Humans and electric shocks share a long history, with scientists over the ages experimenting with them to relieve pain and rejuvenate muscles. With advancements in medical sciences, new techniques involving electric shocks have been developed. These are equipped with cutting-edge technologies, targeting muscles to enable the human body to be athletic and energized. One such technique is Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS). But what exactly is EMS? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)?
- 2 How does Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) work?
- 3 How Long Does an EMS Session Last?
- 4 What Happens After the Session?
- 5 What to Expect After an EMS Therapy?
- 6 Uses and Benefits of EMS
- 7 When Should You Not Use EMS Therapy?
- 8 Devices we Use in EMS Session
- 9 Takeaway
What is Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)?
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) therapy, also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) or electromyostimulation, is a technique that uses electrical impulses to cause contractions in the muscles. These electrical signals mirror the action potential that comes from the central nervous system, causing the muscles to contract.
How does Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) work?
Placing of Electrode Pads
EMS therapy starts with placing the device on the target area. Basically, an EMS device consists of a main unit and electrode pads. The electrode pads are placed on the body, and the main unit delivers the tailored electrical pulses.
Setting Frequency
The device is then set to a specific frequency, pulse rate, and intensity level, based on the individual’s needs and tolerance. If the target is to help muscle heal or to relieve pain, the therapist sets the frequency at low. However, for muscle strengthening and development, higher frequencies may be used.
Current Transmission
Once the device is set, it sends a current through the electrodes to the muscles, causing them to contract. This contraction is a response to the electrical stimulation.The therapist can adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation throughout the treatment to ensure the patient’s comfort while still providing an effective level of muscle stimulation.
Muscle Contraction and Relaxation
The electrical impulses cause your muscles to contract and then relax, similar to what they would do during regular physical activity. The contraction and relaxation can help to strengthen the muscles, increase blood flow, and promote healing.
How Long Does an EMS Session Last?
An EMS therapy session can last from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the patient’s needs and the therapist’s recommendations. The therapy might be repeated several times a week over a period of weeks or months, again depending on individual circumstances.
What Happens After the Session?
The patient might feel a tingling sensation during the treatment, which is normal. However, the treatment should not cause any significant discomfort or pain. If the patient does feel pain, they should notify the therapist immediately so the settings can be adjusted.
What to Expect After an EMS Therapy?
Following treatment, patients may notice an increase in strength and mobility, a decrease in pain if that was the goal of treatment or a combination of both. Improvements may be gradual, and consistency in receiving treatments and in practicing any prescribed at-home exercises is crucial to seeing results.
Uses and Benefits of EMS
EMS is used in a variety of applications, including:
- For people who have been immobilized due to injury or illness, EMS can be helpful to prevent muscle atrophy. It can also be used to retrain muscles to function properly after a stroke or other neurological impairment.
- EMS can help to relieve pain, including chronic pain, by stimulating the nerves and muscles in the affected area.
- Some athletes use EMS to enhance their training, as the electrical stimulation can increase the intensity of muscular contractions and potentially strengthen muscle after surgery.
When Should You Not Use EMS Therapy?
There are also certain conditions and circumstances in which EMS should not be used, including:
- Avoid applying EMS over the heart area, as doing so could potentially lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
- Pregnant women should avoid applying EMS to the abdominal and pelvic regions.
- People with epilepsy should refrain from using EMS.
- EMS therapy is not for the area where cancerous lesions are present.
Devices we Use in EMS Session
- Stima Lounge EMS Lounge Chair
- Stimawell EMS Back Mat
Stima Lounge EMS Lounge Chair
Stima Lounge combines Tens Pulse (pain therapy) with EMS Pulse (muscle building) to relieve back pain, relax muscles, provide deep soothing massages, and reduce stress.
Stimawell EMS Back Mat
Stimawell EMS Back Mat is a 4-in-1 therapy setup that provides TENs impulses, EMS impulses, dynamic deep tissue massage, and heat therapy at a time. Usually, it is a medium-frequency Back Mat equipped with 24 electrodes that can be heated up to 40 °C. Your healthcare provider can control electrical impulses according to your requirements.
Takeaway
In conclusion, Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is a potent therapeutic tool that can serve various roles, from strengthening muscles and managing chronic pain to assisting in rehabilitation. As with any medical treatment, it should be administered under the guidance of healthcare professionals. Individuals with specific health conditions or pregnant women should abstain from this therapy.
Remember, the journey to recovery and strength is often gradual, and consistency is key to seeing results with EMS therapy. At Euromed Clinic, we’re dedicated to providing advanced, safe, and effective EMS treatment, personalized to meet your unique needs
To learn more or to schedule a session, reach us at +971 4 394 5422 or complete the provided form. We’re ready to support you on your path to enhanced health and well-being.
