TENS/EMS Machines for Muscle Stimulation
TENS EMS or Electrical muscle stimulation machines use electrical impulses to stimulate muscular contractions through electrodes placed on the skin. EMS machines can be purchased that only stimulate the muscles or as combination units that can also be used for the relief of pain by stimulating the nerves. See Introduction to the Use of TENS Machines
By applying a small electrical current to the muscles are induced to contract int he same way as when they receive an impulse through the central nervous system. EMS can be used as both therapy and for muscle training. The impulses are delivered from the machine to the muscles through electrodes in the form of pads that are placed on the skin.
Use of EMS in Therapy
EMS can be used for rehabilitation after damage to bones, muscles, joints and tendons by providing stimulation to the muscles and preventing muscular atrophy from lack of use. It can also be used after surgery to stimulate calf muscles to prevent thrombosis and to relieve painful muscular spasms. It should not be confused with the use of electrical stimulation for the relief of pain (TENS).
EMS for Aesthetic Use
Toned and strengthened muscles have an effect on the appearance so toning the muscles through electrical stimulation is often seen as an easier way to improve the appearance that working out at the gym. However you should be wary of claims made by some advertisers that EMS can be used for weight loss or reduction of body fat. The use of EMS burns very few calories and cannot be effectively used for these purposes. To burnt a significant number of calories you would need to exercise vigorously using more muscles and with a raised heart rate not by stimulating a few targeted muscles.
Use of EMS in Sports Training
The use of EMS for sports training is controversial with some professional coaches using it for supplemental training. It cannot taloe the place of conventional training methods but may have its place as an additional training method.
FDA Certification
EMS devices are classified into prescription devices for therapy or over the counter (OTC) devices for muscle toning. Professional devices should only be used while being supervised by a medical practitioner and can be used for the prevention of muscular atrophy, relaxation of muscular spasms, re-education of muscles, stimulation of the muscles in the calf after surgery for the prevention of thrombosis etc. There are also FDA regulations for manuals to display warnings and safety issues including contraindications. See TENS Machines Safety Precautions