of these devices. The entire reason I went with these models and their large clunky sizes, instead of one of those tiny, sleek little high tech looking models is because these two units are such a no brainers to use that there is absolutely no way to mess it up. I mean you can just look at them and know exactly what to do, no instruction manual required.
Well that is after you learn the layout of the buttons. Unfortunately neither device has back lit buttons. It's not that big a deal with the TruMedic because it doesn't have as many buttons but you'd think Healthmateforever would have included backlit buttons on their tens unit, after all, they did include a backlit display, something that is lacking on the TruMedic version.
As far as the modes themselves go, the Healthmateforever model may have more modes, but really they are just more combinations of the same modes that the TruMedic version has and they call them different things For example "scraping" on the Healthmateforever model, feels just like "knead" does on the TruMedic version.
What IS different between the two is the power!! Holy shiatsu massage Batman, the Healthmateforever blows the TruMedic version out of the water with its power!! I actually jumped the first time I turned the intensity on on the Healthmateforever model. I have been using the "back" mode a lot on the TruMedic model so I figured I would start with that and when I hit that intensity button for the first time, it literally made me jump! Not because it hurt, it did not, but because I wasn't expecting to feel it that much. I mean level one on the TruMedic model feels like barely anything, where as level one on the Healthmateforever Model can be FELT and not just on top of the skin, I mean you can feel it down in the muscle, well well well below the surface of the skin. I wasn't expecting that! Which brings us to the next difference between the two models.
Bare in mind I did not use the batteries that came with either device. Instead I took the advice of other multiple reviewers and purchased lithium batteries. I went with non rechargeable batteries of a well known brand name, the same ones in each device. What is different is that the TruMedic model uses 4 of those batteries to function, while the Healthmateforever model only requires 3. What I wanna know is how the heck is it so much more powerful than the TruMedic version that uses 4 batteries?? I just can't get over how much more powerful it is, it's AMAZING!!
As far as the actual intensity levels go, I know for sure that the TruMedic model has a total of 10 levels, you can feel them gradually increase as you up the dial and the highest number on the dial is 10. I honestly have no idea how many intensity levels the Healthmateforever model has because it uses the plus and minus buttons and there is no way I could ever possibly stand to push the button enough times to find out and that information does not appear to be included in the paperwork, all I can tell you for sure is that it has more than enough intensity levels to do you!
Finally, don't worry, I'm almost finished lol, let's talk about the channels real quick. Here is another thing that differs between the two. The TruMedic has only two channels, which means you can use up to 4 electrodes at a time. The device comes with 2 leads with 2 electrodes per lead. Well, once again, the Healthmateforever beats out the TruMedic version by including a whopping 4 channels, that means you can use 8 electrodes at a time. The device comes with 4 leads, each lead has 2 electrodes for a total of 8 electrodes at once. Seriously though, I can't imagine that. I mean the device is so ridiculously powerful that I don't know how anyone can handle 8 electrodes at once but bless your heart if you are in so much pain that you would feel the need to try.
Neither device has individual isolated channels. That is to say that no matter how many channels you use, you can not run more than one program at a time. You can, however, control the intensity levels on each side. With the Healthmateforever model, two channels share the same intensity level.
Oh, and did I mention that the Healthmateforever model comes with a little hard plastic ovalish shaped disc that you can stick your used electrodes onto, to to help keep them fresher longer. Granted the plastic piece is only big enough to stick one electrode to it on each side, but it was a nice touch that was lacking from the TruMedic model.
Speaking of the electrodes, even those seem better on the Healthmateforever model. While the electrodes that come with the TruMedic model are ok, I have reused them maybe 20 times and, while they are still hanging in there, I already took the liberty of reordering new ones. The Healthmateforever electrodes look the same as the TruMedic ones but they are soooooo much more sticky! I mean I actually got a little bit of the gel on two of my fingers when I first took them off the clear film to try the device for the first time. While I can not attest to how long they will last, I have no doubt it will be more than 20 or 30 uses and if it's less than that, I'll let you know.
Well folks FINALLY, my review has come to an end and this tale of two devices has concluded. The TruMedic model is ok, but that 15 minute timer is a let down. At the same price point, the Healthmateforever model is better choice in every single way and I seriously can not recommend it enough! Thanks for reading my review I hope it helps you make a better, more informed purchasing decision.
UPDATE 7/22/19 Do not trust the inadequate, too short, too widely spaced out, belt clip. All it does is lead you into a false sense of security. I had my tens unit hanging on the front of my bra, (hey, it's been in the mid to upper 90's don't judge me lol, ) when I was walking around the house trying to stay cool and darned if it didn't fall off and land on the floor and bend the tip of the electrode lead. Thank goodness it did not seem to do any damage to the metal prong inside the tens unit itself. Unless you are wearing something with a super thick waistband, that can fill that gap since the shoddy, short belt clip acts more like a hook than an actual belt clip, I would treat it like the belt clip isn't even on there because it really isn't that effective. The device is quite long, the belt clip should have either been twice the length it is now, or they should have made it so it actually clamps whatever you hang it off of. I'd either hang it on the inside of a pocket only, or treat it like it's not there and securely shove the unit somewhere on you where it can not fall out so easily.
Review:
First off let me just say that I have been dealing with lower back pain due to a series of work place injuries for the past 12 years now. Yeah, a series, that's the medical field for you. Anyway, over the past 12 years I have tried many different things. PT, medication, rf ablations, medication, steroid injections, more medication, weight loss, though that doesn't last when it hurts to be active, ice/heatpacks, back massage devices, heck I've even tried reiki massage on several occasions and while that does seem to help, it's not cheap. So I got online to find out about other options that did not include more medication or even the remote thought of surgery and I discovered tens units. I had never heard of such a thing and oddly enough, none of the PTs that I had been to had mentioned them. Then again, my last pt visit was probably 6 or 7 years ago, so maybe they were not as frequently used? Either way, up until a few weeks ago, I knew nothing of such glorious devices.
So, I have to say that this HealthmateForever is not my first tens unit. I actually purchased the TruMedic model that looks very similar to this. I had to use my FSA card to pay for it at the time and I could purchase the TruMedic model with the card, but could not purchase the HealthmateForever model, It's not eligible.
Anywho, I did receive my TruMedic tens unit and I had been using it a good bit since I got it but the problem with the TruMedic model is that it has a timer of 15 minutes. You know, I knew that when I purchased it but I needed to use that card and honestly I didn't think it would matter, after all, it's not like the device wouldn't be close by. I could just restart it, plus it has that repeat button right?
Well, and here is one of the ways these two similar looking devices differ. The TruMedic Model has a max time of 15 minutes at which point, the program ends and you have to turn the dial until it clicks off, then turn the dial until it clicks back on, pick your program again and reset your intensity level again. You have to do this every.15. minutes. Oh but what about the repeat button? Well low and behold, it doesn't work. Atleast on my device it does absolutely nothing regardless of if I push it after a program has completely stopped or is on the verge of ending. That flip on, flip off business got old real quick and honestly, after the first 3 days I got it, I stopped using the tens unit because that 15 minute timer thing is a headache, coupled with the fact that the controller is the size of a large tv remote from the 80's, thus it did not fit well in my pocket and it has no belt clip or lanyard hoop or any other means of carrying it around on you of any kind. None built in and none aftermarket, so while I was at work, which is where I predominantly was using the device, I had no choice but to stick it in my bra. Can you imagine fishing for your tens device that is the size of a tv remote and is glaringly white out of your bra?Every 15 minutes? Not fun, I'm just saying.
The good thing about the Healthmateforever model is that it DOES have a built in belt clip on the back and while I wish the clip were a little longer, it does have one and it does work better than no belt clip at all. Yeah, I'm talkin' to you TruMedic.
Another great thing about the Healthmateforever model, and another thing that sets it apart from it's TruMedic sibling is the timer length. You get a whopping, glorious 80 minutes of nonstop treatment vs the mediocre 15 minutes you get with the TruMedic version. Now with that said, bare in mind that once you start the 80 minutes, that is the amount of time you have before the tens unit stops the program that is running at the time. Even if you choose a different program in the middle of that 80 minutes, all that does is stop the unit. Stop, not power off. When you pick a new program in the middle of a current one, you have to click the + intensity buttons on the side, to resume the program with the time remaining from the previous program. It will not restart the 80 minutes.
To turn the Healthmateforever device on, you have an on/off switch on the left side of the device. The TruMedic version has no on/off switch, instead it uses the intensity dials on the left and right sides of the device, to turn on the channels on either the left or right side.
Once you flip the device on using the off/on switch, the Healthmateforever uses side buttons marked with a plus and a minus to control the intensity, and there are buttons on both sides to control the channels. One side controls two channels and the buttons on the other side controls two channels. The TruMedic version uses turn dials. Truth be told, I actually prefer the turn dials, simply because I feel the intensity increases in smaller increments. I feel like on the HealthmateForever model, the difference between level one and two intensity is not that significant, but the difference between level 2 and 3 and 3 and 4 is more significant. I feel like the dials on the TruMedic version give me more control over the intensity more gradually.
Speaking of intensity when changing it on the Healthmateforever device there is an onscreen indicator. When you look at the screen there are small blinking squares that appear as you increase the intensity but you have to be careful here because when you first turn the device on, pick your program and click the plus button once to increase the intensity, a box does appear. When you click plus intensity again, a second box appears after two clicks but when you click the intensity button a third time, the blinking box does not appear on the screen a third time, BUT you can feel the intensity increase! So the screen indicates you are at level two but really you are at level 3. When you click the button 4 times, you can feel the intensity shoot up but you only see a third box appear onscreen. After testing this out several times on various setting, I determined that three clicks is about as high as I can go, though the blinking boxes on screen will suggest you're on level 2 intensity when you're really on level 3 intensity so that is something to be aware of.
So the looks of these devices. The entire reason I went with these models and their large clunky sizes, instead of one of those tiny, sleek little high tech looking models is because these two units are such a no brainers to use that there is absolutely no way to mess it up. I mean you can just look at them and know exactly what to do, no instruction manual required.
Well that is after you learn the layout of the buttons. Unfortunately neither device has back lit buttons. It's not that big a deal with the TruMedic because it doesn't have as many buttons but you'd think Healthmateforever would have included backlit buttons on their tens unit, after all, they did include a backlit display, something that is lacking on the TruMedic version.
As far as the modes themselves go, the Healthmateforever model may have more modes, but really they are just more combinations of the same modes that the TruMedic version has and they call them different things For example "scraping" on the Healthmateforever model, feels just like "knead" does on the TruMedic version.
What IS different between the two is the power!! Holy shiatsu massage Batman, the Healthmateforever blows the TruMedic version out of the water with its power!! I actually jumped the first time I turned the intensity on on the Healthmateforever model. I have been using the "back" mode a lot on the TruMedic model so I figured I would start with that and when I hit that intensity button for the first time, it literally made me jump! Not because it hurt, it did not, but because I wasn't expecting to feel it that much. I mean level one on the TruMedic model feels like barely anything, where as level one on the Healthmateforever Model can be FELT and not just on top of the skin, I mean you can feel it down in the muscle, well well well below the surface of the skin. I wasn't expecting that! Which brings us to the next difference between the two models.
Bare in mind I did not use the batteries that came with either device. Instead I took the advice of other multiple reviewers and purchased lithium batteries. I went with non rechargeable batteries of a well known brand name, the same ones in each device. What is different is that the TruMedic model uses 4 of those batteries to function, while the Healthmateforever model only requires 3. What I wanna know is how the heck is it so much more powerful than the TruMedic version that uses 4 batteries?? I just can't get over how much more powerful it is, it's AMAZING!!
As far as the actual intensity levels go, I know for sure that the TruMedic model has a total of 10 levels, you can feel them gradually increase as you up the dial and the highest number on the dial is 10. I honestly have no idea how many intensity levels the Healthmateforever model has because it uses the plus and minus buttons and there is no way I could ever possibly stand to push the button enough times to find out and that information does not appear to be included in the paperwork, all I can tell you for sure is that it has more than enough intensity levels to do you!
Finally, don't worry, I'm almost finished lol, let's talk about the channels real quick. Here is another thing that differs between the two. The TruMedic has only two channels, which means you can use up to 4 electrodes at a time. The device comes with 2 leads with 2 electrodes per lead. Well, once again, the Healthmateforever beats out the TruMedic version by including a whopping 4 channels, that means you can use 8 electrodes at a time. The device comes with 4 leads, each lead has 2 electrodes for a total of 8 electrodes at once. Seriously though, I can't imagine that. I mean the device is so ridiculously powerful that I don't know how anyone can handle 8 electrodes at once but bless your heart if you are in so much pain that you would feel the need to try.
Neither device has individual isolated channels. That is to say that no matter how many channels you use, you can not run more than one program at a time. You can, however, control the intensity levels on each side. With the Healthmateforever model, two channels share the same intensity level.
Oh, and did I mention that the Healthmateforever model comes with a little hard plastic ovalish shaped disc that you can stick your used electrodes onto, to to help keep them fresher longer. Granted the plastic piece is only big enough to stick one electrode to it on each side, but it was a nice touch that was lacking from the TruMedic model.
Speaking of the electrodes, even those seem better on the Healthmateforever model. While the electrodes that come with the TruMedic model are ok, I have reused them maybe 20 times and, while they are still hanging in there, I already took the liberty of reordering new ones. The Healthmateforever electrodes look the same as the TruMedic ones but they are soooooo much more sticky! I mean I actually got a little bit of the gel on two of my fingers when I first took them off the clear film to try the device for the first time. While I can not attest to how long they will last, I have no doubt it will be more than 20 or 30 uses and if it's less than that, I'll let you know.
