Getty Images
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is a method of muscle recovery that has recently grown in popularity. Once a niche technology used mainly by physical therapists or professional athletes, EMS devices are now sold for personal use and sometimes used in studios during exercise classes.
Here’s what else you need to know before investing in a device of your own.
What Is EMS and How Does It Work?
Electric muscle stimulators are federally regulated devices most often used in physical therapy. The majority of these stimulators are administered by a health care professional to ensure proper use and safety. But some companies have recently started selling EMS devices to consumers.
Electric muscle stimulation works by attaching equipment to the skin that sends an electric current to specific muscle groups, according to the Arizona Bone and Joint Specialists. This current causes the muscles to contract, relieving discomfort and pain. For athletes, the technology is frequently used to speed muscle fiber repair, cutting down on recovery time.
In these workouts, the athlete wears an EMS suit, which is connected to a control panel. Depending on the exercise being performed, the trainer or coach selects the respective muscle group and adjusts the current to increase stimulation of those muscles.
To date, there has been little research to show a direct relationship between EMS and weight loss. These devices can temporarily strengthen a muscle but have not been cleared by the FDA for weight loss or girth reduction.
The technology is frequently associated with weight reduction, however, because it is often paired with exercise. EMS devices can increase blood flow, according to a March 2017 study in Open Medicine. Increasing the blood flow to muscles after exercise helps athletes recover faster, and thus train at a high intensity more consistently.
Things to Consider Before Trying EMS
At-home electrical muscle stimulation devices (that have not been cleared by the FDA) can be risky if used improperly. While over-the-counter EMS devices are not necessarily unsafe, the FDA has received reports of pain and shocks, as well as interference with other medical devices (like pacemakers).
Now that you know a little more about the science and purpose behind EMS, be cautious of false advertising. In 2002, the Federal Trade Commission charged three top-selling EMS abdominal belts with promoting false claims — namely, the guarantee of rock-hard abs just by using their product.
The bottom line: While EMS has been proven to help your muscles recover faster after exercise, it’s not the magic weight-loss tool that many companies claim.
