| Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), also known as | | | | so they can return to the sport. |
| neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), | | | | Benefits of using EMS Devices |
| Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or | | | | When using EMS devices, the repair process is much |
| electromyostimulation uses an electrical current to | | | | quicker because nerve and muscle tissue are able to |
| stimulate your muscles. The impulses are produced | | | | recover faster after an injury. The rehabilitation |
| by a device and delivered through electrodes that | | | | process is reduced so the athlete is able to return to |
| are placed on the skin near the muscles that require | | | | the sport much sooner. The treatment is much less |
| stimulation. The impulses mimic the impulses | | | | painful so the athlete is motivated to concentrate on |
| generated by the brain to stimulate muscle tissue. | | | | the healing process. If treatment takes place right |
| The result of stimulation is the toning and | | | | away, an athlete has a better chance of avoiding a |
| strengthening of muscles. | | | | long term injury. This will keep the athlete positive |
| How EMS Works | | | | during the rehabilitation process. Because the devices |
| EMS devices have become quite popular in sports | | | | are very light and battery-operated, they can be |
| injury rehabilitation. When a person has a muscle | | | | taken almost any place. As well, it is an effective tool |
| injury, the electrical current produced by the EMS | | | | for people who have a long term injury. If someone |
| machine stimulates the muscles. This stimulation | | | | spends a great deal of time in bed, a condition |
| triggers repairing of the muscle tissue. | | | | known as muscle atrophy will take place. This |
| Electronic Muscle Stimulation Devices produce | | | | condition occurs when the muscles begin to waste. |
| electrical signals that stimulate the nerves. The | | | | Electrical muscle stimulation is an excellent and |
| devices are normally connected to the patient | | | | efficient way of maintaining muscle integrity and |
| through electrodes that are held in place with | | | | strength. |
| adhesive. By placing the pads on a certain set of | | | | The electrical muscle stimulation device is normally |
| muscles, and then sending the impulses via the EMS | | | | used by a professional medical practitioner. They |
| unit, the muscles will react by contracting and | | | | know exactly where to place the electrodes in order |
| relaxing. The resulting contractions are much like the | | | | stimulate the correct muscle fiber. An untrained |
| contractions that take place during regular exercise. | | | | individual may use the device improperly which could |
| Depending on the area that requires treatment, a | | | | add further trauma to the injury. As well, the FDA |
| practitioner can switch the voltage for different | | | | states that EMS devices should not be used on |
| pressure points on the muscle. The low voltage | | | | children and should be used in accordance with their |
| reduces pain and stimulates the muscle tissue. EMS | | | | intended use. |
| devices help stimulate muscle tissue that may not be | | | | People who use the EMS devices for purposes other |
| affected by regular exercise routines. They will | | | | than a sports injury do so for stress and relief from |
| stimulate damaged muscle tissues resulting in | | | | minor pain such as muscle and joint aches, to |
| repairing, toning, and strengthening of the damaged | | | | enhance their fitness program, strengthen muscles, |
| tissue. Wherever the tissues are damaged, EMA | | | | and improve their appearance. |
| devices will stimulate the fibers to various degrees | | | | Most people who have received EMS treatment find |
| and patterns. These patterns will create a different | | | | the process helpful and relaxing. Electronic muscle |
| response from the contraction. Programs are | | | | stimulators are a great way to promote muscle |
| designed to improve exhaustion resistance, | | | | healing, control pain, and tone and strengthen your |
| endurance, and promote muscle healing. The purpose | | | | muscles. |
| of using EMS on athletes is to shorten recovery time | | | | |