Electric Muscle Stimulator

Electrical muscle stimulators elicit muscle contraction using electric impulses, and is also used as a form of therapy for control of chronic pain.

The impulses, generated by a unit, then delivered via electrodes are placed on the skin beside muscles that need stimulation. Those electrical impulses then mimic the action potential that comes from the central nervous system. The electrodes are typically pads that adhere to the skin with tape or a gel formula. The body can then release endorphins in response to the electricity, which activate the body’s natural pain control mechanisms.

Electric muscle stimulators have been used effectively in a variety of ways, including:

• Offer pain relief from: arthritis, tendonitis, injured joints, sprains, neuritis, TMJ, whiplash and other spinal cord injuries, headaches, muscle spasms, shingles, surgery and carpal tunnel syndrome
• Speed up the healing of broken bones
• Improve bone density
• Heal wounds
• Improve circulation
• Relieve insomnia

In general, electric muscle stimulators are quite safe, although there are some risks associated with the use of electrical stimulation. For example, there may be some skin irritation, and if the electrodes were placed over the heart, then there would be the possibility of heart rhythm problems.
Whether or not an electrical muscle stimulator is effective is directly related to a number of factors, including:

• quality of the equipment
• modality output of the device
• timing of contraction and relaxation periods
• time and repetition of application
• strength of the exercise performed
• number of muscles simultaneously exercised
• positioning of the electrodes
• cross sectional area of the body
• percentage of subcutaneous fat present
• patient’s comfort and ease of use

If you are interested in using an electrical muscle stimulator, then speak to your health care provider about your health goals, particularly in relationship to pain management to determine what forms of therapy may best suit your unique needs.