Medical staffs often use an electronic muscle stimulator as a medical gadget to alleviate pain and to stimulate muscles. There are some reactions, though, that this equipment can have on the body systems. Its use may give health benefits, but there are also hazardous results that can happen from the use of an electronic muscle stimulator.
Circulatory System
The heart, veins, arteries, and capillaries comprise the cardiovascular system of the body. The heart is the major pump and the veins and arteries are responsible in transporting blood that contains oxygen, the major element for cells and tissues to function effectively. The electronic muscle stimulator is able to stimulate the capillaries found in the superficial muscles. The impact of this stimulation, however, is encompassing as it travels to the arteries and veins to the major pump of the body. This process then increases blood flow, which is helpful to the body.
Muscular System
The muscular system is composed of the skeletal muscles, smooth muscles and cardiac muscles. The areas of attention of the electronic muscle stimulator, however, are the skeletal muscles. The equipment can not be used with the cardiac muscles and the smooth muscles. This is because the person may have a pacemaker or some internal gadget attached to his heart. The skeletal muscles, however, can benefit a lot from the electronic muscle stimulator because of the resulting development of muscle mass and tone.
Immune System
The immune system is made up of the bone marrow, thymus and lymph nodes. The bone marrow is responsible in generating cellular blood elements, which are responsible in removing foreign elements from the body. With the electronic muscle stimulator, the immune system is strengthened because the tingling sensations send signals to the hypothalamus for increase in immune system function. The transport of T lymphocytes, the major cells responsible for fighting off foreign substances, is increased. Platelets or thrombocytes are also sent to the area if bleeding occurs.
Integumentary System
The skin or integumentary system is the biggest organ of the body. It is made up of the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is composed of skin cells only, while the dermis is where you find capillaries, nerve endings and blood vessels. When you apply the electronic muscle stimulator to the dermis, there are no significant effects; but whenever you go deeper into the dermis, you can simulate more muscles and blood vessels to produce more beneficial results. These developments of muscle tone and increased circulation are secondary to the benefits of the skin. Stimulation of the skin
promotes smoother and clearer skin.
These body systems respond more positively than negatively to the electronic muscle stimulator. The only negative result is when it used in circumstances where it is contraindicated, like on pregnant women or persons with devastating ailments such as diabetes or hypertension. Your personal physician needs to have the final say if you can use the electronic muscle stimulator together with your other treatments. If used properly, it can have a lot of advantageous results.
All About an Electronic Muscle Stimulator
A tool that is becoming in demand these days is the electronic muscle stimulator (EMS).
Modern day scientists are constantly creating therapeutic gadgets, equipment and apparatus to treat ailments of the human body. Some machines can provide reliable and effective results, while others may not succeed.
What is an electronic muscle stimulator?
This machine provides low voltage electrical current to reduce muscle pain. The machine uses electrodes, which are directly placed on the affected area. This will produce a tingling or a slight kneading feeling. The instrument causes the muscles to tighten. There are several types of electronic muscle stimulators for deep muscle and superficial muscle stimulation.
When do you generally use it?
You use it to reduce muscle pain through its massaging function and to tone and firm up muscles in the abdominal area and other muscle areas.
In musculoskeletal injuries like muscle atrophy, it exercises the muscle, preventing further deterioration and it is also used for low-level muscle training for sports when all you need is a bit of muscle stimulation.
It helps prevent venous thrombosis because of the increase in blood circulation and can be used when you want to increase blood circulation for a healthier heart and to increase muscle dexterity and movement.
What are the contraindications?
Do not use it during menstrual period, if you are pregnant, or if you live with hypertension or Diabetes mellitus. Refrain from using on vital organs, across the brain and on the chest.
What are the side effects?
If not used correctly, the electronic muscle stimulator can cause serious burns and skin irritations.
How do you use the electronic muscle stimulator?
Switch on the equipment by plugging it in. Connect the electronic muscle stimulator to the main power. Clean the muscle area for massage. Apply a clean cloth or gauze to the skin area. Apply the head of the electronic muscle stimulator to the area with a gentle rotating motion. You may do this for ten minutes up to an hour, depending on your preference. Do not stay in one area, but massage the entire area as well.
After use, clean the machine. Turn it off and then keep it in a clean and well-ventilated area.
Tips and safeguards in using the electronic muscle stimulator:
If you are taking prescription medications or additional treatments, ask your physician first if you can continue using EMS.
Drink lots of water before initiating the procedure.
Plug in the machine to the appropriate outlet to prevent electrical disturbances and burns.
Do not use EMS in muscle locations where there are open lacerations.
Do not store the machine without cleaning it up first. Dirty equipment parts can cause rust accumulation and will inevitably ruin the machine.
Read completely first the instructions that go with the machine before attempting to use it. The electronic muscle stimulator can be extremely useful if you know how to apply it effectively. Knowing the proper procedure, the contraindications and the reactions will help a lot in making the most of the use of this machine.
Essential Uses of an Electronic Muscle Stimulator
The electronic muscle stimulator (EMS) is among the machines that employ Transcutaneous Electrical Muscle Stimulation. This is a method that entails application of low electrical energy, creating a tingling sensation and low muscle stimulation. This sensation is brought about by the electrodes, which are directly put on the affected area.
An electronic muscle stimulator has many uses in the medical field:
Relieves pain
The electronic muscle stimulator can soothe pain through the massaging motion it applies to the affected muscle. It also applies warmth, which aids in healing the afflicted area. There are deep muscle stimulators that can supply excellent massages to your fatigued muscles and therefore, relieve pain.
Provides mild muscle massage
The circling action of the EMS massages the area, exercising it and supplying a mild exercise even without you going to the gym. It also increases the contraction and relaxation of the muscles to effect good muscle tone and development. Of course, when you require a more intense exercise, then you will have to use heavier exercise routine.
Stimulates the production of endorphins
Endorphins are chemicals that block the pain stimuli, consequently lessening pain and discomfort. These substances block the nerve endings, so the hypothalamus does not get the nerve transmission. When the hypothalamus does not get the nerve transmission, it would not react, so there will be no corresponding reaction from the body.
Improves circulation
Blood circulation is increased since the massaging motion of the electronic muscle stimulator permits easy blood movement. There are veins, arteries and capillaries in muscles through which blood flows. When these are stimulated through massage, they work more effectively to transfer vital substances and nutrients.
Renews balance through homeostasis
The electronic muscle stimulator restores balance to the body through smooth muscle contraction. Homeostasis is the internal balance in which the body obtains balance by balancing and healing itself. This is not achievable, though, when some organs are dysfunctional. For electronic muscle stimulator to help in this process, adequate function of the circulatory and immune system must be normal first.
Enhances healing
As a result of the increased circulation of blood to the affected area, healing is boosted. When blood circulation is increased, the system transports the cells and substances responsible for healing very rapidly to the site. The white blood cells that are responsible for the immune response of the body also promote healing.
Improves muscle tone
The massaging motion generates a favorable effect on muscles by improving muscle tone and mass. The electronic muscle stimulator simulates mild exercise and, therefore, promotes muscle tone and development. The stimulation made use of by the gadget is rhythmic and mild, but there are also deep muscle stimulators that can massage deeper muscles for maximum pain relief.
The electronic muscle stimulator is a useful gadget if used correctly. Like with any other treatment or medical device, you should first speak with your medical doctor before commencing with the treatment. The electronic muscle stimulator is contraindicated in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, major surgery, pacemakers, metal pins, and those who are pregnant.
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