October 28, 2020

Here’s Why Muscle Stimulation Is Good for You

Are you a newcomer to the muscle stimulation scene? Perhaps you’re wondering what all the fuss is about. Well, you’re not alone. Countless other people have asked similar questions, but today, you will find some answers. This article will give you a detailed introduction to the treatment and help you understand why muscle stimulation is good for you.

Over the years, an increasing number of people have sought muscle stimulation services. From regular everyday workers to athletes and people recovering from one ailment or the other. The list goes on and on. However, one thing is clear. This boost in the popularity of muscle stimulation therapy serves to prove that people get their money’s worth from the treatments!

Interestingly, many experts say we have not harnessed the full potentials of muscle stimulation treatment. However, the limited available knowledge has revealed more than a few points on why muscle stimulation is good for you.

Indeed, there are numerous benefits of undergoing muscle stimulation. The treatment can help with everything from improved muscle conditions to accelerated healing in diverse medical conditions. Sadly, many people have not realized the fantastic advantages of muscle stimulation therapy offers. Not to worry, in a few moments, we’ll catch you up with everything you need to know.

In the next few paragraphs, we will take you on an introductory tour of the world of muscle stimulation. During this time, you’ll learn what muscle stimulation therapy entails and the science that makes it so effective. More importantly, we share insight into the various reasons why muscle stimulation is good for you. This way, you can better appreciate it as a medical innovation.

But first, let us start from the basics and build it up from there.

What is Muscle Stimulation?

Fun fact? Muscle stimulation has been around since the 1960s. But it wasn’t until more recent times that technological advancements refined the procedure.

Muscle Stimulation is a therapeutic procedure that sends electrical pulses into target muscles and nerves to make them contract. These electrical pulses imitate the effects of signals coming from the cells in your nervous system (neurons). The treatment induces improved blood flow and the repair of stressed muscles by causing repeated muscular contractions.

During muscle stimulation sessions, the electrical impulses reach your muscles or nerves through an electrode. This electrode is essentially a pad that your provider sticks to your skin above the target muscles to undergo stimulation. Then, they will send the electrical impulse through the electrode, causing your muscles to contract.

Understandably, the thought of electrical impulses and electrodes may feel you with fear of accidental electrocution. Let us quickly remove that fear. Electrical muscle stimulation is a safe procedure, especially when your provider is a trained physical therapist. For instance, here at Solea Spa, we only use FDA-approved units during our muscle stimulation services alongside seasoned experts.

While you can achieve some of the effects of muscle stimulation by working out, it is usually more energy-intensive and altogether less efficient. Indeed, a typical 15-minute session of muscle stimulation approximately equals about 3 hours of an intense workout. Are you still wondering why muscle stimulation is good for you? We’ll keep going.

This special therapeutic treatment can make you stronger. By undergoing multiple repetitions of contraction and relaxation, your muscles can attain improved strength and endurance.

Moreover, muscle stimulation can help survivors of stroke regain their essential motor functions. After all, the electric impulses mimic the brain’s natural neurons that ‘tell’ muscles to contract.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’ll get into the advantages of muscle stimulation later on in this article. Now, let us examine the scientific theories that back electrical muscle stimulation therapy. This may help you gain a better perspective on things.

The Science behind Muscle Stimulation

Before you learn why muscle stimulation is good for you, it may be best to know the ‘how’ first.

That said, the first scientific evidence of muscle stimulation came to light in 1761. However, since then, the technology and procedure have advanced in leaps and bounds. Thanks to these advancements, you can now enjoy a smooth and pain-free process of muscle stimulation.

The theory of muscle stimulation is essentially a function of the body’s reaction to electrical current. However, the treatment does not use lethal or remotely dangerous amounts of electricity.

Instead, it involves a steady stream of small currents of electrical impulses. Typically during a muscle stimulation session in Miami, you will have small sticky pads on your body’s target areas. Then, our experts will hook these pads up to the electrical stimulation unit. Finally, this machine delivers the impulses that signal your muscles to contract.

If the aim of electrical stimulation is pain relief, the procedure varies slightly, but not by much. In this case, the pulses go directly into the nervous system to block pain signals from reaching the brain and spinal cord. Also, the electrical impulses hitting your nerves will trigger your body’s natural release of more endorphins, which are pain-relieving chemicals.

With muscle stimulation, an important point to note is that the electrical impulses completely circumvent your Central Nervous System. Due to this, your muscles can overcome the natural neural limits of strength, muscle growth, and power development.

In other words, if you live a very physically-active life, perhaps as an athlete or body-builder, muscle stimulations can help you expand the limits of your body. You can experience improved fitness, explosiveness, strength, and performance, amongst other benefits. However, it is not for all athletes, so you may want to consult an expert on that.

Muscle stimulation services are an excellent way to keep your physical strength up against the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Miami. Moreover, there are various types of electrical stimulations. Therefore, you are bound to find one that fits your needs and physical intensities perfectly. This, in itself, is one reason why you should choose muscle stimulation as a part of your health and fitness routine.

