EMS for Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

The medical field has made significant progress in the development of innovative treatment strategies for those suffering from injuries that require rehabilitation of muscles. Injury can be caused by the result of a sporting event or an accident that demands the need for physical therapy or an injury caused by the daily activities. One treatment for healing that is becoming popular in the treatment of physical injuries includes Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS).

Electrical muscle stimulation, also referred to as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), or electromyostimulation, is used for the prevention of muscle spasms and muscle atrophy, increasing local blood circulation by stimulating muscle tissue, strengthening the muscle tissue to promote healing, maintaining or increasing the range of motion, muscle re-education, and the stimulation of calf muscles to prevent venous thrombosis

How EMS Does It Work

EMS utilizes an electric current that stimulates muscles. The electrical current stimulates nerves and triggers the natural contraction of muscles. This is referred to as active exercise. The EMS devices generate electric signals which stimulate nerves. The signals are generated through an electrical device, and are delivered via electrodes on the skin, close to the muscles which require stimulation. When you place the electrodes on the muscles of a specific group and sending signals using an EMS device, muscles begin to relax and contract. The impulses mimic the nerve impulses that the brain produces to stimulate the muscle tissues. The contractions that result from stimulation are similar to muscles contractions in regular exercise. The voltage that is applied to various pressure points in the muscle can be altered according to the need. The outcome from stimulation results in healing and strengthening of muscles.

EMS devices assist in stimulating muscles that are not likely to be affected by exercises. They stimulate damaged muscle tissues, which results in healing toning, strengthening, and toning of damaged tissue. The pulses stimulate tissue fibers to a certain degree and in specific patterns which reduce degeneration in muscles due to nerve atrophy.

Benefits of using EMS Devices

The majority of rehabilitation clinics employ EMS devices due to their ability to heal. If you use EMS the process of healing is much quicker because muscles and nerves can recover quicker. Stimulation is enough to start the process of repairing the muscles. Once the muscle tear has healed and the patient is able to proceed with the next phase of the process of rehabilitation. Thus, the rehabilitation time is less. It is also less painful. It is also soothing since a lot of discomfort is relieved. Additionally the relief may be felt for a while following the session.

The FDA requires that manuals include cautions, contraindications or adverse effects. This includes not recommending the use of pacemakers not to be used on sensitive body parts, including the carotid sinus nerves across the chest as well as across the brain; and caution regarding use during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and other medical conditions that can cause muscle tension. Potential adverse reactions could include burns and skin irritations.

A growing number of rehabilitation clinics, hospitals and sports clinics are using electronic Muscle Stimulators also known as EMS devices. They are becoming more popular for athletes. The positive results have caught an interest of several within the medical field. General Doctors are now seeing advantages from using EMS for their patients. The EMS equipment can used in fitness centers as well as at home to aid people recover faster from muscle injury. .Most patients who have undergone EMS treatment have found the procedure positive and relaxing. Since it accelerates the process of rehabilitation the patients can end up saving money. Electronic muscles stimulators are an excellent method of encouraging recovery of the muscles, ease painand to strengthen muscles.