Electric muscle stimulation (EMS) is a technique that uses electrical impulses to cause muscles to contract. It’s commonly used in chiropractic, physical therapy, and sports rehabilitation practices. EMS devices deliver electrical currents through electrodes placed on the skin, targeting specific muscles. These impulses mimic the signals that the brain sends to muscles during voluntary contractions, leading to muscle activation.
There are different benefits to EMS, such as:
- Muscle strengthening – EMS can enhance muscle strength and endurance by stimulating muscles directly.
- Rehabilitation – EMS is often used in recovery settings to help prevent muscle atrophy in individuals who are unable to move or exercise for long periods.
- Pain relief – EMS is used to help alleviate pain and reduce muscle spasm.
- Improved circulation – Muscle contractions can help improve blood flow to the area being treated.