Electronic muscle stimulation, also known as EMS, stimulates skeletal muscle with electric impulses leading to muscle contraction. Electronic muscle stimulation, thought to mimic the natural muscle contractions achieved by neuronal impulses from the brain, is beneficial when you desire muscle contraction with minimal joint movement due to injury. Electronic muscle stimulation to tone muscles is becoming popular in the physical fitness industry. However, the success of EMS in toning muscle is debatable.
Theory
Electronic muscle stimulation enables you to work and tone a muscle with an electric potential applied across the muscle fibers. Your muscles need to remain active or they atrophy, lose mass and strength. Damage to the nerve, muscle guarding due to injury and sedentary lifestyle leads to atrophy. Using electric stimulation to activate the muscle contraction reduces atrophy and allows the muscle to remain relatively active while avoiding excessive movement.
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapist and Chiropractors utilize electronic muscle stimulation in the treatment of musculo-skeletal injuries. Electronic muscle stimulation is an effective treatment in a clinical setting. According to Pub Med, electric muscle stimulation is safe therapy after surgery or in instances of nerve damage leading to atrophy. It improves muscle strength, leading to greater functionality after surgery and reduces atrophy due to nerve damage
Muscle Toning
Electronic muscle stimulation has gained in popularity recently since the introduction of a variety of muscle toning belts and devices. However, EMS for toning and strengthening, considered temporary, is potentially hazardous due to risk of shock and burns. According to The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there have been reports of shocks, skin irritation, and pain from use of these devices, along with reports of interference with pacemakers and defibrillators, sometimes requiring hospitalization.
TENS Unit
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, also known as TENS, is the application of electric nerve stimulation through the skin. A TENS unit is a portable device prescribed by a doctor or physical therapist to perform electronic nerve stimulation in a home setting. The units typically have two knobs controlling intensity and frequency. Electrodes, placed across the desired muscle, allow a current to flow at the prescribed frequency and intensity causing muscle contractions.
Warnings
When using a TENS unit prescribed by a medical professional, always follow instructions. Notify him if you notice any burns, skin irritation or pain. If you plan to use a device purchased form a commercial seller you should consult your doctor about any concerns regarding the device. Remember when toning and strengthening muscles, no pain no gain, meaning nothing replaces a well-planned exercise routine to build and tone muscles.
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