In the last few years, electric muscle stimulation (EMS) has become a popular and effective way to treat musculoskeletal issues.
There are a lot of benefits that EMS can offer, including relief from pain, reduced muscle spasms, restored muscle tone, and rehabilitating different parts of the body.
Our article will explain how muscle stimulators work, how they feel, and how they can help you.
How Do Muscle Stimulators Work?
A muscle stimulator, also known as an electric muscle stimulator or an EMS device, applies electrical currents to specific muscle groups for therapeutic purposes. Electrical currents are generated by a control unit and transmitted to muscles, helping relieve pain, restore muscle tone, and rehab.
Muscle stimulators have a control unit, lead wires, and electrodes for stimulation. Control units are hubs that contain essential features like timers and knobs for controlling electrical current. Depending on the user’s preference, the intensity, duration, and frequency of the stimulation can be customized.
The control unit is connected to neurostimulation electrodes through two lead wires. Over targeted muscle groups, these electrodes act as interfaces between the electrical current and muscles. Their job is to transmit impulses to contract muscles.
A user may feel pins and needles, muscle twitches, or a dull tingling after activating and applying the product to specific muscle groups. Those sensations come from electrical impulses that activate nerves and muscles. Typically they go away after the treatment session, but some people might feel them for up to 30 minutes after.
The Benefits of Muscle Stimulators
A muscle stimulator is used to harness the therapeutic benefits of electric muscle stimulation (EMS). EMS induces muscle contractions through electrical currents, mimicking the contractions that occur naturally during physical activity. Among the benefits are:
1. Enhance Physical Performance and Strength
Muscle stimulators are effective in enhancing physical performance and increasing muscle strength. They are particularly beneficial when used in conjunction with traditional exercise routines.
Studies have shown that EMS can improve maximum strength, power, speed, vertical jump height, and sprint times. This is achieved by engaging a larger percentage of muscle fibers during each contraction compared to voluntary contractions during typical workouts.
EMS devices can target both fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers, optimizing the training effects for different performance outcomes.
2. Rehabilitation and Recovery
In rehabilitation settings, EMS helps patients regain muscle function after injuries, surgeries, or neurological conditions like strokes. It allows patients to regain strength and functionality in their affected muscles through muscle re-education.
In addition, muscle stimulators can speed up recovery by improving blood flow, which reduces muscle soreness and improves nutrient delivery. It’s especially useful for athletes who need to recover fast between training sessions or after races.
3. Pain Management
Muscle stimulators can also play a significant role in pain management. Devices like TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) are designed to reduce pain by blocking pain signals before they reach the brain.
EMS can help manage and reduce pain through muscle contractions that release endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. This makes it a valuable tool for chronic pain management, including conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis.
4. Prevent Muscle Atrophy
Muscle stimulators can prevent muscle atrophy when physical activity is restricted due to injury, illness, or aging. By simulating regular muscle contractions, EMS can preserve muscle mass and strength in immobilized and limited-mobility patients.
They can also help with the rehabilitation of people who have neurological conditions, like strokes or spinal cord injuries.
Final Words
EMS provides numerous benefits to people with musculoskeletal injuries or ailments. As a rehab and recovery tool, EMS eases discomfort, relieves pain, restores muscle tone, and promotes healing.
Either alone or combined with a comprehensive plan, EMS can improve your health, mobility, and overall well-being.
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