Electrostimulation of muscles for body shaping

Electromuscular stimulation (EMS) is becoming an increasingly popular aesthetic treatment, as it provides effective results in body shaping, cellulite reduction, and muscle toning. This treatment uses electrical impulses that cause muscle contraction, which simulates physical activity and contributes to improving body shape. In recent years, EMS has found wide application in beauty salons and wellness centers, although it was primarily created for physiotherapy purposes.

In order to be sure that this treatment is for us, we should first understand how it works as an aesthetic treatment, but also consider its advantages, method of application, and contraindications.

What is electrical muscle stimulation?

Electrical muscle stimulation is a technology that uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles, causing them to contract. These impulses are transmitted through electrodes that are placed on the skin above the part of the muscle being treated. The treatment is based on the principle of stimulating the muscles with electrical signals, in order to provide a similar effect as physical exercise, but without the need for effort. Electrostimulation is used for a variety of purposes, including improving muscle tone, reducing cellulite, shaping certain body parts, and for therapeutic purposes, such as muscle rehabilitation after injury.

Benefits of electrostimulation of muscles in aesthetics

EMS treatments can have numerous benefits when it comes to aesthetic goals. One of the main advantages is shaping certain parts of the body. Electrostimulation helps to tone the muscles, which can result in visible skin tightening and a reduction in sagging. By using the EMS device on certain areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, it's possible to achieve a smaller volume or improved body contours. Although EMS isn't a substitute for physical activity, it can be a useful addition to a daily exercise routine, helping to maintain muscle tone and accelerate the results that would be obtained from exercise.

In addition, EMS treatments are often used to reduce cellulite. Electrostimulation improves circulation, which enables a better supply of nutrients and oxygen to the skin. This can contribute to the reduction of the irregular structure of the skin in cellulite because the lymphatic drainage is improved, which reduces the retention of fluids and toxins in the body. EMS treatments can also improve skin elasticity, resulting in a smoother and better overall skin appearance. For those who want to achieve quick aesthetic results, EMS can be effective in combination with a healthy diet and physical activity.

One of the main advantages of EMS is that the treatment doesn't require any effort from the user. Muscles are stimulated with electrical impulses, which allows users to achieve results without the need for intensive training and physical effort, which is ideal for people with less free time or physical limitations. Also, the treatment is relatively quick and non-invasive, with minimal recovery time, which makes it extremely attractive to many users who want quick results.

How does muscle electrostimulation work?

The electrical impulses used by the EMS device are similar to those naturally sent into our body by the human nervous system during physical activity. When an electrical impulse is applied to the muscles, it causes them to contract. The higher the pulse intensity, the stronger the contractions. The intensity can be adjusted according to the user's needs, so it's possible to apply the treatment to different parts of the body with different goals: relaxation, shaping, tightening, or improving muscle mass. For example, in body contouring treatments, electrodes are placed on the areas to be treated, and the device emits low-frequency pulses that cause mild muscle contractions. During the treatment, users usually sit or lie down, and the treatment lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. There are several variations of EMS treatments, including low-frequency and high-frequency pulsed treatments, used for different aesthetic goals.

Safety and contraindications

Electrical muscle stimulation treatments are generally safe when administered by a professional and following instructions. However, there are certain contraindications. EMS is not recommended for people with heart problems, a pacemaker, pregnant women, or those with epilepsy. Also, people with serious skin diseases or infections should avoid this treatment. As with any other aesthetic treatment, it's very important to consult with an expert before deciding on an EMS treatment to ensure that it's safe for you and will give you the results you desire.

Electrical muscle stimulation is an effective and popular aesthetic treatment that offers numerous benefits, including body shaping, cellulite reduction, and muscle toning. Although not a substitute for physical activity, EMS can be a useful treatment in achieving desired aesthetic goals, especially when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. With proper application by experts and supervisors, electrostimulation of muscles is a safe and effective treatment for many, and in the future, we can expect that its application will be more frequent for aesthetic purposes, offering effective and non-invasive options for improving the appearance of the body.

*This text is intended for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.*

*Image taken from the site: https://www.pexels.com/photo/chiropractor-with-patient-14797758/

References

Vranis, N. M., Ghavami, A., Rohrich, R. J., & Theodorou, S. (2024). Radiofrequency and Electrical Muscle Stimulation: A Synergistic Treatment That Achieves Lipolysis and Circumferential Waist Reduction in Noninvasive Body Contouring. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, 6, ojae042. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojae042

Peluker. (2024, July 3). Electrostimulation in aesthetics: Everything you need to know. https://www.peluker.com/blog/2024/07/03/electrostimulation-in-aesthetics-everything-you-need-to-know/#:~:text=Electrostimulation%20is%20a%20very%20effective,relief%20of%20contractures%20and%20pain