Electronic muscle stimulation, often referred to as EMS, is a form of therapy that is used to lessen muscle atrophy in patients who have suffered paralysis and to improve muscle function in patients who have muscle spasms or partial paralysis. There are also a number of at-home electronic muscle stimulators on the market which advertise the ability to exercise the body without putting any stress on the muscle. These claims are not supported by the medical community. Using at-home electronic muscle stimulators can lead to injury, including burns.
Physical Therapy
Electronic muscle stimulation is performed by putting electrode pads in the area of the muscle. Electronic signals are transferred into the motor point of the muscle from the control box through electrodes and wires. The electronic signals stimulates the flexing of the muscles. Electronic muscle stimulation is used in the recovery of patients who are experiencing impaired function in their muscles, such as patients who have undergone surgery or injury or who have suffered severe muscle spasms or strokes.
Claimed Benefits
According to product advertisements, EMS machines can exercise the muscles while the user is at rest, such as working at the office or taking breaks in between workouts. Most of these claims are unfounded. Consumers should be wary of companies making claims about these machines without being able to provide concrete support. It is also important to be able to tell the difference between the devices that are shown on television to those that are used as part of a legitimate therapy process.
Types
When it comes to EMS devices, there are three primary types: standard EMS, Russian muscle stimulation and TENS. Standard EMS devices make the muscles contract and expand with no flexing required by the user. These units are widely available. TENS devices are used to reduce pain by stimulating nerve endings. These are used on paralysis patients in hospital settings and the reduce muscle pain and control muscle spasms in sports clinics. Russian muscle stimulation uses strong electrical signals that is pumped directly into the muscle of the patient. These units are not readily available in the United States due to the high voltage causing pain in many patients.
Medical Use
In a rehabilitation center, doctor's office or hospital setting, EMS is used as a treatment for multiple ailments. Micro Current Therapy combines electrical currents with a sound wave to improve circulation and stimulate cells. This treatment heals damaged or broken bones and relieves pain. Interferential electrical stimulation treats cumulative trauma disorders and joint injury system. It is most commonly used following orthopedic surgery. Each of these treatments should be administered only by a trained professional.
Warning
Because of their history with interfering with defibrillators and pacemakers and causing pain, skin irritation, bruising and burns, the Food and Drug Administration regulates EMS devices. According to the FDA, many home versions of the machine have leads and cables that can electrocute the user. The FDA also reports that even though a device might temporarily firm, tone or strengthen a muscle. No devices have been approved for obtaining rock hard abs, girth reduction or weight loss.
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