Electrical muscle stimulation


Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), induces muscle contraction using electric impulses. The impulses are generated by a device and delivered through electrodes on the skin in direct proximity to the muscles to be stimulated. The impulses mimic the action potential coming from the central nervous system, causing the muscles to contract. EMS is both a form of electrotherapy and of muscle training.  EMS devices are used for a wide variety of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, and for training and strengthening muscle fibers for increased athletic performance.

Luigi Galvani, an 18th century Italian physician and physicist, provided the first scientific evidence that electric current can activate muscle. During the 19th and 20th centuries, researchers studied and documented the exact electrical properties that generate muscle movement. It was discovered that the body functions induced by electrical stimulation caused long-term changes in the muscles. In the 1960's, Soviet sport scientists applied EMS in the training of elite athletes, claiming 40% force gains. More recent medical physiology research pinpointed the mechanisms by which electrical stimulation causes adaptation of cells of muscles, blood vessels and nerves.  EMS devices should not be confused with TENS units (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator), which use electric current on nerves for pain therapy.  Stay tuned for more information on TENS units in the Rehabmart library, coming soon!
 
                                                From library.rehabmart.com

The Digital Electronic Muscle Stimulator with Timer made by Drive Medical, and available for purchase through Rehabmart, offers state-of-the-art technology.  This EMS device provides a stimulation, contraction and relaxation cycle to help increase blood flow, loosen muscle fibers and stimulate muscle growth.  All of these actions in turn help indirectly with pain relief, too.   

You control the intensity of the pulses which can be adjusted up to an 80 mA, 500 ohm load.  You can also adjust the frequency of the pulses, as well as contraction, relaxation and ramp time cycles.  The digital wave technology consistently provides a highly efficient delivery of the wave signal, and dual isolated channels and timer are included for your convenience.  The Digital Electronic Muscle Stimulator comes complete with a carrying case, metal belt clip, 2 lead wires, and 4 pre-gelled electrodes, along with a detailed operating manual.  It even includes the 9-volt battery!
 
 Please note that this is a prescription product and can only be purchased with a medical prescription for therapy and should only be used under the supervision of an authorized practitioner.  Talk with your doctor about whether an EMS device might be right for you.

EMS devices are used specifically for the relaxation of muscle spasms, the prevention of disuse atrophy, muscle injuries, paralysis, muscle re-education, increasing local blood circulation, and for maintaining and increasing range of motion.  Rehabmart offers only the proven best of these devices and the Drive Medical Digital Electronic Muscle Stimulator cannot be beat!
 
To view more the many more Electronic Muscle Stimulators that Rehabmart offers, go to Neuromuscular Stimulation.
 
 
 
Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO