EMS - A Cure for Osteoarthritis?

EMS (Electro Muscle Stimulation) is now widely usedHealth care providers usually start off by having
by beauty salons, body builders, and medicalpatients work on strengthen their quadriceps (the
professionals. What hope does this form oflarge group of muscles which run along the front of
treatment offer to Osteoarthritis sufferers - andthe leg from the knee to the hip). EMS is introduced
how does it work? EMS — A Cure foras an additional therapy, along with a number of
Osteoarthritis?other non load bearing exercises, particularly for
EMS stands for Electro Muscle Stimulation. In simpleosteoarthritis patients, to improve muscle strength.
terms an electronic machine is used to stimulate theEMS offers great benefits for the elderly, who tend
muscles. In more complicated terms it is a lowto be the most common sufferers osteoarthritis, as
voltage waveform, applied through conductive pads,well as other patients with limited mobility.
placed at strategic points on the body, to stimulateAnother benefit of using an EMS machine is the TENs
muscle motor nerves.effect some programs have. (TENs stands for
Normally when we exercise the brain sends signalsTranscutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation where
via the spinal cord to nerve sensors which cause ourtranscutaneous means through the skin.) Low rate
muscles to expand and contract. As we continue toprograms usually between 2Hz to 5Hz with a pulse
exercise lactic acid builds up in and around the musclewidth close to 200uS encourages the release of
and we start to tire.endorphins which in turn gives pain relief that can last
An EMS machine works by applying a controlled signalseveral hours.
to stimulate the same nerve sensors, causing theEMS machines come in a variety of shapes, sizes and
muscle to expand and contract. The increased bloodprices, depending on whether they are used for
flow to the muscles helps deliver the essentialmedical or body toning. Most machines used for
nutrients for recovery, speeding up the rehabilitationmedical purposes are small compact and portable and
process. The work relaxation cycle of an EMSwill have 4 electrodes, while body toning machines
machine also facilitates the removal of lactic aciduse multiple electrodes and may not be portable.
from the muscles, allowing them to relax quicker.EMS is a treatment option for a wide range of
The medical profession use EMS machines to treat ainjuries or conditions caused by or related to muscle
variety of conditions in rehabilitation units withweakness, as well as joint, tendon, and nerve injuries.
encouraging results. Most treatments are specificallyIt has also found a place in many other walks of life
for conditions which require muscle stimulation. Theyfrom beauty treatment to bodybuilding, often with
are most commonly used on people whose musclessome too good to be true claims. While no EMS
have weakened after long periods of bed rest.machine will give you an instant six pack by sitting
Osteoarthritis of the knee, a condition more oftenaround supping beer, it does have a many uses in
found in older people, is usually caused by generalathletics, rehab and bodybuilding.
wear and tear on the knee joint from normal day toEMS machines should only be used on the advice of a
day activities. Sometimes it can be the result ofdoctor or other health professionals. They may not
some old injury sporting or otherwise. Knee problemsbe suitable for certain conditions. Always follow the
are often exacerbated by lack of proper support tomanufactures instructions supplied with the machine.
the knee joint by the surrounding muscles. The endEMS machines should never be used by people who
result is deterioration of the knee cartilage resulting inhave a pacemaker or have heart problems. Pregnant
more pain.women should avoid using EMS machines as the
Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee isaffects on the unborn baby are not known.
key to easing the pain of Osteoarthritis sufferers.