What Is Muscle Electrical Stimulation?

Muscle electrical stimulation is a method of physical therapy aimed at restoring or increasing the functionality of muscle and nerve tissues after their damage.

During electrical stimulation, pulsed currents of various frequencies and strengths are used, which are applied to the human body through electrodes from the apparatus. Depending on the purpose, pulsed currents can be applied in physical therapy, cosmetology, and sports. 

The essence of the method is that regular motor activity caused by electric current reduces the risk of muscle atrophy, as nutrition and the excretion of metabolic products are restored, and muscle fibers work, which stimulates their recovery, while feedback occurs with the cerebral cortex. 

A gradual increase in the control of muscle structures by the brain's motor centers is significant in treating such severe diseases as paralysis or paresis in cerebral palsy, stroke, etc. In addition, a pronounced analgesic effect of this treatment method was also noted. Under the influence of electric currents, the production of own collagen and elastin is enhanced, lipolysis is accelerated (the breakdown of fats and adipose tissue), the synthesis of proteins and various enzymes is stimulated, lymphatic drainage and strengthening of the walls of blood vessels are provided. 

This property of the method is currently extremely in demand in aesthetic cosmetology and is widely used for weight loss. With the same success, impulse currents work with the muscles of internal organs (intestines, bladder, kidneys, etc.). Fitness of the future is also based on electrical muscle stimulation during training in the gym: a 20-minute EMS workout can replace a 3-hour workout in the gym.

Indications for Electrical Muscle Stimulation 

Medicine: 

• Peripheral paresis and paralysis; 

• Loss of skin sensitivity in neuritis; 

• Plexitis (inflammation of the nerve plexuses);

• Radiculitis; 

• Central paresis and paralysis;

• Loss of skin sensitivity in injuries and diseases of the spinal cord and brain; 

• Conditions accompanied by prolonged muscle hypotension (after injuries or operations), leading to their hypo- and atrophy; 

• Atony of smooth muscles of internal organs (gallbladder, bladder, intestines) after diseases or surgical interventions; 

• Atony of the sphincters of the bladder and rectum; 

• Chronic prostatitis, loss of reproductive function; 

• Some gynecological pathologies and disorders during labor; 

• Neuritis of the face and neck;

• Prevention of thrombosis and normalization of vascular tone; 

• Scoliosis, 

• Joint dysplasia.

Cosmetology: 

• Obesity, cellulite; 

• Wrinkles, sagging skin; 

• Age-related change in the face and body shape, swelling, lymphocytosis.

Sports: 

• Preliminary training of muscles;

• Development of speed-strength qualities; 

• Building muscle mass, increasing muscle strength endurance; 

• Improving coordination capabilities, accelerating recovery processes, and recovering from injuries.

Contraindications to Electrical Stimulation 

• Cancer, including benign formations; 

• Infectious diseases - acute period; 

• Arterial hypertension, heart failure above 2 degrees; 

• Epilepsy; 

• Hyperthyroidism; 

• Blood pathology; 

• Active form of rheumatism, the presence of pacemakers, atrial fibrillation; 

• Phlebitis, thrombophlebitis; 

• Violations of the integrity of the skin (abrasions, wounds, cuts) at the site of application of the electrodes; 

• Condition after stitching muscles, tendons, and nerves (for one month), after fractures until the complete restoration of the integrity of bone structures.

Therapy of the pathology of the nervous and muscular systems, cosmetology, cannot be imagined without physical therapy methods. Among the variety of procedures, electrical stimulation is the most active and shows high results in treatment.

A consultation with a physical therapist is necessary to determine the methodology and indications for electrical muscle stimulation.

Are There Any Side Effects after the Procedure?

Side effects after the procedure are infrequent. They may consist of skin redness and swelling in the affected area. The redness goes away on its own in a few hours. More serious complications include arrhythmias, muscle cramps, and frequent urination. A thorough examination before the procedure and adherence to the technology of the session allows you to reduce the risks of side effects.