Well folks FINALLY, my review has come to an end and this tale of two devices has concluded. The TruMedic model is ok, but that 15 minute timer is a let down. At the same price point, the Healthmateforever model is better choice in every single way and I seriously can not recommend it enough! Thanks for reading my review I hope it helps you make a better, more informed purchasing decision.
Review:
First off let me just say that I have been dealing with lower back pain due to a series of work place injuries for the past 12 years now. Yeah, a series, that's the medical field for you. Anyway, over the past 12 years I have tried many different things. PT, medication, rf ablations, medication, steroid injections, more medication, weight loss, though that doesn't last when it hurts to be active, ice/heatpacks, back massage devices, heck I've even tried reiki massage on several occasions and while that does seem to help, it's not cheap. So I got online to find out about other options that did not include more medication or even the remote thought of surgery and I discovered tens units. I had never heard of such a thing and oddly enough, none of the PTs that I had been to had mentioned them. Then again, my last pt visit was probably 6 or 7 years ago, so maybe they were not as frequently used? Either way, up until a few weeks ago, I knew nothing of such glorious devices.
So, I have to say that this HealthmateForever is not my first tens unit. I actually purchased the TruMedic model that looks very similar to this. I had to use my FSA card to pay for it at the time and I could purchase the TruMedic model with the card, but could not purchase the HealthmateForever model, It's not eligible.
Anywho, I did receive my TruMedic tens unit and I had been using it a good bit since I got it but the problem with the TruMedic model is that it has a timer of 15 minutes. You know, I knew that when I purchased it but I needed to use that card and honestly I didn't think it would matter, after all, it's not like the device wouldn't be close by. I could just restart it, plus it has that repeat button right?
Well, and here is one of the ways these two similar looking devices differ. The TruMedic Model has a max time of 15 minutes at which point, the program ends and you have to turn the dial until it clicks off, then turn the dial until it clicks back on, pick your program again and reset your intensity level again. You have to do this every.15. minutes. Oh but what about the repeat button? Well low and behold, it doesn't work. Atleast on my device it does absolutely nothing regardless of if I push it after a program has completely stopped or is on the verge of ending. That flip on, flip off business got old real quick and honestly, after the first 3 days I got it, I stopped using the tens unit because that 15 minute timer thing is a headache, coupled with the fact that the controller is the size of a large tv remote from the 80's, thus it did not fit well in my pocket and it has no belt clip or lanyard hoop or any other means of carrying it around on you of any kind. None built in and none aftermarket, so while I was at work, which is where I predominantly was using the device, I had no choice but to stick it in my bra. Can you imagine fishing for your tens device that is the size of a tv remote and is glaringly white out of your bra?Every 15 minutes? Not fun, I'm just saying.
The good thing about the Healthmateforever model is that it DOES have a built in belt clip on the back and while I wish the clip were a little longer, it does have one and it does work better than no belt clip at all. Yeah, I'm talkin' to you TruMedic.
Another great thing about the Healthmateforever model, and another thing that sets it apart from it's TruMedic sibling is the timer length. You get a whopping, glorious 80 minutes of nonstop treatment vs the mediocre 15 minutes you get with the TruMedic version. Now with that said, bare in mind that once you start the 80 minutes, that is the amount of time you have before the tens unit stops the program that is running at the time. Even if you choose a different program in the middle of that 80 minutes, all that does is stop the unit. Stop, not power off. When you pick a new program in the middle of a current one, you have to click the + intensity buttons on the side, to resume the program with the time remaining from the previous program. It will not restart the 80 minutes.
To turn the Healthmateforever device on, you have an on/off switch on the left side of the device. The TruMedic version has no on/off switch, instead it uses the intensity dials on the left and right sides of the device, to turn on the channels on either the left or right side.
Once you flip the device on using the off/on switch, the Healthmateforever uses side buttons marked with a plus and a minus to control the intensity, and there are buttons on both sides to control the channels. One side controls two channels and the buttons on the other side controls two channels. The TruMedic version uses turn dials. Truth be told, I actually prefer the turn dials, simply because I feel the intensity increases in smaller increments. I feel like on the HealthmateForever model, the difference between level one and two intensity is not that significant, but the difference between level 2 and 3 and 3 and 4 is more significant. I feel like the dials on the TruMedic version give me more control over the intensity more gradually.
Speaking of intensity when changing it on the Healthmateforever device there is an onscreen indicator. When you look at the screen there are small blinking squares that appear as you increase the intensity but you have to be careful here because when you first turn the device on, pick your program and click the plus button once to increase the intensity, a box does appear. When you click plus intensity again, a second box appears after two clicks but when you click the intensity button a third time, the blinking box does not appear on the screen a third time, BUT you can feel the intensity increase! So the screen indicates you are at level two but really you are at level 3. When you click the button 4 times, you can feel the intensity shoot up but you only see a third box appear onscreen. After testing this out several times on various setting, I determined that three clicks is about as high as I can go, though the blinking boxes on screen will suggest you're on level 2 intensity when you're really on level 3 intensity so that is something to be aware of.
So the looks of these devices. The entire reason I went with these models and their large clunky sizes, instead of one of those tiny, sleek little high tech looking models is because these two units are such a no brainers to use that there is absolutely no way to mess it up. I mean you can just look at them and know exactly what to do, no instruction manual required.
Well that is after you learn the layout of the buttons. Unfortunately neither device has back lit buttons. It's not that big a deal with the TruMedic because it doesn't have as many buttons but you'd think Healthmateforever would have included backlit buttons on their tens unit, after all, they did include a backlit display, something that is lacking on the TruMedic version.
As far as the modes themselves go, the Healthmateforever model may have more modes, but really they are just more combinations of the same modes that the TruMedic version has and they call them different things For example "scraping" on the Healthmateforever model, feels just like "knead" does on the TruMedic version.
What IS different between the two is the power!! Holy shiatsu massage Batman, the Healthmateforever blows the TruMedic version out of the water with its power!! I actually jumped the first time I turned the intensity on on the Healthmateforever model. I have been using the "back" mode a lot on the TruMedic model so I figured I would start with that and when I hit that intensity button for the first time, it literally made me jump! Not because it hurt, it did not, but because I wasn't expecting to feel it that much. I mean level one on the TruMedic model feels like barely anything, where as level one on the Healthmateforever Model can be FELT and not just on top of the skin, I mean you can feel it down in the muscle, well well well below the surface of the skin. I wasn't expecting that! Which brings us to the next difference between the two models.
Bare in mind I did not use the batteries that came with either device. Instead I took the advice of other multiple reviewers and purchased lithium batteries. I went with non rechargeable batteries of a well known brand name, the same ones in each device. What is different is that the TruMedic model uses 4 of those batteries to function, while the Healthmateforever model only requires 3. What I wanna know is how the heck is it so much more powerful than the TruMedic version that uses 4 batteries?? I just can't get over how much more powerful it is, it's AMAZING!!
