What is Electric Stimulation?

     Although they come in many shapes and sizes, essentially, an E-stim unit is an electrical device that sends currents through unbroken skin via small electrodes that target muscles. This device has a wide variety of uses within the medical field including muscle toning, muscle spasm relaxation, and pain prevention.  Within the field of physical therapy, E-stim is important for rehabilitative puposes and enhancement of the healing process.

     The EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) unit is used for muscle training. By simulating active exercise, muscles utilize glycogen, fat, and other stored nutrients during contractions. Through continuous use of the EMS, the tetanic muscle stimulation will result in muscle tone, strength, and improve contour.  This method would be most often found in the field of sports medicine and rehabilitation.

How does ESTIM work?

     Electrical stimulation units use an electrical current to simulate the same electrical impulses that are activated during normal exercise. By passively activating the muscle, the body responds in much the same way as during normal exercise. By placing a pair of electrodes on the target muscle or muscle group, the unit can send electrical impulses through the skin to underlying nerves, stimulating the contraction and relaxation of the muscle in a rhythm similar to daily exercise. Electrical Stimulation can be used for two primary functions; strength training and muscle tone or pain control.

      E-stim units induce muscle contractions that are stimulated by excitation (current) produced directly at the motor nerve. Current acts just like signals sent from the brain to cause muscle contraction.