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Many wonder what the difference is between the different types of electronic Muscle Stimulators. It is easy to say that there is a difference between the different devices because of their different names, but exactly what the differences are need to be defined. The two types of EMS devices are TENS and Russian Muscle Stimulation. Different devices can do different things such as stimulate sensory nerve endings rather than just muscles.
EMS
Electronic Muscle Stimulation uses a relatively low voltage that targets motor nerves in order to stimulate them. What this does is cause a contraction of the muscle. The muscle then relaxes between shocks and then contracts again when the shock occurs. This constant contracting and relaxing has been used as an effective method to treat various vascular and muscoskeletal conditions. This keeps circulation going and better circulation means oxygen and nutrients can be carried to the muscles much easier.
TENS
This device is also a type of Electronic Muscle Stimulator, but it behaves in a different manner than the standard EMS device. This one is used to stimulate sensory nerve endings in order to control pain. The pain signals are blocked and endorphin production is stimulated. We have all probably heard at one time or another that endorphins block pain. They are kind of like the body's natural morphine in painful situations. These systems are not found on the open market because they are primarily used by physicians to treat a plethora of problems. Some of those issues involve:
- Preventing atrophy of the muscles when they have not been used in a while due to paralysis, being bedridden, or due to severe injury.
- Strengthening the nerves in certain groups of muscles
- Muscle spasm and muscle pain reduction
These devices have been successfully used within the medical community for quite some time. Electrodes connected to adhesive pads are stuck to the skin and the electric pulses are sent through the skin to the muscles via these pads. This makes TENS very effective in pain relief because of the production of endorphins. TENS has also been used in the treatment of arthritis, back pain, labor pain, shingles, sciatica, postoperative pain, and cancer pain.
Russian Muscle Stimulation
The Russian Muscle Stimulation device is also an EMS used for nerve stimulation. The electric currents that result are stronger and they penetrate deeper into the muscles. Sometimes the contractions of the muscles and nerves can be quite painful because they are more complex than with other EMS devices. This EMS is definitely one that should only be used by medical professionals such as a doctor or a physiotherapist.
Overall benefits
When used with exercise, EMS devices can be quite helpful. For those simply wanting to use them to get those six-pack abs, the EMS device should be used in combination with exercise. However, a device such as the Russian Muscle Stimulator should not be used for toning of the body. This is a much more intense device that needs to be used under the supervision of a doctor. But when using an EMS during exercise, the nerves and muscles will recover faster and the growth of the muscles as well as their endurance and strength do improve when used before and after exercise. There are also areas of the body that may not be reached through exercise and an EMS device can stimulate those areas, which helps promote overall physical health. However, the EMS device can't produce a rock solid body alone, but what it can do is act as a great companion to other effective lifestyle changes.
Electronic Muscle Stimulation Devices, or EMS devices, create electrical signals that stimulate the nerves. The devices are usually connected to the individual through electrode pads that are adhesive and they are very lightweight and battery-operated, which makes them so portable that they can be used just about anywhere.
Physical therapists and doctors prescribe these devices to reduce or completely avoid muscle atrophy in patients, especially after a surgical procedure or a severe injury. EMS devices are also used in those with paralysis and in anyone who needs to improve their blood circulation, improve their range of motion, or even increase muscle endurance. In addition, EMS devices may be used to relax muscles, re-educate nerves, and also in the management of pain.
As far as the safety of these devices, they are safe as long as they are used as directed. The medical community has used them for years for many of the reasons that were described above. EMS devices are regulated by the FDA, which means they regulate the sale of the many different kinds of EMS devices within the United States. This means that those companies who manufacture EMS devices must comply with regulations set forth by the FDA before they can ever sell their device. Their use is mainly meant for rehabilitation and other medical purposes, however there are bodybuilders using them all of the time to aid in the toning of muscles.
It is very important that the device meets FDA requirements. Doctors may choose to use these devices on children for medical reasons as will sports coaches and chiropractors. However, EMS devices shouldn't be used on children before their mid to late teens unless there is a good medical reason for it. Children are growing and they usually get the necessary exercise to ensure they grow properly. For those who are paralyzed or have encountered a severe injury, a doctor may choose to go ahead with the use of an EMS device, but caution must be taken when doing so.
However, if an EMS device is being used that has not met the requirements of the FDA; it is illegal because that means it could be potentially hazardous. Anyone of any age, with the exception of young children and those in their early teens, can use an EMS device, but it is very important that it is ensured that the device is approved by the FDA.
Nevertheless, for those looking to achieve "six-pack" abs with these devices, that is an unreasonable expectation. EMS devices simply make the muscles contract, which will stimulate the muscles, but the stimulation will not go as far as providing someone with abs that are normally a result of working out at a gym. If the intent behind using these devices is for strengthening and toning, the best results are achieved by combining the EMS device with diet and exercise. Experienced bodybuilders realize this and will still use an EMS device to increase their endurance and their range of motion to avoid injury when enjoying their sport. The electric pulses helps in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscle cells through improved circulation and various toxins are removed from the body as a result.
Despite these health advantages, again, it is not a good idea to use these devices on children unless a doctor deems it necessary for such conditions as paralysis. Furthermore, instructions from the FDA will state that EMS devices should not be used on children and should be used according to their intended use. If used otherwise, the person using the EMS device risks severe injury that could cost them in the long-run.