As far as the actual intensity levels go, I know for sure that the TruMedic model has a total of 10 levels, you can feel them gradually increase as you up the dial and the highest number on the dial is 10. I honestly have no idea how many intensity levels the Healthmateforever model has because it uses the plus and minus buttons and there is no way I could ever possibly stand to push the button enough times to find out and that information does not appear to be included in the paperwork, all I can tell you for sure is that it has more than enough intensity levels to do you!
Finally, don't worry, I'm almost finished lol, let's talk about the channels real quick. Here is another thing that differs between the two. The TruMedic has only two channels, which means you can use up to 4 electrodes at a time. The device comes with 2 leads with 2 electrodes per lead. Well, once again, the Healthmateforever beats out the TruMedic version by including a whopping 4 channels, that means you can use 8 electrodes at a time. The device comes with 4 leads, each lead has 2 electrodes for a total of 8 electrodes at once. Seriously though, I can't imagine that. I mean the device is so ridiculously powerful that I don't know how anyone can handle 8 electrodes at once but bless your heart if you are in so much pain that you would feel the need to try.
Neither device has individual isolated channels. That is to say that no matter how many channels you use, you can not run more than one program at a time. You can, however, control the intensity levels on each side. With the Healthmateforever model, two channels share the same intensity level.
Oh, and did I mention that the Healthmateforever model comes with a little hard plastic ovalish shaped disc that you can stick your used electrodes onto, to to help keep them fresher longer. Granted the plastic piece is only big enough to stick one electrode to it on each side, but it was a nice touch that was lacking from the TruMedic model.
Speaking of the electrodes, even those seem better on the Healthmateforever model. While the electrodes that come with the TruMedic model are ok, I have reused them maybe 20 times and, while they are still hanging in there, I already took the liberty of reordering new ones. The Healthmateforever electrodes look the same as the TruMedic ones but they are soooooo much more sticky! I mean I actually got a little bit of the gel on two of my fingers when I first took them off the clear film to try the device for the first time. While I can not attest to how long they will last, I have no doubt it will be more than 20 or 30 uses and if it's less than that, I'll let you know.
Well folks FINALLY, my review has come to an end and this tale of two devices has concluded. The TruMedic model is ok, but that 15 minute timer is a let down. At the same price point, the Healthmateforever model is better choice in every single way and I seriously can not recommend it enough! Thanks for reading my review I hope it helps you make a better, more informed purchasing decision.
A tale of two tens units. Healthmateforever vs. TruMedic UPDATE on 7/22/19
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2019
UPDATE 7/22/19 Do not trust the inadequate, too short, too widely spaced out, belt clip. All it does is lead you into a false sense of security. I had my tens unit hanging on the front of my bra, (hey, it's been in the mid to upper 90's don't judge me lol, ) when I was walking around the house trying to stay cool and darned if it didn't fall off and land on the floor and bend the tip of the electrode lead. Thank goodness it did not seem to do any damage to the metal prong inside the tens unit itself. Unless you are wearing something with a super thick waistband, that can fill that gap since the shoddy, short belt clip acts more like a hook than an actual belt clip, I would treat it like the belt clip isn't even on there because it really isn't that effective. The device is quite long, the belt clip should have either been twice the length it is now, or they should have made it so it actually clamps whatever you hang it off of. I'd either hang it on the inside of a pocket only, or treat it like it's not there and securely shove the unit somewhere on you where it can not fall out so easily.Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2019
Review:
First off let me just say that I have been dealing with lower back pain due to a series of work place injuries for the past 12 years now. Yeah, a series, that's the medical field for you. Anyway, over the past 12 years I have tried many different things. PT, medication, rf ablations, medication, steroid injections, more medication, weight loss, though that doesn't last when it hurts to be active, ice/heatpacks, back massage devices, heck I've even tried reiki massage on several occasions and while that does seem to help, it's not cheap. So I got online to find out about other options that did not include more medication or even the remote thought of surgery and I discovered tens units. I had never heard of such a thing and oddly enough, none of the PTs that I had been to had mentioned them. Then again, my last pt visit was probably 6 or 7 years ago, so maybe they were not as frequently used? Either way, up until a few weeks ago, I knew nothing of such glorious devices.
So, I have to say that this HealthmateForever is not my first tens unit. I actually purchased the TruMedic model that looks very similar to this. I had to use my FSA card to pay for it at the time and I could purchase the TruMedic model with the card, but could not purchase the HealthmateForever model, It's not eligible.
Anywho, I did receive my TruMedic tens unit and I had been using it a good bit since I got it but the problem with the TruMedic model is that it has a timer of 15 minutes. You know, I knew that when I purchased it but I needed to use that card and honestly I didn't think it would matter, after all, it's not like the device wouldn't be close by. I could just restart it, plus it has that repeat button right?
Well, and here is one of the ways these two similar looking devices differ. The TruMedic Model has a max time of 15 minutes at which point, the program ends and you have to turn the dial until it clicks off, then turn the dial until it clicks back on, pick your program again and reset your intensity level again. You have to do this every.15. minutes. Oh but what about the repeat button? Well low and behold, it doesn't work. Atleast on my device it does absolutely nothing regardless of if I push it after a program has completely stopped or is on the verge of ending. That flip on, flip off business got old real quick and honestly, after the first 3 days I got it, I stopped using the tens unit because that 15 minute timer thing is a headache, coupled with the fact that the controller is the size of a large tv remote from the 80's, thus it did not fit well in my pocket and it has no belt clip or lanyard hoop or any other means of carrying it around on you of any kind. None built in and none aftermarket, so while I was at work, which is where I predominantly was using the device, I had no choice but to stick it in my bra. Can you imagine fishing for your tens device that is the size of a tv remote and is glaringly white out of your bra?Every 15 minutes? Not fun, I'm just saying.
The good thing about the Healthmateforever model is that it DOES have a built in belt clip on the back and while I wish the clip were a little longer, it does have one and it does work better than no belt clip at all. Yeah, I'm talkin' to you TruMedic.
Another great thing about the Healthmateforever model, and another thing that sets it apart from it's TruMedic sibling is the timer length. You get a whopping, glorious 80 minutes of nonstop treatment vs the mediocre 15 minutes you get with the TruMedic version. Now with that said, bare in mind that once you start the 80 minutes, that is the amount of time you have before the tens unit stops the program that is running at the time. Even if you choose a different program in the middle of that 80 minutes, all that does is stop the unit. Stop, not power off. When you pick a new program in the middle of a current one, you have to click the + intensity buttons on the side, to resume the program with the time remaining from the previous program. It will not restart the 80 minutes.
To turn the Healthmateforever device on, you have an on/off switch on the left side of the device. The TruMedic version has no on/off switch, instead it uses the intensity dials on the left and right sides of the device, to turn on the channels on either the left or right side.
Once you flip the device on using the off/on switch, the Healthmateforever uses side buttons marked with a plus and a minus to control the intensity, and there are buttons on both sides to control the channels. One side controls two channels and the buttons on the other side controls two channels. The TruMedic version uses turn dials. Truth be told, I actually prefer the turn dials, simply because I feel the intensity increases in smaller increments. I feel like on the HealthmateForever model, the difference between level one and two intensity is not that significant, but the difference between level 2 and 3 and 3 and 4 is more significant. I feel like the dials on the TruMedic version give me more control over the intensity more gradually.
