Calf cramps are a common issue among runners, particularly those participating in long-distance events. These sudden, intense, and involuntary muscle contractions—while not harmful—can be painful and often hinder athletic performance. Fortunately, there is a solution: the Capillarisation program available on Compex electrostimulation devices can help prevent calf cramps and improve recovery.

A person using Electro stimulator on his calf's

What Causes Calf Cramps?

Contrary to popular belief, recent studies suggest that exercise-induced muscle cramps are not caused by heat, electrolyte imbalances, or dehydration. Instead, the main culprit is muscle fatigue, which occurs when the muscles are overworked or underprepared.

Cramps usually affect the muscle groups that are repeatedly activated during activity, while muscles not engaged in the effort typically remain unaffected.

Common risk factors for cramping include:

  • Inadequate physical preparation for the effort required
  • Sudden increases in exercise intensity or duration
  • Intense physical exertion without proper training
  • A history of previous exercise-induced cramps

To reduce the risk of cramping, it’s essential to plan your training schedule, arrive at events well-prepared, and manage the intensity of your workouts.

How Can Electrostimulation Help Prevent Muscle Cramps?

Incorporating electrostimulation therapy into your training routine can be an effective method for preventing calf cramps while running or exercising.

Compex electro stimulators feature two programs that are particularly beneficial:

  1. Prevention of Cramps Program
  2. Capillarisation Program

These programs work as preventive measures to enhance muscle endurance and recovery:

  • The Capillarisation program increases the network of small blood vessels (capillaries) in muscles prone to cramping. This improves muscle oxygenation, delays fatigue, and enhances overall athletic performance.
  • The Prevention of Cramps program is especially useful for preventing night cramps or post-workout cramping. It promotes essential biochemical exchanges that aid muscle recovery after prolonged or intense exercise.

How to Use the Capillarisation Program for Calf Cramp Prevention

This example focuses on preventing calf cramps but can also be applied to other muscle groups, such as the quadriceps or hamstrings, by adjusting the electrode placement accordingly.

Program: Capillarisation

Cycle Duration and Frequency:

  • Five sessions per week for five weeks

Electrode Placement:

Body Position:

  • Sit or lie in a comfortable position

Intensity Adjustment:

The aim is to achieve noticeable but comfortable muscle twitches (not full contractions). These twitches act as a pump, increasing blood flow and aiding in muscle recovery.

Steps for adjusting intensity:

  1. Gradually increase the intensity until you observe muscle twitches resembling a pulsing or vibrating movement.
  2. The twitches will become more pronounced as you increase intensity, eventually reaching a maximum level.
  3. Avoid increasing the intensity beyond this point, as it won’t provide additional benefits.

For devices equipped with mi-RANGE technology, optimal intensity is indicated on-screen:

  • SP 4.0: A small hook icon indicates the optimal range. Keep the intensity within this range, aiming for the highest possible level.
  • Fit 5.0 and SP 6.0: Increase the intensity until the message “Optimal intensity level found” appears. If the stimulation is comfortable, you can increase it slightly for stronger twitches.
  • SP 8.0: The mi-AUTORANGE feature adjusts the intensity automatically. Once the optimal level is found, the device will display “Optimal intensity level found”. You can still increase the intensity slightly if it remains comfortable.

Benefits of Electrostimulation for Athletes

By using the Capillarisation program and electrostimulation training, athletes can experience:

  • Reduced risk of calf cramps during exercise
  • Improved blood circulation in targeted muscle groups
  • Enhanced muscle recovery and reduced soreness
  • Increased endurance and delayed muscle fatigue

Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, or fitness enthusiast, adding Compex electrostimulation to your routine can help you train smarter, recover faster, and perform at your best.

Proven Effectiveness

Backed by clinical studies proving their effectiveness, Compex stimulators also belong to the category of Class II medical devices. They also meet the needs of the European Medical Standard 93/42 EEC.

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