Practitioners use electrical muscle stimulation, or EMS, to treat and rehabilitate muscular injuries. By sending a low-frequency electrical current to the afflicted area, EMS can provide pain relief and help regenerate muscle tissue. EMS is also therapeutic in the re-education of paralyzed muscles and the prevention of atrophy.
Identification
In EMS therapy, electrical impulses are generated by a device and delivered to the muscles by electrodes placed strategically on the skin. The impulses cause the muscles to contract just as if they had received the message from the brain and central nervous system. The stronger the signal, the more the muscle will flex, just as in physical exercise. When the pulse stops, the muscle relaxes. The pulse rate and duration depend on the condition being treated and the electrode placement.
Benefits
EMS is intended to relax muscle spasms, prevent atrophy, increase circulation, retrain muscles and improve range of motion. Neuromuscular stimulation technology has been used to "revitalize purposeful movement to muscles crippled by spinal cord injuries," according to NASA Spinoff, a publication that shares NASA technology with the private sector. The StimMaster is a recumbent bicycle that stimulates paralyzed leg muscles, allowing them to pedal. This provides paraplegics and quadriplegics with a cardiovascular workout and reduces secondary symptoms related to paralysis.
Misconceptions
Electrical muscle stimulation devices have been advertised to the public as a way for healthy individuals to increase muscle strength, decrease body weight and body fat and to improve muscle firmness and tone. In a study led by John Porcari, department of exercise and sports science, University of Wisconsin, and published by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in 2002, their methods showed that the "level of contraction is well below the critical threshold necessary to increase the strength of the muscle in an apparently healthy population."
Types
Each patient responds differently to electrical stimulation due to variations in skin thickness, tissue resistance and enervation. Feedback from the patient is vital to communicate their perception of the stimulation. Depending on the condition being treated and the patient's threshold and tolerance, intensity may range from a slight tingling sensation, to barely visible muscle twitches, to slight contractions or strong contractions.
Warning
The use of EMS in patients with pacemakers is contraindicated and caution should be used for those with heart conditions and epilepsy. The safety of EMS on pregnant woman has not been established and should be avoided. The electrode placement and intensity should be determined by a qualified practitioner. Skin irritation or hypersensitivity can occur. Long-term effects of electrical stimulation are unknown.
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