Uses of electrical muscle stimulator

What is a stimulator?

The name defines neuro muscular electric muscle stimulation which is primarily evoking of muscle contractions through a device which generates artificial impulses but very similar impulses with action potential in a normal human body. This is a tailor made device, user friendly and has a variety of frequencies, time values and intensity to which the muscle response is higher and a good output is given. 

Understanding basic working

The basics of working mechanism rely on the placement of electrodes and setting of frequency depending upon the location and kind of skeletal muscle to be stimulated. The muscle responds best when the electrodes are kept directly on the skin over the middle muscle fibers. Electrodes by wires are connected in the channels of the device. The electrical muscle stimulator induces electric pulses, generates action potential and muscle contraction takes place.  A time gap is also given for relaxation of muscle in between to prevent fatigue and so that muscle can contract all over again.

When is an EMS given?

·         Any trauma to muscle itself.

·         Post operative progressive muscle weakening.

·         Prolonged bed rest after surgery.

·         Nerve injuries in adults due to crutch use, or damage to facial nerve.

·         Sports people

·         After fractures to build muscle strength.

How is an EMS used in various branches of science?

Lately the EMS is being used as training equipment in the professional careers of athletes and other sports persons. The stimulation session before the starting of any sports activity reinforces the belief of the athlete that he is ready physically to take up the activity. It enhances the blood circulation and provides endurance to the muscle to contract steady in the long lasting sport.

As a therapeutic branch it is used largely to rehabilitate the muscle from an injury or re educate the muscle when the muscle has lost all its active functions. This generally has been observed when there is a nerve injury like Bell’s palsy or external trauma to the nerve after an accident. The sessions are divided into multiple sets and muscle regains its lost strength slowly.

Long im mobilizations like when the joint is put in a plaster cast after a fracture also pose a challenge when functioning of the muscle is concerned. Bed ridden patients can be given this too to avoid muscles going into atrophy due to non use. 

The cosmetic benefits of stimulator are still controversial as many small devices like belts or vibrators are sold in the home markets claiming weight reduction but no proven results for calorie burning have been obtained as yet. 

Are there any complications?

The complications include sores, irritation, electric shock, allergies and infections.

When to avoid muscle stimulation?

The stimulation should not be given to stroke patients where sensational deficit is present, during pregnancy, knee replacements or hip replacements due to metal implants and patients with artificial pacemakers.