Electromagnetic muscle stimulation. About electrical muscle stimulation (for friends and comrades). Devices for the procedure

Electrical stimulation (physiostimulation, electromyostimulation, myostimulation, myolifting) is a physiotherapeutic method related to rehabilitation treatment, which is based on electrical stimulation of muscle and nervous tissue. It is carried out by transmitting current with certain characteristics from the myostimulator to a certain area of ​​the body through electrodes.

The electrical stimulation technique is widely used for the recovery of patients after injuries and pathologies. nervous system(peripheral and central), muscle hypotonicity, in cosmetology and professional sports.

Myostimulation means the use of stationary, fixed electrodes and current, the intensity of which makes it possible to obtain visible contractions muscle tissue. Myolifting involves exposure of the skin to movable electrodes that do not lead to visible contractions. muscle fibers, but are felt as the passage of current.

Mechanism of action

The action of pulsed current is mainly aimed at the tone and speed of response of muscle tissue.

When an electric current is applied to muscles or nerves, their bioactivity changes and spike responses are formed. Thus, electrical stimulation with a frequency of more than 10 imp-1 leads to 2 effects: depolarization and strong, prolonged muscle contraction or serrated tetanus. When the frequency of the current increases, due to very frequent impulses, the muscle tissue does not relax and complete tetanus occurs, which, with a subsequent increase in frequency, changes to complete inexcitability of the muscle tissue.

The most intense excitation is realized when the frequency ranges of impulses and electrical stimulation coincide in the nerve conductors. Against the background of electrical stimulation of the nerve with impulses of more than 50 imp-1, excitation of motor nerve conductors and passive contraction of muscle fibers are formed.

Besides:

• In the cytoplasm of cells, the amount of high-energy compounds (creatine phosphate, ATP) increases, their enzymatic activity is activated, oxygen utilization is accelerated and energy costs for stimulated muscle contraction are reduced compared to voluntary;
• Blood supply and lymphatic drainage are activated, which leads to increased trophism;
• Dilatation of peripheral vessels, occurring in parallel with passive muscle contraction, leads to activation of blood flow.

As you know, nerve cells regulate the activity of other cells. Signals coming from nerve endings, cause contraction of myocytes. When both muscle and nerve cells are active, ions quickly move across the cell membrane. The current generated during this is called the “action potential”, and it can be recorded using intracellular electrodes.

Impulses that are as close in shape as possible to the “action potentials” of muscle and nerve cells are called neuroimpulses. Drugs that generate neuroimpulses are especially popular in cosmetology, since the procedures are carried out with the greatest comfort, and the result is more effective and noticeable.

Indications for electrical stimulation and effects of procedures

The procedures allow you to:

• Prevent muscle tissue atrophy thanks to special “training” of muscles during stimulation, namely, contraction and relaxation;
• Restore nervous regulation of muscle tissue contraction;
• Increase muscle volume and strength without shortening muscle fibers;
• Increase adaptation and fatigue limit of muscle tissue;
• Reduce pain syndrome of any localization;
• Utilize energy reserves (thus activating lipolysis);
• Provide lymphatic drainage and accelerate the elimination of metabolic products.

The most popular indications for stimulation:

• Weakening of muscle tone;
• Weakening of skin turgor;
• Modeling the oval shape of the face and neck, restoring muscle tone in this area.

Devices for electromyostimulation

Modern computerized equipment allows you to set the required procedure parameters that will be most effective in each case:

• pulse shape;
• pulse repetition rate. Most often, low pulse frequencies are used, from 10 to 1000 Hz.

The low frequency range used in physiotherapeutic practice is preferable due to the fact that the fibers skeletal muscles can respond with contraction to current stimulation with a frequency of no more than 1000 Hz. Higher current frequencies are no longer perceived by the nervous and muscle tissue as separate stimuli, and this leads to a sharp decrease in the effectiveness of the effect.

To influence the skeletal, smooth muscle and nerve conductors must use different impulse frequencies. If the device allows you to change the frequency of the generated pulses, this significantly expands the scope of its application. Different classes of devices operate at different pulse frequencies:

• High-end electrical stimulation devices - high-frequency pulse filling with a recommended frequency in the range of 400-600 Hz.
• Middle-class devices - low-frequency pulse filling with a recommended myostimulation frequency in the range of 10-230 Hz.

The devices are also classified into professional ones, which are installed in physical rooms and cosmetology rooms of beauty salons, and low-power home ones (belts, bowties, shorts, etc.), which can be used independently.

The pulse duration is 0.1-1000 ms. Close to natural neuroimpulses and most preferable for myostimulation are short impulses, from 0.1 to 0.5 ms.

The current strength of the equipment varies depending on the area of ​​the body: for exposure to the face - up to 10 mA, for exposure to the body - up to 50 mA. During the procedures, the intensity of the current varies depending on the person’s sensations: muscle contractions should be strong, but not cause pain.

Impulses are classified into mono- and bipolar.

• Monopolar pulses separate substances into ions and can propel particles with an electrical charge deep into tissue. Monopolar pulsed current can also be used for electrophoresis. The same substances are used as in electrophoresis with galvanic current.
• Bipolar pulses result in oscillatory movements of electrically charged particles on biological membranes. Pulses on symmetrical zones compensate for electrolysis, and skin irritation does not occur under the electrodes. Such impulses more effectively overcome skin resistance, and procedures are more comfortable for patients.

Treatment with electrical stimulation is carried out 2-3 times every 7 days (every other day is possible), 20-40 minutes per session. The course includes 15-20 procedures. The minimum break between courses is 1 month.

Scheme of procedures

1. Electrodes, well moistened in water, are installed on active motor points of muscle tissue in the affected area and secured with bandages.
2. Connect the wires, observing polarity.
3. Launch the appropriate program on the device.
4. The current strength is increased gradually, 3-4 minutes after the start of exposure, until active muscle contractions. There should be no pain during muscle contraction. It is best to increase the intensity of exposure simultaneously in symmetrical zones.
5. After completing the procedure, turn off the device and remove the electrodes.
6. The skin at the procedure site is treated with a moisturizing tonic or milk.

Contraindications

Contraindications to electrical stimulation are quite extensive and must be taken into account when prescribing treatment. The fact is that electric current can accelerate the progression of a number of diseases and lead to the most undesirable effects.

• Oncological diseases (however, some types of electrical stimulation are used to alleviate pain syndrome).
• Blood pathologies.
• Pregnancy (in exceptional cases can be used for toxicosis).
• Diseases of an infectious nature.
• Hyperthermia.
• Artificial pacemaker.
• Pulmonary and heart failure above grade 2.
• Severe heart rhythm disturbances.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• Arterial hypertension (upper pressure more than 180).
• Epilepsy.
• Parkinson's disease.
• Individual intolerance to electric current.

There are also local contraindications that relate to the area of ​​the procedure:

• injuries, abrasions, cuts, and other violations of the integrity of the dermis;
• metal implants, for example, “golden threads” on the face, an intrauterine device with metal elements, if the electrodes are applied to the lower abdomen;
• benign neoplasms, including nevi;
• phlebitis, thrombophlebitis;
• phlebeurysm.

Electrical stimulation methods

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation

It is successfully used in medical rehabilitation, as well as as a supplement to professional athletic training, and is suitable for stimulating all muscles of the body.

The procedures help eliminate sagging muscles and skin, fight cellulite, help with excess weight, impaired peripheral circulation (venous and arterial) and venous-lymphatic insufficiency. Indicated for recovery muscle strength after surgery, fractures, to improve mobility. They are also recommended after a stroke, as they help restore fine movements of the hands and gait.

We must not forget about the individual sensitivity of patients to the action of current, and begin the procedure at the lowest levels, increasing them gradually. With prolonged electrotherapy, addiction may develop. Therefore, it is very important to correctly draw up a treatment program and include other methods for the greatest effect. If we are talking about trained people, athletes, then it should be taken into account that this group of patients initially has more strong muscles, so the electrical load must be more intense.

Electrical stimulation of muscles goes well with lymphatic drainage, deep thermal effects, electrophoresis, ultrasound therapy, pressotherapy, and endermology.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

In other words, exposure to the lesion through the skin. It is effective for acute and chronic pain of various origins and is used in everyday physiotherapeutic practice.

High-frequency exposure activates pain inhibition mechanisms: electrical current pulses block pain signals that travel along the nerves from the source of pain to the brain. Low frequency exposure activates the release of endorphins, which act as natural pain inhibitors.

Unlike pain-relieving drug therapy, TENS does not have side effects. Can be used as monotherapy or as an addition to other methods.

Transcranial electrical stimulation

It involves the impact of pulsed bipolar currents with given characteristics on the brain. The main indications for electrical stimulation of the brain: post-stroke and post-infarction condition, stage 1-2 hypertension, rehabilitation after damage to the peripheral nervous system, pain syndrome in oncological and neurological patients, after injuries, depression, anxiety, toxicosis of pregnancy in the 1-2 trimesters, menopause, sleep disorders, itchy dermatitis.

• Activation of opioid structures and release of beta-endorphin, which relieves pain syndromes, reduces the drug load when pain relief is needed;
• Beta-endorphin relieves anxiety and has an antidepressant effect, improves stress resistance and mood, which in itself helps in the treatment of any disease;
• The effect on the vasomotor center of the medulla oblongata normalizes blood pressure;
• Activation of lymphocytes by beta-endorphin leads to increased defenses of the body;

The method is also used in the treatment of addictions and relieves symptoms of withdrawal symptoms. Cravings for alcohol and drugs are reduced by stimulating the opiate system. Helps in the recovery period for severe burn patients. It has an analgesic effect, relieves stress spasm of the vascular wall and improves blood circulation.

Interstitial electrical stimulation

The second name is electrical stimulation according to Gerasimov, since the method was developed under the leadership of this scientist. Main indications: spinal osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernias, pain syndrome after spinal surgery for truncation of hernias, scoliosis, arthrosis deformans, VSD, peripheral nerve dysfunction, bronchial asthma, migraine, tension headache, dizziness, heel spur.

For the procedure, special disposable needles are used, which are connected via wires to a device that generates a pulsed low-frequency current. The needles are placed directly into the painful areas.

As a result of the procedure, blood microcirculation improves, swelling decreases, muscle spasm is eliminated and nutrition in the area where the needles are installed improves. Already after the first procedure comes significant improvement and pain reduction.

Very often practiced for osteochondrosis localized in any part of the spine. Improves blood circulation, helps stop the breakdown of cartilage tissue, restores innervation and, most importantly for patients, eliminates pain in 95% of cases.

Electrical stimulation of the eyes

It is realized through the influence of pulsed current on the muscular apparatus of the eye, optic nerve, and retina. Main indications: ptosis, strabismus, retinal dystrophy, optic nerve, myopia, amblyopia, paresis and paralysis of the oculomotor muscles.

The impact on the motor muscles of the eyelid and eye leads to improved neuromuscular transmission, normalization of muscle tone and more efficient functioning. After a course of procedures, friendly eye movements and eyelid lifting improve. The effect on the sensory apparatus (optic nerve, retina) allows you to increase the number of connections with the central nervous system and create greater feedback, which means improving vision.

Electrical stimulation of the pelvic nerves

It is an alternative, official method of treating fecal and urinary incontinence. Works both for stress incontinence and dysfunction due to decreased muscle tone pelvic floor and anal sphincter.

• When treating stress incontinence, the goal of treatment is to eliminate dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles.
• For urinary incontinence, the procedure aims to inhibit involuntary contraction of the bladder wall by stimulating the nerves of the pelvic floor.

Electrical stimulation in children

In pediatrics, this treatment method is used quite widely, from birth, for the following pathologies: intestinal atony, pelvic dysfunction, hypotonia of the anterior muscles abdominal wall, organic damage to the central nervous system, cerebral palsy, flat feet, scoliosis, dysplasia hip joints, consequences of TBI, including in children in a state of medicated sleep, consequences of infectious damage to the spinal cord and brain, autism, hyperactivity, speech and hearing disorders, joint pathologies.

In children, all methods of electrical stimulation are used, including interstitial and transcranial. IN individually the current strength, the shape and frequency of the pulse and the duration of exposure are selected. In any case, stimulation is carried out in gentle modes and with a shorter duration of exposure than in adults.

In cosmetology

The procedure is actively used in cosmetology to correct the figure, cellulite, give the oval of the face clearer contours, reduce sagging skin and wrinkles, strengthen and improve the tone of the muscles of the neck and face, abdominals(especially after childbirth), weight loss, acceleration of lymph flow (elimination of edema).

During the procedure, different muscle groups are exposed to pulsed current of various frequencies. Myostimulation allows you to use even deep muscles.

Improves the condition of small blood vessels, accelerates metabolism, activates lymph flow, causes muscles to actively contract, eliminates stagnant processes in the skin and intensively removes excess moisture (this is why even after the first procedure you can see a decrease in body volume).

• When changing the oval of the face, the muscles localized in the cheek area are affected.
• For neck laxity, the broad subcutaneous muscle, the platysma, is stimulated by applying self-adhesive skin electrodes.
• To reduce the appearance of a double chin, pulsed current is used.
• It is possible to achieve noticeable positive results with the drooping of the upper eyelid using movable electrodes on a gel base.

Side effects and complications

Muscle discomfort may be felt during and after the procedure. An inflammatory reaction may develop at the site of contact between the skin and the electrodes.

To prevent these undesirable effects, the patient should monitor his well-being during the procedure and notify the doctor if discomfort or pain occurs.

Possible complications include:

• skin hyperemia up to burns. Possible due to incorrect placement of electrodes;
• increased menstrual flow, especially if the procedure is carried out in the first days of menstruation. Therefore, during menstruation it is recommended to refuse treatment;
• Nausea, indigestion. This is possible if the procedure in the abdominal area was performed immediately after eating.

The human body is capable of self-healing, but sometimes (after injuries, surgeries) this can take quite a long time. For successful and faster recovery in medicine, various are used. Therefore, we will further analyze what electrical stimulation of the back muscles is, how it is useful and how it is carried out.

The technique is widely used for the rehabilitation of patients after various types of illness, with disorders of the functioning of the nervous system, and with muscle hypertonicity.

Why is the procedure useful?

The benefits of current stimulation sessions are obvious. So, Using this technology allows you to achieve the following results:

The procedure shows high results in therapy

1. Prevention of muscle tissue atrophy.
2. Restoration of nutrition processes and elimination of metabolic products.
3. Reducing pain of any localization.
4. Increased adaptation and muscle fatigue limit.
5. Promoting the process of tissue regeneration.

Also, regular stimulation ensures the restoration of “feedback” with the cerebral cortex.

Thanks to this, the nervous regulation of muscle tissue contractions is gradually restored. This is a great achievement in the treatment of severe pathologies (paralysis, paresis).

Devices for the procedure

All devices for electrical muscle stimulation have a main unit in which a current of the required frequency and strength is generated, as well as electrodes attached to the body.

Reference. Each device has different operating modes necessary for a specific muscle group.

Devices are divided into several types according to their purpose:

• professional- used in medicine and cosmetology;
• low-power- intended for use at home.

Devices are also distinguished based on the nature of the outgoing currents:

1. "Amplipulse-4.5", "Stimulus-1"- for recovery and stimulation of muscles using sinusoidal currents of high frequencies, modulated by low frequencies.
2. "Neuropulse", "UEI-1"- used for reduced electrical excitability of muscles. Currents flow in rectified mode.

Various devices have been developed for stimulating muscles with current.

There are many other devices in medicine, each of which has its own application features: “NET”, “Tonus-1”, “Myovolna”, etc.

Electrical stimulation at home

The technique is quite simple to perform, so you can perform electrical muscle stimulation at home.

The session flow includes several stages and looks like this:

Can be used at home

• the electrodes are moistened with water and placed on the affected muscle tissue and secured with bandages;
• wires are connected;
• a suitable program is launched on the device;
• the current strength increases in stages, 3-4 minutes after the start of the electric shock, until muscle contractions are felt;
• after the end of the session, the device is turned off and the electrodes are removed;
• The skin in the area where the electrodes are applied is treated with a tonic to moisturize.

It is imperative to study the instructions for the electrical muscle stimulator, which will ensure the correctness of the procedure and the effectiveness of the treatment.

If the technique of performing sessions is not followed, side effects may develop.

How often can the procedures be done? How often can you do electrical muscle stimulation? ? Treatment with a similar physiotherapeutic method is carried out 2-3 times a week

Reference., however, it is possible to conduct a session every other day (depending on the indications).

The therapeutic course includes 10-20 sessions. The duration of the procedure should be approximately 20-40 minutes. A repeat course can be taken no earlier than 1 month

after the previous one.

Side effects

There are practically no side effects

There are practically no side effects of electrical muscle stimulation. The only thing that can be noted is

a feeling of muscle discomfort during the session and after it.

Also, an inflammatory reaction may occur at the points of contact between the skin and the electrodes.

In order to avoid such undesirable reactions from the body, the patient must monitor his well-being during sessions. If discomfort occurs, even minor, the patient should inform the doctor.

The list of contraindications to electrical muscle stimulators is extensive. When prescribing therapy, it must be taken into account by the doctor. Important!

