Speed up Muscle Strain Recovery and muscular endurance using an EMS Machine Muscle Stimulator

Infuriated by how long it’s taking to get results from your training? Putting in the effort day after day but nothing to show for it? Wondering if being sore all the time is worth the effort?

EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) machines can help optimise muscle health, including recovery from injury and increasing endurance. They are usually used by physiotherapists to treat sports injuries, as well as athletes, body builders and sports people to help tone and strengthen muscles, tendons and tissue as part of an overall fitness routine.

The electrical impulses from the muscle stimulator can mimic the electrical signals sent from the brain to help engage the muscles to bring benefits such as building lean muscle mass and recovery.

EMS machine can be safely used by healthy and unhealthy individuals looking to jumpstart their health.

 
 

What is an EMS Machine?

An electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) machine also known as muscle stimulator, uses electrical impulses to help prepare, engage and activate the targeted muscles. EMS machines are handheld devices with attachments and gel pads. The gel pads can be stuck onto the skin to help deliver electrical impulses through the skin and to the muscles.

Since the 1960s, medical health professionals have used muscle stimulator to help with recovery after muscular injuries or surgery. Research has shown that an electrical muscle stimulator can help strengthen and prevent muscle wastage [1]. Both healthy and injured individuals can use EMS for various purposes (e.g. bodybuilding, rehabilitation, etc.).


[1] Porcari, J. P., McLean, K. P., Foster, C., Kernozek, T., Crenshaw, B., & Swenson, C. (2002). Effects of electrical muscle stimulation on body composition, muscle strength, and physical appearance. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 16(2), 165-172.

 

How do EMS machines work?

The muscles in our body contract and relax to either move or stop our moving body parts. Electrical signals are sent from the brain and spinal cord to the nerves and muscles. These signals, called “action potentials”, determine whether the muscles contract. When this occurs, the muscles begin to twitch and/or tense.

Electrical muscle stimulators or EMS machines help deliver electric current to the nerves [2]. The electrical current is delivered through the skin through gel pads that are connected to the EMS machine. If the current reaching the muscle is large enough, it will cause an “action potential”. When this occurs, the muscle will contract and tense.

The current size is measured in milliamps (mA) and can be adjusted on the EMS machine. Some machines have settings that have been pre-selected. Caremax has the highest power output (120mA) EMS machine in Australia.


[2] Enoka, R. M., Amiridis, I. G., & Duchateau, J. (2019). Electrical stimulation of muscle: electrophysiology and rehabilitation. Physiology.

 

What is an EMS machine good for?

EMS machines have been tested for multiple purposes, including preventing and maintaining muscle size, strengthening, rehabilitation, and developing tone and fat loss.

More research has shown that using EMS machines for those with chronic conditions and injuries and undergoing surgery can help with recovery [2]. Over time, these situations commonly lead to muscle loss, weakness, and inactivity. Research has consistently shown that using EMS can help reverse these changes and improve health outcomes afterwards.

Using muscle stimulator can also benefit healthy individuals looking to become healthier and fitter. Research has shown that using EMS can help complement training and exercise to improve strength, power, speed and other fitness parameters [3]. However, its necessary to understand that EMS is the most effective when combined with physical activity.


[2] Enoka, R. M., Amiridis, I. G., & Duchateau, J. (2019). Electrical stimulation of muscle: electrophysiology and rehabilitation. Physiology.

[3] Filipovic, A., Kleinöder, H., Dörmann, U., & Mester, J. (2012). Electromyostimulation—a systematic review of the effects of different electromyostimulation methods on selected strength parameters in trained and elite athletes. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 26(9), 2600-2614.

 

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How to use an EMS machine muscle stimulator?

EMS should be used before training or exercise. Depending on your goals, you may need to adjust the settings and time spent using the machine. Using the EMS correctly can help activate the targeted muscle (s).

Before using the EMS machine, make sure you know which muscles you are targeting. If you have a combination unit, make sure that you specifically select the EMS setting. Before selecting your desired settings, place the gel pads over your chosen body part.

Once you’re ready, follow the instructions in your user guide to start the treatment. You should feel your muscles contract once you have switched it on.

 
 

FAQ

 

Product Questions

 

What’s difference between TENS and EMS machine?

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and EMS machines may appear very similar due to their outward appearance. Both are handheld devices that deliver electrical current through the attached gel pads. There are also combination units that have both TENS and EMS settings.

However, TENS and EMS machines are used for different purposes [1]. An electrical muscle stimulator (EMS) is mainly used to help activate and jumpstart muscles. However, a TENS machine is primarily used to help with general and muscle pain relief. These machines send unique electrical signals to the nerves to achieve the desired effect.

