What Is Electrostimulation (EMS)?

Initially popular in rehabilitation and elite sports, electrostimulation is now widely accessible, with numerous user-friendly devices available for home use. But what exactly does electrostimulation do? What are its real benefits, and what misconceptions surround it? Let’s dive deeper into the answers to these questions.

How Does Electrostimulation Work?

When we contract a muscle naturally, the brain sends an electrical impulse through the nervous system to the muscle, causing it to contract. Electrostimulation mimics this natural process. By placing electrodes on the skin over the target muscle, the device sends an electrical impulse to the motor nerve within the muscle, triggering a contraction.

Electrostimulation is not a miraculous technique; it works by following the body’s natural processes.

Numerous studies have demonstrated its efficacy, with results such as:

• 27% increase in strength
• 15% boost in explosiveness
• 14% improvement in vertical jump
• 8% increase in muscle volume
• 7% enhancement in VO2 max
• 40% reduction in blood lactate concentration

Additionally, electrostimulation is widely used in healthcare settings and pain relief centers, aiding rehabilitation and alleviating various types of pain.

Effects of Muscle Stimulation

When the brain sends a signal to a muscle, the only response is contraction. Electrostimulation, however, can elicit a range of sensations depending on the frequency of the impulses:

1. Muscle contractions: For physical preparation, aesthetics, maintenance, and rehabilitation.
2. Muscle twitches: For recovery, muscle pain relief, massage, and warm-ups.
3. Tingling sensations: For non-muscular pain treatment.

Muscle Contractions: Strength & Conditioning and Aesthetics

Athletes, both amateur and professional, can use electrostimulation to improve physical performance. Programs can target slow-twitch or fast-twitch muscle fibers, enhancing strength, endurance, resistance, or explosiveness, depending on personal goals. For instance, a marathon runner may focus on endurance, while a sprinter prioritizes explosiveness. You can learn more about this topic on our Training with Compex page.

Electrostimulation also helps reshape the body and aids weight loss efforts. A 20-minute abdominal session can equal over 300 crunches. This method suits all muscle groups, including abs, pecs, and arms.

For sedentary or elderly individuals, electrostimulation helps maintain muscle strength with minimal effort. It also supports recovery and rehabilitation by strengthening recovering muscles under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Muscle Twitches: Recovery and Massage

Using electrostimulation before exercise warms up muscles, reducing injury risk. Post-workout, it relaxes muscles to alleviate fatigue, soreness, and cramps.

Recovery programs also promote venous return, helping blood flow back to the heart by stimulating muscle contractions. These benefits extend beyond athletes to individuals suffering from venous insufficiency, such as:

• Heavy legs
• Swollen ankles
• Varicose veins
• Night-time cramps

Massage programs offer a relaxing effect, combating fatigue and tension.

Tingling Sensations: Pain Relief and Treatment

Electrostimulation effectively relieves various pain types, including joint, muscle, and tendon pain. Recognized for its efficacy, it is recommended by health authorities as an alternative or complementary treatment for chronic pain.

The electrical impulses block pain signals and stimulate nerve fibers to release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

Electrostimulation can help alleviate:

• Back and neck pain (e.g., sciatica, cervical pain)
• Joint pain (e.g., arthritis, rheumatism)
• Menstrual pain

It’s commonly used by physiotherapists to treat inflammatory, traumatic, or chronic pain and improve mobility in cases of joint stiffness. You can learn more about how to relieve pain with electrostimulation here.

Are There Any Contraindications with Electrostimulation?

While electrostimulation is generally safe, it’s not suitable for everyone. Caution is advised for:

• Individuals with pacemakers
• People with epilepsy
• Pregnant women (especially for lumbar and abdominal programs)

For injuries or significant medical conditions, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Common Misconceptions About Electrostimulation

Does it make you lose weight?

No, electrostimulation does not directly cause weight loss. It works on muscles, helping improve core strength and refine body shape. While effective, it should complement physical activity for optimal results.

Does it hurt?

No, recovery and pain management programs are pain-free. Physical preparation programs may feel intense, as higher intensities lead to better results, but discomfort is minimal.

Can I multitask during a session?

Yes and no. While combining voluntary contractions with electrostimulation is encouraged, engaging in household tasks like cleaning during a muscle-strengthening session is not recommended.

What are the Advantages of Electrostimulation?

1. Time-efficient: A session typically lasts 20 minutes and requires no extra equipment. For example, a 20-minute ab session equals 350 crunches.
2. No nervous fatigue: The brain isn’t engaged during a session, preventing central nervous system fatigue.
3. Joint and tendon safety: Electrostimulation-induced contractions place no strain on joints or tendons.

Why Choose Compex?

Founded in Switzerland in 1986, Compex is the global leader in electrostimulation. Its medical-grade devices are backed by scientific studies and trusted by elite athletes and rehabilitation professionals.

Compex offers patented technologies like Muscle Intelligence™, which adapts impulse parameters to your physiology for enhanced comfort and efficiency.

With a focus on safety, comfort, and effectiveness, Compex sets the standard in the field.

Now that you’re well-versed in electrostimulation, explore the perfect device for your needs and elevate your fitness and recovery journey.

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.

Compex - Always with you

We're on the side of athletes, amateurs and ordinary people, from the search for better performance to post injury recovery, from post fatigue massage to pain treatment. At Compex, we have just one goal: people's well being.

Choose the one that's right for you, by taking a look at our buying guide.

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