Everything you want to know about EMS devices

Everything you want to know about EMS devices

Electrical muscle stimulation or EMS is a medical device that uses electrical impulses to create muscle contraction. These are used for strength training, muscle sculpting and pain-relieving purposes. 

Whenever we move, naturally our brain sends an electrical impulse that directs our muscles to make movements. Let’s say, if you want to lift your arms, your brain sends an electrical signal to the muscles which make them contract. EMS is similar since it also sends an electrical impulse and makes your muscles to contract. 

What is TENS therapy?

TENS is short for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is the use of EMS device for therapeutic purpose. A TENS unit is attached to your skin which is connected to two or more electrodes. In clinical studies, the use of TENS unit for back pain has been found to be an effective form of treatment. 

A TENS unit typically employs a rechargeable or a removable battery to produce the required electrical impulse. The device is now being used extensively for relieving back pain and is available over-the-counter. 

What are the other uses of EMS devices?

In physiotherapy, the device is used for rehabilitation purposes. Sometimes, due to musculoskeletal injuries, such as damage to bones, ligaments or muscles, the muscle may remain unused for a long time. This can cause muscle atrophy due to disuse. In these cases, EMS devices are used for physiotherapy.

EMS devices are also used as a strength training tool. When we exercise, we get stressed mentally too. These devices help you exercise longer and faster than you can do normally. Although these devices cannot burn your body fat, but they assist the building of lean muscle tissues which helps in burning fat. The device helps in breaking lipids, which helps our body flush out fat by-products easily.

Are these devices safe?

Yes, EMS devices are completely safe for the above purposes. It has the necessary approvals from FDA. Many healthcare professionals recommend and use these devices. Also, many athletes use this for increasing their daily exercise. These devices have no side-effects which makes them so much safe to use.

Are they effective?

Firstly, the device has FDA approval, it is certain that they are effective. Secondly, physiotherapists use them to treat their patients. A study was conducted to know the effectiveness of EMS devices on people who have used it for 6 weeks, following were the results:

- 100% users of EMS devices reported firmer abs and improved definition.
- 72% report increase in abdominal endurance.
- 49% is the increase in abdominal strength.
- Where should I not use an EMS device?

These devices should be used with caution following is a list where the use of this device is prohibited.

- Do not use EMS devices across the brain or over the eyes.
- Do not use them if you wear a pacemaker.
- Use on parts such as carotid sinus nerves should be prohibited.
- Avoid using them in the areas where you have burns.
- Although the device will help you in weight reduction, you will need to have a proper diet plan so that they work more efficiently. It is important to use them regularly. You should use the device for 20 to 30 minutes in a day and 5 times in a week.

Who doesn’t want to look slim and fit? Having a fit body is everyone’s dream. But rarely do we see people being fully committed to it. If you are really committed, you should invest your precious time on exercising daily. And with these devices, exercising has become a lot easier.