Speaking of intensity when changing it on the Healthmateforever device there is an onscreen indicator. When you look at the screen there are small blinking squares that appear as you increase the intensity but you have to be careful here because when you first turn the device on, pick your program and click the plus button once to increase the intensity, a box does appear. When you click plus intensity again, a second box appears after two clicks but when you click the intensity button a third time, the blinking box does not appear on the screen a third time, BUT you can feel the intensity increase! So the screen indicates you are at level two but really you are at level 3. When you click the button 4 times, you can feel the intensity shoot up but you only see a third box appear onscreen. After testing this out several times on various setting, I determined that three clicks is about as high as I can go, though the blinking boxes on screen will suggest you're on level 2 intensity when you're really on level 3 intensity so that is something to be aware of.
So the looks of these devices. The entire reason I went with these models and their large clunky sizes, instead of one of those tiny, sleek little high tech looking models is because these two units are such a no brainers to use that there is absolutely no way to mess it up. I mean you can just look at them and know exactly what to do, no instruction manual required.
Well that is after you learn the layout of the buttons. Unfortunately neither device has back lit buttons. It's not that big a deal with the TruMedic because it doesn't have as many buttons but you'd think Healthmateforever would have included backlit buttons on their tens unit, after all, they did include a backlit display, something that is lacking on the TruMedic version.
As far as the modes themselves go, the Healthmateforever model may have more modes, but really they are just more combinations of the same modes that the TruMedic version has and they call them different things For example "scraping" on the Healthmateforever model, feels just like "knead" does on the TruMedic version.
What IS different between the two is the power!! Holy shiatsu massage Batman, the Healthmateforever blows the TruMedic version out of the water with its power!! I actually jumped the first time I turned the intensity on on the Healthmateforever model. I have been using the "back" mode a lot on the TruMedic model so I figured I would start with that and when I hit that intensity button for the first time, it literally made me jump! Not because it hurt, it did not, but because I wasn't expecting to feel it that much. I mean level one on the TruMedic model feels like barely anything, where as level one on the Healthmateforever Model can be FELT and not just on top of the skin, I mean you can feel it down in the muscle, well well well below the surface of the skin. I wasn't expecting that! Which brings us to the next difference between the two models.
Bare in mind I did not use the batteries that came with either device. Instead I took the advice of other multiple reviewers and purchased lithium batteries. I went with non rechargeable batteries of a well known brand name, the same ones in each device. What is different is that the TruMedic model uses 4 of those batteries to function, while the Healthmateforever model only requires 3. What I wanna know is how the heck is it so much more powerful than the TruMedic version that uses 4 batteries?? I just can't get over how much more powerful it is, it's AMAZING!!
As far as the actual intensity levels go, I know for sure that the TruMedic model has a total of 10 levels, you can feel them gradually increase as you up the dial and the highest number on the dial is 10. I honestly have no idea how many intensity levels the Healthmateforever model has because it uses the plus and minus buttons and there is no way I could ever possibly stand to push the button enough times to find out and that information does not appear to be included in the paperwork, all I can tell you for sure is that it has more than enough intensity levels to do you!
Finally, don't worry, I'm almost finished lol, let's talk about the channels real quick. Here is another thing that differs between the two. The TruMedic has only two channels, which means you can use up to 4 electrodes at a time. The device comes with 2 leads with 2 electrodes per lead. Well, once again, the Healthmateforever beats out the TruMedic version by including a whopping 4 channels, that means you can use 8 electrodes at a time. The device comes with 4 leads, each lead has 2 electrodes for a total of 8 electrodes at once. Seriously though, I can't imagine that. I mean the device is so ridiculously powerful that I don't know how anyone can handle 8 electrodes at once but bless your heart if you are in so much pain that you would feel the need to try.
Neither device has individual isolated channels. That is to say that no matter how many channels you use, you can not run more than one program at a time. You can, however, control the intensity levels on each side. With the Healthmateforever model, two channels share the same intensity level.
Oh, and did I mention that the Healthmateforever model comes with a little hard plastic ovalish shaped disc that you can stick your used electrodes onto, to to help keep them fresher longer. Granted the plastic piece is only big enough to stick one electrode to it on each side, but it was a nice touch that was lacking from the TruMedic model.
Speaking of the electrodes, even those seem better on the Healthmateforever model. While the electrodes that come with the TruMedic model are ok, I have reused them maybe 20 times and, while they are still hanging in there, I already took the liberty of reordering new ones. The Healthmateforever electrodes look the same as the TruMedic ones but they are soooooo much more sticky! I mean I actually got a little bit of the gel on two of my fingers when I first took them off the clear film to try the device for the first time. While I can not attest to how long they will last, I have no doubt it will be more than 20 or 30 uses and if it's less than that, I'll let you know.
Well folks FINALLY, my review has come to an end and this tale of two devices has concluded. The TruMedic model is ok, but that 15 minute timer is a let down. At the same price point, the Healthmateforever model is better choice in every single way and I seriously can not recommend it enough! Thanks for reading my review I hope it helps you make a better, more informed purchasing decision.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2019
Simple interface, useful programs and possibly the most powerful unit at this price point (although I never found other units lacking in power, they do tend to get uncomfortable at higher intensity settings). On testing this unit's waveform output, it appears that the unit delivers It's increased "punch" because it's programs cycle between forward and reverse current (more like +/- flow on AC) whereas others I have tried only run positive current (one direction). This seems to activate significantly more muscle stimulation without increasing the intensity to uncomfortable levels or getting that zappy/shocking feeling. It absolutely works as both TENS and EMS. 4 leads on 2 channels gives you more options than the standard 2x2 (i.e. you don't need splitters to get 8 pads working). The unit can stay on longer than other units before the max timer auto-shutoff kicks in (which is useful if you are running the timer out trying different programs, starting and stopping, etc.).
The device is bigger than most other TENS units and doesn't have a rechargeable battery. but, I didn't find the size to be a problem and you can always get your own rechargeable batteries (you just have to charge them outside of the unit). The LCD display is small and the product design isn't going to win any Sir Jony Ive awards. But, I prefer function over form and sometimes (as in this case) a few physical buttons work better than complex GUIs.
Functionally, this is the best unit I have used. It is the most recommended in its price range in the medical community, and is a clear 5 star best in class unit. So why only 4 stars? In early 2019, they changed their lead plugs from standard 3.5mm (as still indicated in the manual and all documentation) to some custom plug only available through them. For most, this may not be an issue. However, if you have attachments that have their own plug (2.5mm, 3.5mm or 2.35mm safety) or that don't take a 2mm pin (like pads that use snaps), you cannot get adapters (and soldering your own wires together is challenging because most lead wires are super cheap and lack enough metal to make a good connection). Basically, if your attachments don't have a female 2mm pin connector, you aren't going to get them to work with this unit (the company does have custom snap connector leads but they cost more than the unit). Eventually the lead wires they provided will fail and need to be replaced (i.e. when you drop the unit or tug on the leads by mistake). Since you have to buy their custom wires, it will cost you $14 per wire (times 4) which is twice the cost of replacing the unit (and getting the wires with the replacement). If they had stuck with standard plugs, you could replace them with two standard 4 pair leads available on amazon for $7 (i.e 1/8th the price).