Users will also report that the treatments also feel different. While the EMS causes a strong contraction of the muscles, the TENS treatment will lead to a repetitive tingling sensation.


[1] Porcari, J. P., McLean, K. P., Foster, C., Kernozek, T., Crenshaw, B., & Swenson, C. (2002). Effects of electrical muscle stimulation on body composition, muscle strength, and physical appearance. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 16(2), 165-172.

 

Do EMS machines build muscle?

Using an EMS machine can help improve muscle health. To optimise muscle growth, EMS should always be used in combination with strength training and exercise.

Those recovering from an injury, condition or surgery can lose lean muscle mass from being inactive. Research has shown that using an EMS in these situations can help rebuild muscle mass [3]. Treatment can help those recovering from a total knee replacement to those with multiple sclerosis.

More research shows that using an EMS machine can also help build muscle in healthy and fit people. When combined with exercise, EMS can increase the maximum contraction of the muscle to help develop power, explosiveness and size [4]. Even seniors over 65 can increase muscle mass when using EMS three times a week while regularly exercising [5].


[3] Filipovic, A., Kleinöder, H., Dörmann, U., & Mester, J. (2012). Electromyostimulation—a systematic review of the effects of different electromyostimulation methods on selected strength parameters in trained and elite athletes. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 26(9), 2600-2614.


[4] Gondin, J., Cozzone, P. J., & Bendahan, D. (2011). Is high-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation a suitable tool for muscle performance improvement in both healthy humans and athletes?. European journal of applied physiology, 111(10), 2473-2487.


[5] Jandova, T., Narici, M. V., Steffl, M., Bondi, D., D’Amico, M., Pavlu, D., ... & Pietrangelo, T. (2020). Muscle hypertrophy and architectural changes in response to eight-week neuromuscular electrical stimulation training in healthy older people. Life, 10(9), 184.

 

How often can you use EMS machine muscle stimluator?

Typically, there is no specific limit on how often to use the EMS machine as long as the user is mindful of uncommon side effects (e.g. skin irritation, pain, etc.). The effective use of EMS will depend on the purpose. Always speak to a medical health professional (e.g. personal trainer, doctor, physiotherapist, etc.) before using an EMS machine.

Those recovering (e.g. after surgery or injury) may need more frequent EMS treatment than healthy individuals. Depending on the desired outcome, EMS can be effectively used anywhere between twice a day to twice a week [2][4][5]. Each session should not be longer than 20 minutes.


[2] Enoka, R. M., Amiridis, I. G., & Duchateau, J. (2019). Electrical stimulation of muscle: electrophysiology and rehabilitation. Physiology.


[4] Gondin, J., Cozzone, P. J., & Bendahan, D. (2011). Is high-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation a suitable tool for muscle performance improvement in both healthy humans and athletes?. European journal of applied physiology, 111(10), 2473-2487.


[5] Jandova, T., Narici, M. V., Steffl, M., Bondi, D., D’Amico, M., Pavlu, D., ... & Pietrangelo, T. (2020). Muscle hypertrophy and architectural changes in response to eight-week neuromuscular electrical stimulation training in healthy older people. Life, 10(9), 184.

 

Is EMS machine effective for weight loss?

Electrical muscle stimulation may be effective for weight loss. Researchers have shown that EMS can help increase the amount of energy and calories burnt [6]. They suggest that using EMS can help improve muscle metabolism, increase blood and prime the body for a more intense workout.

To help optimise weight loss, an EMS machine should be combined with healthy lifestyle habits (e.g., exercise, eating a healthy diet, etc.). It should not be used to replace physical activity or eating well. Research has shown that using an EMS machine during aerobic exercise may speed up fat loss around the abdomen [7]. However, more research is needed to draw these conclusions.


[6] Hsu, M. J., Wei, S. H., & Chang, Y. J. (2011). Effect of neuromuscular electrical muscle stimulation on energy expenditure in healthy adults. Sensors, 11(2), 1932-1942.


[7] Ghannadi, S., Halabchi, F., Maleklou, F., Tavakol, Z., Rajabian Tabesh, M., Bala, D., & Alizadeh, Z. (2022). The effect of 6 weeks electrical muscle stimulation training and aerobic exercise on body composition of overweight women: a randomized controlled study. Sport Sciences for Health, 1-9.

 

Are EMS machine safe?

