Electrical Muscle Stimulation, also known as E-Stim, or EMS, uses electrical impulses to cause muscles to contract, which in turn helps your muscles become stronger. Your muscles naturally contract in response to electrical signals sent from your brain.
Eletrical muscle stimulation (EMS)
physiotherapy
Process of Treatment
NMES HAS BEEN SHOWN TO:
Increase Muscle Strength and Density
Larger Muscle Size
Improved (VO2) Max
Increase Explosive Strength
Speed Up Muscle Recovery
The two main types of e-stim are transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS).
TENS
TENS may be used for chronic (long-term) pain as well as for acute (short-term) pain. Electrodes are placed on the skin near the source of the pain. Signals are sent through nerve fibers to block or at least reduce the pain signals traveling to the brain.
EMS
EMS uses a slightly stronger current than TENS to get muscles to contract. The unit’s electrodes (also placed on the skin near the affected muscles) cause rhythmic contractions. This can improve muscle strength if the user attempts to contract the muscle simultaneously.
E-stim may be appropriate for the following conditions: