Although Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is a relatively new technology in the fitness world, the benefits associated with the technology are increasingly becoming popular. The benefits of EMS training include but are not limited to strengthening muscles, weight loss, pain reduction, and increased flexibility. 

These benefits are particularly important for physical therapy. Physical therapy encompasses providing services in situations where movement and function are threatened by ageing or an injury. These services are designed to restore movement.

EMS technology has its roots in physical therapy. Indeed, a version of EMS, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, commonly abbreviated as TENS, has been used in physical therapy for decades. Even though EMS is used exclusively for workouts in the fitness industry, the technology maintains some of the benefits of TENS and, as such good solution for individuals who need physical therapy.

Why is EMS Training Beneficial for your Physical Therapy?

Many individuals are in physical therapy to build strength, correct posture, increase flexibility, increase range of motion and functionality and manage and reduce pain. The core function of EMS training is to strengthen muscles, the key factor to many of the reasons people go to physical therapy. 

The role of the best EMS suit in effectively and efficiently strengthening muscles is the main reason EMS is beneficial to your physical therapy. The electrical impulses enable the muscles to contract as such facilitating muscle development and subsequently strengthening.

When can you use EMS in Therapy?

Muscular Atrophy

You can use EMS for your physical therapy when you have muscular atrophy. Muscular atrophy describes a condition where muscles waste away due to ageing or disuse. Neurogenic muscle atrophy occurs when an injury harms the nerve attaching to the muscles. Whether the condition is due to osteoarthritis, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, or an injury, it is necessary to rebuild the muscles to avoid long-term loss of movement.

EMS training effectively rebuilds muscles since it forces muscles to contract, resulting in muscle growth and strengthening. The efficiency of EMS implies a weak individual can quickly rebuild their muscles compared to the time it would take in conventional training. For the same reason, EMS is the perfect solution for people with low endurance.

Pain Management

EMS training strengthens all major muscles in the body by providing more muscle contractions than conventional training and, as such vital in pain management, particularly lower back pain or knee pain. Lower back pain is often a result of poor core strength associated with improper posture and incorrect muscle balance. EMS training strengthens core muscles without exerting too much pressure and, as such, reduces lower back pain.

Which Type of Exercises Should You Do?

It is important to recognise the role of EMS in physical therapy largely depends on the type of injury and your physical capabilities. The exercises appropriate for your physical therapy must be tailored to address the issue. Ultimately, depending on your injury, you can easily determine which muscles to strengthen and subsequently customise your workout sessions to focus on those particular muscles. If you have any underlying medical condition, it is necessary to consult a doctor prior to starting your EMS training.