The Food and Drug Administration is tasked with regulating electronic muscle stimulators. They review the safety and functionality of stimulators on the market, which are used mainly for physical therapy and recovery programs. While the FDA states that these devices have a short term strengthening and toning effects on muscles, they warn against using them to achieve "rock hard" muscles or abs. They also point out a few dangers that unregulated devices might present.
Burns and Bruises
Electric muscle stimulators that are not properly regulated can leave burn or bruise marks on the skin. These incorrectly calibrated machines can deliver too much electricity to the targeted area, resulting in superficial damage to the skin and muscle tissue.
Electric Shock
Non FDA-approved muscle stimulators carry the risk of delivering an electric shock. This shock can come from either the electric pads that are placed on the belly of the muscle during stimulation or from the cables and wires that plug the device into the wall.
Interference with Other Devices
The FDA also reports that electric muscle stimulators can interfere with other electronic devices, including pacemakers and defibrillators. The injuries that arose from this interference required hospital treatment, so this is a potentially serious side effect. If you rely on an electronic medical device, be sure to talk to your doctor before using a muscle stimulator.
Aggravate Inflammation
Bodybuilding.com notes that electronic muscle stimulators should not be used on any part of the body that is inflamed or injured. The stimulator can further damage the injured area and lead to a slower healing process.
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