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What is EMS(Electrical Muscular Stimulation)?
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is a type of electrotherapy stimulates a muscle contraction using electrical impulses in order strengthen weak muscles, reduce swelling, relieve pain and help heal wounds.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)uses high intensities that cause excitation of peripheral nerves to produce a muscle contraction.
The impulses are generated by a device and delivered through electrodes (pads that adhere to the skin) over the middle of the muscles that require stimulating. The impulses from EMS mimic the action potential (stimulus required to make the muscle contract) coming from the central nervous system. This causes the muscles to contract.
Above: Soft tissue massage of the upper back and trapezius muscles by an experienced physiotherapistWhen we use EMS?
There are several uses for EMS and NMES which include:
- Pain relief. EMS can be used at low levels to reduce the amount of pain you experience. This can be done by modulating the amount of pain signals to the brain or releasing natural pain-killers called endorphins.
- Muscle contraction. EMS can be used at different intensities to stimulate a muscle or help maintain muscle tone. Examples of this type of therapy include:
- Following a stroke, EMS can be used to maintain some muscle tone in the shoulder to improve function and reduce pain.
- To treat urinary incontinence, EMS may be used to contract the pelvic floor muscles.
- Following surgery, EMS can be used to stimulate the muscles in the thigh to increase strength.
Benefits of EMS
Benefits of EMS include:
- Decreasing pain
- Promote tissue healing
- Increase muscle strength
- Maintaining and regaining muscle activity
To book an assessment at Physio.co.uk, or simply for more information, please call us today on 0330 088 7800. You can also book appointments online!
