EMS Systems: Understanding Electrical Muscle Stimulation for Pain Relief & Rehabilitation

EMS units are important medical tools used to stimulate muscle activity in patients. They are an alternative pain management technique to drugs or pills and can help in rehabilitation, as well.

Using an EMS Unit

• EMS, or Electrical Muscle Stimulation, units are laptop sized, and powered by battery. They are made up of two main components: The control box, which sends weak electrical impulses into the muscle, forcing it to contract and relax, and the contact pads, which are placed around the muscle and attached to the control box.

Uses of an EMS Unit

• EMS units are used on patients who have limited mobility and need to stimulate muscle activity externally. This includes paralysis victims, patients recovering from surgery and multiple sclerosis patients. Bodybuilders and athletes trying to maintain muscle tone or burn fat sometimes use an EMS unit to target specific muscle groups.

History of EMS Units

• EMS units were first used in salons during the 1970s, and later were available for personal use by mail order. FDA regulation followed soon after. In 1977, The Russian scientist Dr. Yakov Kots reported to have developed a stimulus regimen using electrical impulses, increasing muscle strength 40%