Electrotherapy

There are 4 different types of electronic muscle stimulation. They are regular EMS, transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS), interferential (IF), and Russian muscle stimulation.

TENS Unit are primarily used for managing chronic pain. Works by blocking the pain signal, and by increasing endorphins in the body. Can be worn all day or on an as needed basis. Device features include adjustable pulse rate, pulse width, and amplitude (intensity). Placement of electrodes are usually at pain site or along the nerve channels, called dermatomes.

TENS are widely used by individuals in the comfort of their home as a self-healing or self-application method of relieving the discomfort of pain. Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation units may help to eliminate dependence on pain killing drugs. No negative side effects are reported as long as they are used as directed. Please use according to the instructions or the instructions of a professional licensed medical doctor, chiropractic or physical therapist.

Electrical Muscle Stimulator or EMS are use for:

- To help develop muscle and to improve the overall appearance of their body.

- To stimulate and to strengthen muscles for the enhancement of an existing exercise program.

- For relief from pain in the joints, lower back, muscles, and general discomforts due to stress and strain.

The term electronic muscle stimulation refers to a process that uses a low amperage electrical current to stimulate your muscles to contract and to relax. When a muscle contracts as a result of electronic stimulation, the chemical changes that take place within the muscle are very similar to those that occur during normal exercises.

Athletes use electronic muscle stimulation to build power and strength within the muscles. Studies have showed that athletes who utilize EMS perform better than those who do not. Doctors typically prescribe professional EMS machines for back pain, circulation problems, and muscle spasms, aches, and pain.

A quality EMS system has a minimum of two outlets which are referred to as channels. Each channel has two wire connections with two pads attached at the end of each wire. Regular EMS machines have a low voltage.

EMS (stands for Electrical Muscle Stimulation) is also used to prevent, or reduce, muscle atrophy. Atrophy is the weakening and loss of muscle tone, which is usually experienced after surgeries or injuries. EMS has been proven to be an effective means of preventing muscle atrophy. EMS also helps by increasing blood flow to muscles, increasing range of motion, increasing muscle strength, as well as enhancing muscle endurance. EMS has pain management attributes in helping muscle related pain, such as a spastic muscle, sore muscles, or tight muscles. EMS units can also be used as a pain relief device. The main difference is the signal will penetrate deeper than a TENS unit.

Russian Muscle Stimulation: Russian Muscle stimulation is similar to EMS in that it is designed to Stimulate motor nerves. However, it is set at a frequency of 2500 Hz which allows for deeper muscle penetration and a more complete/stronger contraction of the muscle fibers.

Interferential Stimulation Therapy: is intended for use in treatment of muscle or ligament injury, degenerative joint changes, spinal cord lesions, circulatory disturbance, and stress incontinence. Produces a low frequency stimulatory current using 2 intersecting medium frequency currents in 4000 Hz range to reduce skin resistance. Effects of specific frequency ranges include muscle stimulation in innervated muscles, short duration analgesic effect, and increased tissue and vessel tonus plus lymphatic and venous blood flow.