Keep reading to discover the various types of muscle stimulation services available to you.

Types of Electric Muscle Stimulation Treatments

Depending on your needs, various muscle stimulation treatments can increase or decrease activity in your central nervous system. In the next few paragraphs, we will introduce you to several types. This way, you can follow the conversation when our experts are diagnosing and recommending it to you.

Bear in mind that the different names are a function of the intent or characteristics of the muscle stimulation. That said, here are the types of electrical stimulation treatments.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

It sends electrical impulses into the nerves instead of the muscles.
Blocks the brain from receiving transmissions of pain from the nerves.
It stimulates the release of increased amounts of endorphins (natural pain-relieving chemicals).
Typically used as a form of relief from chronic and acute pains.

Electric Muscle stimulation (EMS)

It generally uses the most substantial amount of current.
Sends electrical impulses into muscles to cause rhythmic contractions and relaxations.
Improves the strength, power, and endurance of muscles in the patients
It can aid enhanced blood flow and circulation
Optimizes muscle repair and recovery

Electric Stimulation for Tissue Repair (ESTR)

Electrical impulse go directly into the tissues
Helps to reduce inflammation and swelling
Can hasten the healing rates of injuries
Boosts general recovery time

Neuromuscular Electrical Muscles Stimulation (NEMS)

Stimulates the nerves in muscles to restore function
Helps to strengthen weak muscles
Prevents muscle atrophy
Reduces the occurrence of muscle spasms

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)

Involves the implantation of electrical impulse-providing units
Helps to sustain long-term muscle stimulation
Preserves function and motor skills
Often, victims of a stroke may require such implants.

The above are some of the more common types of electrical stimulation therapy. As you can now see, there are various reasons why muscle stimulation is good for you.

It helps maintain a healthy and fit body and hastens recovery from diverse medical conditions. However, if you are still undecided about the advantages of muscle stimulation, this next section is for you.

Health Benefits of Muscle Stimulation

Finally, we’ve arrived at the icing on the cake of this article – why muscle stimulation is good for you. There is a world of benefits you stand to gain from undergoing muscle stimulation therapy. In the next few paragraphs, we will share some of them with you. So, keep reading to find out why you should choose muscle stimulation.

It improves blood flow

One of the benefits of muscle stimulation is its positive effects on blood flow in the muscles and throughout the body. The repeated cycles of muscle contraction and relaxation act as a pump of sorts. This then leads to an increased flow of oxygen-rich blood in these muscles and the rest of the body.

Moreover, the electrical impulses that your muscle absorbs can lead to a more efficient clearance of metabolites. Essentially, the electrical muscle stimulation induces the same effect an intensive workout will have on you.

But it has two significant advantages. With muscle stimulation, you don’t have to undergo extensive strain and energy loss. Secondly, you get way better results for less.

It helps to build muscular strength and power

Another point on why muscular stimulation is good for you is it can help you achieve enhanced strength and power in your muscles. While EMS is not a substitute for exercise and proper training, it can undoubtedly improve your results.

For instance, as an athlete, by increasing the rates of your muscular contractions, you double, maybe even triple your results with the same training regimen. Furthermore, muscle stimulation can also help you build endurance as your muscles stay in tension for longer.

It is also an excellent way to stimulate rehabilitation of muscle fibers without strain on the said muscles. As an everyday worker who likes to exercise and keep fit but does not have so much time, we recommend you try EMS. This way, you can get the results in the shortest time possible.

It aids pain relief and recovery

According to statistics, athletes who undergo muscle stimulation therapy usually report a decreased pain intensity in the target area. Also, they admit to being able to train longer and harder without much pain. However, considering the fact that muscular stimulation triggers the repair of injured muscles, this should not surprise you.

Besides, there are forms of electrical stimulation therapy that serves the specific purpose of decreasing pain. In this case, the electrical impulses will travel at a different wavelength such that they reach the nerves in the muscles.

This is particularly applicable for people suffering from joint pain, backache, arthritis, and even spinal cord injury. The fact that the origin of electrical muscular dates back to its use in rehab centers lends further credence to this benefit.

It can aid weight loss

Do you need more details on why muscular stimulation is good for you? Here is another reason for you. Muscular stimulation can lead to faster weight loss. Remember that the electrical impulses associated with EMS induce rapid rates of contraction and relaxations in your muscles. These cycles are similar to what occurs when you exercise, only much more concentrated and effective.

Therefore, by undergoing regular muscle stimulation therapy sessions, your body will consume increased amounts of fat. Interestingly, the electric impulses present in your body may continue to induce fat burn even when your session is over. It is also worth mentioning that faster muscle growth, combined with improved circulation, can quickly eliminate superficial fat.

It induces reduced levels of cortisol (stress hormones)

Muscle stimulation is an excellent way to deal with the stress of everyday life in Miami. Indeed, the hustle and bustle of work, commuting, and family can quickly take a toll on your stress levels.