Using your EMS machine is generally safe. Although there are certain precautions you should be aware of before using EMS, including:

  • Poor blood flow (e.g., peripheral vascular disease)
  • Children under three years old
  • Over areas with poor sensation and feeling
  • Over broken skin (e.g., wound, scar tissues, cuts, etc.)
  • If you have metal implants or electrical devices (e.g., pacemakers)
  • Those with sensitive skin or reactions to the gel pads
  • Those with heart conduction problems (e.g., atrial fibrillation, arrhythmias, etc.)
  • Those with autonomic dysreflexia

If any of these precautions are relevant or have any other concerns, please get in touch with your doctor to ensure that the EMS machine is safe for you [8].


[8] https://www.swrwoundcareprogram.ca/Uploads/ContentDocuments/HCPR%20-%20ESTIM%20Indications.pdf

 

How long should you use EMS machine?

The most effective duration of EMS will depend on your goals. You will need to make two considerations when using electrical muscle stimulation: the session duration and how long the machine is off or on.

Perform your research or talk to a healthcare professional to determine how long you should use EMS. For instance, those recovering from knee surgery will help prevent muscle wastage when used for 15 minutes (15 seconds on and 45 seconds off) [2]. In comparison, healthy individuals may use EMS for 18 minutes (4 seconds on and 0.75 seconds off) to develop muscle mass [9].


[2] Enoka, R. M., Amiridis, I. G., & Duchateau, J. (2019). Electrical stimulation of muscle: electrophysiology and rehabilitation. Physiology.


[9] Jandova, T., Narici, M. V., Steffl, M., Bondi, D., D’Amico, M., Pavlu, D., ... & Pietrangelo, T. (2020). Muscle hypertrophy and architectural changes in response to eight-week neuromuscular electrical stimulation training in healthy older people. Life, 10(9), 184.

 

Are there any side effects?

EMS machines are generally safe to use. To minimise side effects, be aware of the precautions (listed above) and speak to your doctor beforehand. While uncommon, there are specific side effects associated with electrical muscle stimulation, including:

Skin irritation (e.g., rashes, redness, etc.)

  • Muscle pain
  • Spasms
  • Dizziness
  • Tingling sensations 

In rare occasions, especially when the treatment is overly strong or prolonged, electrical muscle stimulation can cause muscle damage [10]. Too much stimulation of the muscle fibres can overstress the body’s soft tissue. This may increase the risk of pain and injury. 


[10] Nosaka, K., Aldayel, A., Jubeau, M., & Chen, T. C. (2011). Muscle damage induced by electrical stimulation. European journal of applied physiology, 111(10), 2427-2437.

 

Returns & Warranty

 

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Buyer can return the item within 30 days for any reason. However, please choose carefully, we do not normally give refunds for postage & handling cost if you simply change your mind or make a wrong decision. You can choose between a refund, exchange or credit.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it.
 
There are situations where only partial refunds are granted: (if applicable)
* Any item/packaging not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error.
* Orders over $50 is free shipping within Australia. However, if goods are returned for the reason other than the product being faulty, customers will incur a deduction of the cost of shipping to compensate for the original shipping cost. 
 
You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. 
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund/exchange/credit. 

If your refund request is approved, then a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days.
 

Defective Products

Caremax is proud to offer ONE year replacement warranty policy unless warranty is specified in the product listing. This warranty is to cover machine unit but excluding all consumables. A full refund can be requested for defective products wihtin 30 days of the purchase date. You can only choose between an exchange or credit where goods become faulty after 30 days.

Return Postage –

• Defective or faulty items (Dead on Arrival) within 30 days of customer receiving products, the return label will be provided.

• All warranty replacement return and resend postage after 30 days will be at buyer’s expense with registered post.

Return Process –

• Send us an email ([email protected]) with your order number and the reason of return.

• Our customer service representative will advise you of the return address.

 

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How long will it take for my order to arrive?

Most orders are dispatched the same day from Melbourne Warehouse if your order is placed before 2pm, (Monday-Friday) payment is received and products are in stock. Depending on your shipping destination orders can take from 1- 10 business days transit time. Please refer to the following guidelines for shipping timeframes:
 

  • Melbourne Metro: up to 3 business days
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Can I collect my online order from the local store?

Yes. You will receive another email notification when your order is ready for collection. To avoid disappointment, do not come to store to collect your item UNTIL you receive a confirmation email. If you come in to collect your order before you receive the email, your order won’t be ready.

 

Do you deliver internationally?

Yes, we ship to most countries worldwide including:

Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, South Africa, Germany.

All International orders are sent via the Australia Post or DHL International service. 

Please note that parcels may also need to be processed through international customs, to enter your selected country.
We advise you to allow for this possible delay and any extra customs taxes or duties that may be incurred.