If you buy directly from HealthmateForever, they have a 25% restocking fee for returns plus shipping (meaning that you basically can't return units that have issues). So buy from Amazon. They offer a warranty. However it costs $19.95; which is basically what it costs to buy a new unit. All in all, a bunch of dubious marketing strategies.
I think this is the best unit in its price range. However, the company is clearly trying to lock you into buying their custom parts (which are more expensive and more limited) and overcharging for any after unit purchases. As a result, you are likely better off simply buying a new unit if anything fails (personally I hate these "buy a new printer when the ink runs out" throw-away marketing schemes). It pisses off customers (the ink costs more than the printer with the ink/the leads cost more than the unit with the leads...really...). It creates a lot of waste and isn't very environmentally friendly.
Still, if you don't have any attachment issues and are OK replacing the unit when one of the wires fail, this is the best in the price range.
The device is bigger than most other TENS units and doesn't have a rechargeable battery. but, I didn't find the size to be a problem and you can always get your own rechargeable batteries (you just have to charge them outside of the unit). The LCD display is small and the product design isn't going to win any Sir Jony Ive awards. But, I prefer function over form and sometimes (as in this case) a few physical buttons work better than complex GUIs.
Functionally, this is the best unit I have used. It is the most recommended in its price range in the medical community, and is a clear 5 star best in class unit. So why only 4 stars? In early 2019, they changed their lead plugs from standard 3.5mm (as still indicated in the manual and all documentation) to some custom plug only available through them. For most, this may not be an issue. However, if you have attachments that have their own plug (2.5mm, 3.5mm or 2.35mm safety) or that don't take a 2mm pin (like pads that use snaps), you cannot get adapters (and soldering your own wires together is challenging because most lead wires are super cheap and lack enough metal to make a good connection). Basically, if your attachments don't have a female 2mm pin connector, you aren't going to get them to work with this unit (the company does have custom snap connector leads but they cost more than the unit). Eventually the lead wires they provided will fail and need to be replaced (i.e. when you drop the unit or tug on the leads by mistake). Since you have to buy their custom wires, it will cost you $14 per wire (times 4) which is twice the cost of replacing the unit (and getting the wires with the replacement). If they had stuck with standard plugs, you could replace them with two standard 4 pair leads available on amazon for $7 (i.e 1/8th the price).
If you buy directly from HealthmateForever, they have a 25% restocking fee for returns plus shipping (meaning that you basically can't return units that have issues). So buy from Amazon. They offer a warranty. However it costs $19.95; which is basically what it costs to buy a new unit. All in all, a bunch of dubious marketing strategies.
I think this is the best unit in its price range. However, the company is clearly trying to lock you into buying their custom parts (which are more expensive and more limited) and overcharging for any after unit purchases. As a result, you are likely better off simply buying a new unit if anything fails (personally I hate these "buy a new printer when the ink runs out" throw-away marketing schemes). It pisses off customers (the ink costs more than the printer with the ink/the leads cost more than the unit with the leads...really...). It creates a lot of waste and isn't very environmentally friendly.
Still, if you don't have any attachment issues and are OK replacing the unit when one of the wires fail, this is the best in the price range.
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2016
This is the first product of this type that i've ever purchased. I had great results from a professional grade TENS unit at the chiropractor I visit and I wondered if I could find a the same results in a commercial unit. I looked around on the net and through Amazon and found this Healthmate International hand held unit. The price was right and the reviews were great and so I decided to take a chance and try it myself. When it arrived, the first thing I noticed was the quality packaging, free set of three AAA batteries, instructions and eight application adhesive pads. It was easy to assemble and I was able to start using it within minutes of unwrapping the unit. The unit comes with eight body zone settings to include neck, shoulder, back, elbow, hip, ankle, knee, foot/hand, and wrist. It also has six sensation settings that include knead, ACU, tap, cupping, scraping and random. On the top of the unit it has X4 3.5mm lead ports for the application pads to be plugged into labeled A1, A2, B1, B2. Each port connects a set of two pads to the unit which can operate 2-8 applicator pads or any combination in between. The intensity control for ports A1 and A2 are located on the left side of the unit and B1 and B2 on the right side. With these controls you can adjust the intensity up or down from the lowest setting of one to a max of ten. (I have never made it to ten because it is quite intense and effective even at five). It also has a set of speed buttons in the center that allow you to adjust the speed of the cycles between the start an stop of the sensation that you choose. The best feature of this product is the durability of the adhesive pads, just remove rinse lightly with water and reapply to the plastic pad they were attached to in the packaging. I have used the same pads for over 20 applications and they still work as well as the first time I used them. I am very satisfied with the quality, versatility, and results I've received from this unit and would recommend it to anyone that lives with chronic pain like I do.
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2016
SPINAL STENOSIS/SCIATICA NERVE SUFFERERS.....
I ordered this little device from sheer desperation for ANY kind of relief.
I do not have enough words in my vocabulary to adequately communicate how effective this device turned, blessing to discover has been.
The relief was literally as instanteous as turning the device to 'on'. I went from not being able to stand up after lying down just a few minutes, not being able to take a few steps for 20 minutes once able to at least managing to get upright, to being able to lie down and stand up wo the exruciating pain of sciatica making the effort intolerable after just a few minutes!
I cannot thank the manufactureres enough for this little box of THANK YOU GESUS!
It has 4 ooutputs , long wires ( maybe too long), clearly defined settings for various areas to treat, intensity settings and speed settings.
I need to mention too, in spite of the belt clip, I tend to forget to use to attach to my waistband and have let this light weight device topple to the floor being a true genius and trying to walk in a diff room w it on. It has even crashed to the tile flooring in my kitchen more yimes than any responsible adult should have allowed.... yet this thing has took it like a trooper and kept right on doing its job without a glitch.
It could only be a better device if it were rechargable vs. The 3AAA batteries to power it. I use mine DAILY 5 out of 7 at least, multiple times a day on the higher, faster settings, going thru batteries like I have stock in Durecell lol... OH... this device has a preset timer of up to 80 uninterupted minutes as well, and I use all 80 and restart most all of the time really, so to be fair, I do use mine very heavily as I hope to avoid the recommended surgical procedure to get the much needed pain relief Im hoping to find some other way.
This device works flawlessly, is tough despite its light weight feel, provides tremendous relief, even though it is not a cure or intended as one, it has given me SUBSTANTIAL RELIEF making my back conditions at least somewhat tolerable a little while longer before having to make the decision to have surgery on my back....hats just, terrifying.