One of the ways to cope with such stress is through muscle stimulation. You see, not only does EMS stimulate the release of pain-relief hormones, but it can also induce a relaxing effect.

When you relax, your body secretes more endorphins (happy hormones) and reduces cortisol production. Cortisol is the hormone that your body releases in response to stress.

So, you want less of this in your body at any given time. Moreover, muscle stimulation can keep your muscles feel more tired when bedtime comes. We don’t have to tell you that sleep is a natural remedy for stress!

It strengthens atrophied muscles

When a person does not use specific muscles, they decrease in size and eventually atrophy. Several medical conditions may be responsible for this.

Some of them include broken bones, back injuries, stroke, and other motion-restricting medical conditions. In such cases, such patients may not be able to engage in the physical exercise their body needs.

Thankfully, muscle stimulation offers a way to prevent muscle atrophy without taking any risk by trying to move. The treatment helps to keep the affected muscles active and away from the degenerative effects of atrophy. This way, the circulatory system in these muscles will keep working normally until the patient can move around and exercise independently.

It increases your general wellbeing

It is no news that regular exercise can have a positive impact on both your physical and mental health. Indeed, every time you workout, not only do you feel healthier, but you also experience a mood boost. By combining your regular exercise routines with the effects of muscular stimulations, you inadvertently boost the results you get.

Moreover, EMS helps to keep your muscles fit and healthy. The contraction and relaxation also help improve blood flow and circulation throughout your body. Lastly, by undergoing regular muscular stimulation sessions in Miami, you ensure an all-round improved physical condition. All these are a step in the direction of better health and wellness.

What to Expect During a Muscle Stimulation Session

Now that you know why muscle stimulation is good for you let us see how we can prepare you for your therapy session. In light of this, we will give you some insight into what to expect when you are at the muscle stimulation spa.

In truth, there is not much to it. Here is how a typical muscular stimulation treatment should flow.

You will have some electrodes (sticky pads) on the areas of your body when you want the stimulation.
The electrical current will usually start at a lower setting. Then, as your treatment progresses, your provider may gradually increase the amount of electric impulse discharge.
You will feel a tingle at the site of treatment. Most people describe it as gentle pricks of needles. We should add that you should feel any pain during treatment.
You should feel your muscles twitching or contract during treatment.
Finally, the average muscular stimulation therapy sessions last about 10 minutes. However, your treatment may range between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the area and condition of your muscles.

Are There Any Risks to Muscle Stimulation Therapy?

Another point on why muscular stimulation therapy is good for you is that it is a relatively safe procedure. Indeed, there are little or no risks associated with undergoing electrical muscle stimulation. But, in rare cases, some people may experience some skin irritation at the sight of the electrodes. But, that’s about all the danger you face.

However, you must note that the treatment may not be suitable for everybody. The procedure is generally not advisable for people with heart conditions. Also, people who use a pacemaker or have implanted heart devices should not undergo muscle stimulation.

This is because the electric impulses can interfere with the functions of such devices and can have very dangerous consequences. Besides, electrical muscle stimulation may not be safe for pregnant women.

All in all, we recommend speaking with your doctor before you consider muscle stimulation. You can also share your medical history and a list of medications or supplements with our experts. Only when you get an ‘all clear’ should you undergo the procedure.

Other Reasons You Should Try Muscle Stimulation

Before we continue, you must note that muscle stimulation is an alternative treatment. It should not substitute the first-line treatment. Instead, you may use it as part of a broader set of options to support and improve other treatments.

That said, let us look at some other conditions in which electrical muscle stimulation may be appropriate.

It can help with dysphagia (Trouble Swallowing).
It promotes the healing of nerve inflammation.
It can improve the symptoms of arthritis.
It can reduce back pain and joint pain.
It may improve urinary incontinence.
It helps with fibromyalgia (chronic pain and stiffness of joint).
It can aid surgery or trauma recovery.
It can help improve poor muscle strength.
It can help achieve a broader range of motion in muscles.

Depending on the severity of your condition, you may start feeling better after one muscular stimulation session. Other times, it takes multiple consistent treatments to achieve the results you want. Whichever the case may be, you can now see that there more than enough reasons why you should choose muscular stimulation.

Final Take

If you are still here with us, we’d like to congratulate you. By now, you should know a great deal more than you did before this article. We tried to cover as much as possible without risking an information overload. If there is any part of this article you need to keep close, it is the section on ‘why muscular stimulation is good for you.’ That is where all the juice is.

Every year, the EMS records an increasing number of first-time visitors. No doubt, this is a promising sign of growth in the industry. For most people, the attraction was the amazing benefits of muscular stimulation. Indeed, if we didn’t know better, we’d say they were too good to be true. But, we do understand better, and you can experience those advantages for yourself.

Are you looking to secure quality muscle stimulation services? You can take advantage of Solea Medical Spa’s world-class facilities here in Miami. We have seasoned experts waiting to help. Reach out to us here or call (305) 932 2555 to book yourself an appointment today.

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