The procedure may accelerate the progression of some diseases, leading to undesirable consequences.

It is prohibited to carry out the procedure in the presence of the following circumstances and diseases:

• Has a large list of contraindications
• oncology;
• infectious diseases;
• arterial hypertension;
• epilepsy;
• hyperthyroidism;
• blood pathologies;
• heart failure above degree 2;
• active form of rheumatism
• presence of pacemakers;
• formations of a benign nature;
• phlebitis, thrombophlebitis;
• atrial fibrillation;
• violations of the integrity of the skin (abrasions, wounds, cuts);

condition after suturing muscles, tendons, nerves (for 1 month). This method of treatment should not be used in pregnant women.

, since the procedures can cause an increase in uterine tone, which can result in miscarriage or premature birth (depending on the stage of pregnancy).

Conclusion

Greetings to everyone. The thought of trying EMS training has crossed my mind many times. I once did advertising for a club, so clients said more positive things. The Chinese are not lagging behind and also offer similar things. Lately, this product has been featured quite often in advertising and discounts. Many people are scared to buy this. but we decided and bought it. Looking ahead, I’ll say right away that I didn’t expect it...

Video of a more serious modulator in operation, but the operating principle is the same

Operating principle
Now we will move on to the complex processes occurring in the body. It is no secret to many that they need irritation to activate muscles. IN Everyday life irritation is triggered through the central nervous system, spinal cord, nerve fibers and is transmitted to the corresponding muscles. These endogenous stimuli in the physical sense are electrical in nature. The EMS simulator uses the effect inherent in the body and enhances our native stimulus with external influence, thereby forcing the muscles to contract stronger and with better quality. In general terms, EMS is the targeted amplification of one's own electrical stimuli from the outside.

Packaging and delivery

Equipment

Characteristics

Here is a small photo with the parameters from the instructions.

The instructions itself still contain many warnings that it should not be used by patients, pregnant women or those with personal intolerance.
Charging time 20 minutes. The red indicator lights up during charging and turns off when finished.

Photos of instructions

Measurements and dimensions

Management and use

The set includes two butterflies and one ab pad. Butterflies can be placed on almost any muscle, with the exception, of course, of the neck and face (and other intimate parts of the body). The butterflies and the platform are glued to the plates. To use, peel off the protective plate. A hydrogel is applied to the contacts, which will adhere to the skin and improve conductivity. This gel is enough for 30 times of use. Then you can further extend the period by rinsing with water (as indicated in the instructions). Then you need to replace the hydrogel plates. I haven’t found where to buy them yet, but the store has butterflies and a press pad, which are sold without washers. They cost about $14. There are also other options for butterflies. We will look for this gel too. When searching for “conductive gel,” there are many options, but you need one that can be attached, i.e. was sticky.
The device automatically turns off after 20 minutes of use.

Impression

An example of how several modes work. Tested it on the first day. The sensations are ambiguous, but later you get used to it and understand everything.

, since the procedures can cause an increase in uterine tone, which can result in miscarriage or premature birth (depending on the stage of pregnancy).
Overall, I would like to say that the effect exceeded expectations. Honestly, I wouldn't have thought it would be so cool. It’s simply impossible to describe in words, but the muscles begin to work and tense up regardless of you. This device works. If you spend a lot of time in a chair, then your muscles definitely do not receive such loads. You can stretch them in this way, that’s for sure, but if you also do exercises in time with your work, the effect will definitely be better. This is not a panacea for obesity, not a magic thing for abs while lying on the couch, but there is definitely an effect. After 5 minutes you get used to it, you begin to understand how the muscle works. Even Lena didn’t want to, but then she calmly did this kind of training for 20 minutes. There were more smiles and laughter during the test than there had been in a very long time. for a long time. This was the most fun and interesting unboxing I can remember on this moment time.

No matter how wonderful everything is, there is one significant drawback - this is the conductive gel, which is a consumable item. If used as intended, out of the box it can last for 1-2 months if you practice daily, but in fact, within two days we got to the point where it began to hold up poorly. I washed it a little with water, dried it and it’s holding up again, but the plates need to be changed soon. I don’t know where to get them yet. We bought it solely for review and did not hope that we would like to use this device. It’s just that on the first day we glued one butterfly to different muscles. It was interesting. Thank you all for your attention. Friends, I tried to explain and tell you how I understand it and how it is. Until new reviews.