It would be nice if the 4 outputs could be controlled individually to do different types of functions....e kneeding, tapping, cupping, ACU, etc... but neither this nor the battery issue are actual complaints as I have no real complaints only compliments and appreciation.
At this price point, I challenge anyone to find a similar product that performs better, provides more relief at the same cost effective way. I am ordering a 2nd device just to have physically available JUST IN CASE, yes, its that helpful at providing relief. Im also giving one to my father and a friend as Christmas gifts!
I also ordered extra pads which are NOT as effective staying attached as those supplied w the device. I ordered the gel as one reviewer also reccommended and found it to be 100% ineffective at aiding the replacement ppas to remain attached.
I STRONGLY RECCOMMEND THIS DEVICE TO ANYONE SEEKING PAIN RELIEF without the risk of opiate dependence or surgical risk.
My sincere thanks to the manufacturer and amazon for making this product available!
I ordered this little device from sheer desperation for ANY kind of relief.
I do not have enough words in my vocabulary to adequately communicate how effective this device turned, blessing to discover has been.
The relief was literally as instanteous as turning the device to 'on'. I went from not being able to stand up after lying down just a few minutes, not being able to take a few steps for 20 minutes once able to at least managing to get upright, to being able to lie down and stand up wo the exruciating pain of sciatica making the effort intolerable after just a few minutes!
I cannot thank the manufactureres enough for this little box of THANK YOU GESUS!
It has 4 ooutputs , long wires ( maybe too long), clearly defined settings for various areas to treat, intensity settings and speed settings.
I need to mention too, in spite of the belt clip, I tend to forget to use to attach to my waistband and have let this light weight device topple to the floor being a true genius and trying to walk in a diff room w it on. It has even crashed to the tile flooring in my kitchen more yimes than any responsible adult should have allowed.... yet this thing has took it like a trooper and kept right on doing its job without a glitch.
It could only be a better device if it were rechargable vs. The 3AAA batteries to power it. I use mine DAILY 5 out of 7 at least, multiple times a day on the higher, faster settings, going thru batteries like I have stock in Durecell lol... OH... this device has a preset timer of up to 80 uninterupted minutes as well, and I use all 80 and restart most all of the time really, so to be fair, I do use mine very heavily as I hope to avoid the recommended surgical procedure to get the much needed pain relief Im hoping to find some other way.
This device works flawlessly, is tough despite its light weight feel, provides tremendous relief, even though it is not a cure or intended as one, it has given me SUBSTANTIAL RELIEF making my back conditions at least somewhat tolerable a little while longer before having to make the decision to have surgery on my back....hats just, terrifying.
It would be nice if the 4 outputs could be controlled individually to do different types of functions....e kneeding, tapping, cupping, ACU, etc... but neither this nor the battery issue are actual complaints as I have no real complaints only compliments and appreciation.
At this price point, I challenge anyone to find a similar product that performs better, provides more relief at the same cost effective way. I am ordering a 2nd device just to have physically available JUST IN CASE, yes, its that helpful at providing relief. Im also giving one to my father and a friend as Christmas gifts!
I also ordered extra pads which are NOT as effective staying attached as those supplied w the device. I ordered the gel as one reviewer also reccommended and found it to be 100% ineffective at aiding the replacement ppas to remain attached.
I STRONGLY RECCOMMEND THIS DEVICE TO ANYONE SEEKING PAIN RELIEF without the risk of opiate dependence or surgical risk.
My sincere thanks to the manufacturer and amazon for making this product available!
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2017
There are all kinds of different choices of a TENs unit or an EMS unit. I picked this particular one because it has a ton of reviews and I read through good ones and bad ones. I just decided to go with it since it is inexpensive I didn't mind losing $27 if this didn't do what it is suppose to do. Well to my surprise this thing is AMAZING!!! and I don't think I have been able to go over level 3 on power. It does have different modes that you can use - which doesn't really translate too differently on the way it feels on your muscle. It does have a slight difference with each mode but not really noticeable to me. I like how you can use up to 8 electrodes. and you get 2 different channels. So you can have 4 electrodes on one part of the body then you can have 4 different electrodes on a different part of the body at a different intensity if you want. THE PACKAGE INCLUDES: 1 control unit; 4 sets of dual leads wires; 4 pair of inserted pin electrode pads (8 pcs pads); 1 pads holder 3 AAA batteries; 1 User Manual.
I love this thing. It is a great quality EMS for what I use it for. I would definitely recommend this to a family member or a friend. LOVE IT!
- If you have learned anything helpful with this review, please let me know by clicking the "yes" button below. Please note I’m not compensated in any way for your vote; however, your positive vote definitely helps me learn what shoppers find as helpful.
I love this thing. It is a great quality EMS for what I use it for. I would definitely recommend this to a family member or a friend. LOVE IT!
- If you have learned anything helpful with this review, please let me know by clicking the "yes" button below. Please note I’m not compensated in any way for your vote; however, your positive vote definitely helps me learn what shoppers find as helpful.
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2015
This TENS unit is fantastic. It has 15 preset programs which is nice if you just want a quick set and go option. If you'd prefer to customize your session, you can manually choose from 6 different modes: knead, acupuncture, tap, cupping, scraping, or random (cycles through the previous 5 options listed here). You can also adjust the speed and the intensity.
The unit came with 4 sets of electrode wires (2 connects per set), 8 gel pads, and an Acupuncture chart.
After having it for just over a month, we love this TENS unit. I've used it for carpal tunnel pain, should pain, elbow pain, and back pain. After about 15-20 minutes, my pain is greatly reduced every time. My fiance also uses it for neck, shoulder, and back pain. He loves it as well.
We love this unit so much that we've recommended it to several family members.
As far as the intensity levels go, I've only managed to go as high as level 2. At this level, you can actually see my muscles jump! Level 3+ is just way too strong for me. My fiance generally uses level 4 but he's had it up to level 8. He says the trick is to adjust it slowly, over a few minutes.
Also, after before used at least a couple dozen times, the electrode gel pads are still like new. They stick just fine while being used and pull off easily when you're ready. They do not leave any residue or anything like that behind. We kept the plastic sheets they came attached to and just put them back on there for storage.
To answer a few questions I've seen here:
We've not had to change the batteries yet even though this TENS unit has been used for countless hours over the past month (at least 30-40 hours, easily).
You can use all 4 electrodes at the same time if you want. You can adjust the intensity/speed levels of both sets individually, but you cannot have them running differ modes. So, both electrodes in set A can be doing cupping at level 3 with regular speed, while set B is also in cupping mode but at level 4 with a faster speed.
You do not have to use electrode gel with this.
Seriously, this unit is amazing.. and for $31?! You just can't beat that. I'm thinking this might make a great Christmas Gift for a couple of my family members this year!
The unit came with 4 sets of electrode wires (2 connects per set), 8 gel pads, and an Acupuncture chart.
