Electrical muscle stimulation, or EMS, is a modality frequently used by physical therapists. EMS machines are devices that generate electrical impulses. The impulses flow through wires to the connected electrodes. By adhering the electrodes over the target muscles, a therapist delivers electrical muscle stimulation that provides benefits to the patient.
Prevent Atrophy and Strengthen Muscles
Electrical stimulation prevents muscle weakness and atrophy. Although electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) machines are no substitute for actively contracting the muscles, these devices delay atrophy in cases where muscles can't be used effectively, such as in certain neurological diseases and injuries. Muscle stimulation is often used in conjunction with active contractions to strengthen muscles post-surgically. This method is especially effective for the quadriceps following anterior cruciate ligament repair.
Fight Pain
Electrical muscle stimulation helps relieve muscle and joint pain. When EMS is applied at a low setting, the resulting contractions cause endorphins, your body's natural pain-relievers, to be released. These help combat pain in much the same way as taking an over-the-counter drug like aspirin. Also, since pain travels down different nerve pathways than other sensations, the nerves triggered during muscle stimulation help distract your nervous system from the pain.
Stop Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms are an unfortunate side-effect of many disease processes and injuries. These involuntary muscle contractions can become very uncomfortable and painful. Muscle stimulation helps fight muscle spasms by making the affected muscle contract at the machine's command, thereby breaking the spasm cycle. Also, prolonged muscle stimulation can "fatigue out" the spasm, allowing the muscle to relax completely once treatment is complete.
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