Electrical Muscle Stimulation and Its Functions

Electrical stimulation is a portable apparatus used to evoke muscular contraction and alleviate pain. It serves several health benefits; therefore, should be done under the supervision of a professional.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation and electromyostimulation uses electrical impulses to induce contraction. A portable apparatus, which has detachable electrodes are used to deliver impulses to the skin. Pads are lubricated prior to skin contact to serve as a medium for conduction of current. The most common ES is the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation unit (TENS), a useful tool in treating various medical conditions such as sprains, low back pain, and arthritic patients because of its observable benefits. In general, there are three major popular uses of EMS, which are as follows:

Therapeutic

As mentioned, the machine is commonly used in treating various conditions such as musculoskeletal injuries, paralysis, and other muscle and bone affectations. Conditions like muscle atrophy, weakness, pain, and spasm respond well to electrical stimulation. The kind of contraction that is evoked during stimulation is by principle, almost the same as that of an active contraction. Therefore, a treated tissue receives equal benefits as active contraction does, which include the following: increase blood flow to the area at work, counteracts muscle wasting, increases range of motion, reduces pain through flushing of painful stimuli, and more.

Aesthetic

Since the contraction from the stimulator simulates active contraction, it is believed to provide the same benefits on the target muscle. As it contracts, it uses calories to generate energy. The source may come directly from glucose or from fats when it becomes totally depleted. Therefore, the burning of fat will eventually lead to weight loss, which results to a more toned contour. At present, the machine has caught the attention of many health-related equipment manufacturers who apply the same principles as of the muscle stimulator. If you have noticed, commercially existing versions claiming to provide the same benefits are widely accessible in the market. Toning belts for example are believed to cause fat reduction; therefore, ideal for those who wish to have nice firm tummy. However, this assertion is not yet proven and is still in the process of deliberation.

Training

This is one of the most common apparatus used by physical therapists especially in sports training. Large basketball association often utilizes the services of a registered therapist to prevent sports-related injuries through physical conditioning. It is also best to rehabilitate incapacitated athletes by alleviating pain and reducing inflammation by allowing the muscle to reach its pain threshold.

While the kind of contraction resembles active mobility, bear in mind that no amount of electric impulses can outdo the effects of active movement. Therefore, this should not be considered as a substitute for exercise, instead as a supplementary gadget to be used in conjunction with active motion.

Article Source: http://physicalfitnessarticles.net

To learn more about how an electrical stimulator works, kindly visit this site: You On A Diet. They have other units like flex belt, which resembles that of an ES when it comes to functions and benefits.

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