What Is An Electronic Muscle Stimulator?

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An Electronic Muscle Stimulator or EMS has been used in hospitals, clinics and physical rehabilitation centers for more than 40 years. They are typically used as a form of therapy with the help of a medical professional. It is used regularly by physical therapist in helping to keep a muscle active until the patient is able to move it themselves. There are some also available for use at home.
The safe ones will have an approval by a regulatory body. This is important because these devices are sending electrical impulses to your body. Without a safety seal there have been reports of what people fear most when they think of electricity being directed at their bodies. Shocks, possible burns and bruises are nonexistent with a machine that has a safety approval. These are completely safe.
The EMS is frequently used on patients who have had serious injury, major surgery or stroke. When there is temporary or permanent loss of muscle movement a unit is used to keep the muscle working and stimulated. If there is muscle atrophy it will be used to keep the muscle from weakening.
It is used to prevent muscle atrophy for those who have had long-term immobility, or a neuro muscular disease and are unable to use their muscles. If a patient has had a stroke, major surgery or any serious injury that impairs muscle function an electronic muscle stimulator may be used to rehabilitate muscles.
The frequency and intensity of the electrical current directed at the muscles is determined by the extent of damage to them. This is why is its use is best started by a professional. A low frequency is always used first so the patient gets used to the feel of it. The frequency is then gradually increased. When the patient learns how the particular muscle should feel when contracted a portable unit may be given by the practitioner with instructions to be taken home.
These machines come in various sizes, of course the ones for home use are smaller. They may have a digital display with instructions and show what the frequency is that is being set with the ability to lock it in to provide consistency. Some are even a hand held size. The electrodes are attached to leads which are attached to the EMS. These electrodes will be applied to the skin at the site of the necessary muscle. Once the unit is on an electrical impulse goes directly to that area and contracts and relaxes the muscle rhythmically. It mimics the way a muscle naturally moves and stimulates the nerves to move them.
The stimulator is used for non medical purposes as well. Athletes use it along with regular exercise to increase muscle strength, endurance and response speed. It can be used for those times when you are unable to workout. It is also used on the abdominal muscles to further define the area and stimulate muscles that are hard to work with conventional exercise.
The electronic muscle stimulator facilities blood circulation and an increase in oxygen to muscles. Greater muscle tone can mean stronger bones as well. They are used with the elderly for these purposes. To increase muscle strength or to prevent injury and pain these have been proven to help the muscles.
The electronic muscle stimulator is extremely useful for medical rehabilitation and physical therapy. One specialized ESM product that stands out is the Russian Stim. Known for its pain relief and minimum disturbance, the Russian Stim is a popular technique among many Asian countries.
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