After having it for just over a month, we love this TENS unit. I've used it for carpal tunnel pain, should pain, elbow pain, and back pain. After about 15-20 minutes, my pain is greatly reduced every time. My fiance also uses it for neck, shoulder, and back pain. He loves it as well.
We love this unit so much that we've recommended it to several family members.
As far as the intensity levels go, I've only managed to go as high as level 2. At this level, you can actually see my muscles jump! Level 3+ is just way too strong for me. My fiance generally uses level 4 but he's had it up to level 8. He says the trick is to adjust it slowly, over a few minutes.
Also, after before used at least a couple dozen times, the electrode gel pads are still like new. They stick just fine while being used and pull off easily when you're ready. They do not leave any residue or anything like that behind. We kept the plastic sheets they came attached to and just put them back on there for storage.
To answer a few questions I've seen here:
We've not had to change the batteries yet even though this TENS unit has been used for countless hours over the past month (at least 30-40 hours, easily).
You can use all 4 electrodes at the same time if you want. You can adjust the intensity/speed levels of both sets individually, but you cannot have them running differ modes. So, both electrodes in set A can be doing cupping at level 3 with regular speed, while set B is also in cupping mode but at level 4 with a faster speed.
You do not have to use electrode gel with this.
Seriously, this unit is amazing.. and for $31?! You just can't beat that. I'm thinking this might make a great Christmas Gift for a couple of my family members this year!
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2021
I just bought mine recently so my experience is limited. I've used it twice this week in lieu of pain relievers. I have placed the pads on my inner ankles and they deliver intense vibrating sensations which I normally don't like but for this instance it helps relive abdominal pain. I tried placing the pads directly on my lower abdomen for pain relief but felt little to no difference in pain levels. Ankles and abdomen or just ankles seem to work very well for me. So far I'm pleased with the results. The screen is easy to see and dims after a few moments of inactivity. The icons are easy understand. After reading the brief instructions sheet, I 'played' with it for 5 minutes and ran it through all the settings and found a combination that I liked ok. There are a lot of buttons but in reality there are not a great variety of options to choose from sensation-wise. They feel very similar. To me they feel like two options either pins & needles or muscle spasms in varying degrees of speed and intensity. I have not used it for the rest of the body so I hope it is just as effective when I need it for larger areas.
The pads are very very gooey and sticky and work very well on clean dry skin. Removing the pads after use is a sticky job but surprisingly only leaves tiny amounts of residue. Since the residue is so sticky I pick the pieces off and roll them into a 'goober' (which is very satisfying). That's it, no other mess to scrub, wipe or wash off.
Over all I'm pleased as it works for my intended purpose and was a good price. Would recommend.
Follow up: I decided to stop using my device because I started having disturbing palpitations a few times a week. Not during the use of the device but still, without knowing the cause of my problem it seemed prudent to stop for now. At least until I know more. The palpitations have since stopped.
There may be contraindications for others as well.
The pads are very very gooey and sticky and work very well on clean dry skin. Removing the pads after use is a sticky job but surprisingly only leaves tiny amounts of residue. Since the residue is so sticky I pick the pieces off and roll them into a 'goober' (which is very satisfying). That's it, no other mess to scrub, wipe or wash off.
Over all I'm pleased as it works for my intended purpose and was a good price. Would recommend.
Follow up: I decided to stop using my device because I started having disturbing palpitations a few times a week. Not during the use of the device but still, without knowing the cause of my problem it seemed prudent to stop for now. At least until I know more. The palpitations have since stopped.
There may be contraindications for others as well.
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2024
I purchased this exact unit 7 years ago. Initially, I was somewhat skeptical as I had only used TENS units in physical therapy offices and they were large clunky machines. I had trouble believing this little remote control unit would have enough power to really help. I have never been so glad to have been proven wrong! My whole family uses it, and we love it. It's very helpful for any type of muscular/neuro pain. We have used it for sciatic pain, knee pain, neck/shoulder pain, and back pain. Recently, I lent it to a friend, and she lent it to her daughter, they both loved it. When I got it back, one of the two channels was not working. That's the only reason I need to buy a new one. Otherwise, it would still be going like a workhorse 7 years later. It also has channel A1/A2 and B1/B2. If you are using it for a small area you would use A1 with 2 small pads. For larger areas or opposite sides of the body (i.e. right & left knees) you could use both channels and up to 8 pads. The pads can be reused several times each. After use you reattach them to the plastic sheet so they don't dry out. Also, it has different settings/sensations. If you don't like acupressure, you can try kneading, cupping, scraping or tapping. It works on three AAA batteries, my only complaint is the clip on the back is very loose. It really is made for a belt or thick fabric or it doesn't hold well. In the scheme of things, this is very minor, and I would highly recommend this unit to anyone looking for pain relief.
I purchased this exact unit 7 years ago. Initially, I was somewhat skeptical as I had only used TENS units in physical therapy offices and they were large clunky machines. I had trouble believing this little remote control unit would have enough power to really help. I have never been so glad to have been proven wrong! My whole family uses it, and we love it. It's very helpful for any type of muscular/neuro pain. We have used it for sciatic pain, knee pain, neck/shoulder pain, and back pain. Recently, I lent it to a friend, and she lent it to her daughter, they both loved it. When I got it back, one of the two channels was not working. That's the only reason I need to buy a new one. Otherwise, it would still be going like a workhorse 7 years later. It also has channel A1/A2 and B1/B2. If you are using it for a small area you would use A1 with 2 small pads. For larger areas or opposite sides of the body (i.e. right & left knees) you could use both channels and up to 8 pads. The pads can be reused several times each. After use you reattach them to the plastic sheet so they don't dry out. Also, it has different settings/sensations. If you don't like acupressure, you can try kneading, cupping, scraping or tapping. It works on three AAA batteries, my only complaint is the clip on the back is very loose. It really is made for a belt or thick fabric or it doesn't hold well. In the scheme of things, this is very minor, and I would highly recommend this unit to anyone looking for pain relief.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2024
This little machine is the best! I ordered it for severe shoulder discomfort and have used it on my arm, neck, and hip. I have used it to help with the residual migraine pain as well.
My only complaint is that the pads that come with this machine do not hold stick very long. I did order more, but I feel like these pads should last more than 2 or 3 uses before they are falling off while being used.
Otherwise I love this little machine!
My only complaint is that the pads that come with this machine do not hold stick very long. I did order more, but I feel like these pads should last more than 2 or 3 uses before they are falling off while being used.
Otherwise I love this little machine!
This little machine is the best! I ordered it for severe shoulder discomfort and have used it on my arm, neck, and hip. I have used it to help with the residual migraine pain as well.
My only complaint is that the pads that come with this machine do not hold stick very long. I did order more, but I feel like these pads should last more than 2 or 3 uses before they are falling off while being used.
Otherwise I love this little machine!
My only complaint is that the pads that come with this machine do not hold stick very long. I did order more, but I feel like these pads should last more than 2 or 3 uses before they are falling off while being used.
Otherwise I love this little machine!
Images in this review
