22 Stim Machine Benefits Backed by Studies

Temporary Pain Relief

EMS, including tens treatment, may help provide temporary pain relief. This 2022 meta-analysis examined the use of EMS to reduce pain and improve functionality. Researchers reviewed 27 articles, including 23 studies.

The studies examined TENS therapy for treating pain from conditions like osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Researchers concluded that TENS and EMS may efficiently relieve pain in various types of acute and chronic pain conditions. However, additional studies are needed to determine the extent of pain relief.

May Reduce the Need for Pain Medications

Using alternative methods to reduce pain may lead to less pain medication. According to the Cleveland Clinic, TENS therapy may reduce pain medication dosage in some people. EMS and TENS may also reduce pain by stimulating the nerve cells that block pain transmission signals. They also promote the release of endorphins, which naturally help relieve pain.

Increased Muscle Fiber Recruitment

EMS stimulates motor nerves, which activate muscle fibers and lead to muscle contraction. EMS recruits both fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers.

Increased Muscle Strength and Power

EMS can increase muscle strength and power. This 2023 study examined the impact of EMS and resistance training on the athlete's power, strength, and muscle mass. The study involved 28 athletes divided into two groups.

One group performed resistance training with daily EMS. The other group performed just resistance training. The study lasted 8 weeks.

Results indicated the EMS and resistance training group had significantly improved their strength and muscle mass. This was greater than that of the resistance training group.

Improved Muscle Endurance

Due to repetitive muscle contractions, EMS can improve muscle endurance. Causing involuntary contraction through EMS increases strength similarly to voluntary contractions. This may not only improve strength and power but also enhance functional endurance.

Targeted Muscle Activation

Because of the placement of the electrodes, EMS can target specific muscle contractions. This allows targeting potentially atrophied muscles and muscles involved in specific functional activities, such as pushing or pulling.

Prevention or Slowing of Muscle Atrophy

Through muscle contraction, EMS may prevent or slow muscle atrophy, which leads to muscle loss and weakness. A study in the journal Critical Care Research and Practice involved 142 hospitalized patients divided into two groups. One group received 55 minutes of EMS daily to their legs, while the other did not. The results indicated that the group that received daily EMS had less muscle atrophy at discharge than the group that did not receive EMS.

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation (Muscle Strengthening and Re-education)

Stim machine benefits can include post-surgical rehabilitation. EMS is helpful for rehabilitation through muscle strengthening and re-education. It can improve blood circulation, which promotes healing. It can also be a valuable tool in pain management.

Sports Injury Rehabilitation (Muscle Strengthening and Functional Recovery)

EMS can be helpful for sports injury rehabilitation. EMS improves blood flow, which helps carry nutrients and oxygen to the injured muscle to promote healing. Improving circulation also helps stimulate the repair of the damaged tissue. Targeting specific muscles can also help with functional recovery, strengthening the exact muscles involved in a particular sport.

Stroke Rehabilitation (Improving Motor Control and Reducing Spasticity)

Patients undergoing stroke rehabilitation can benefit from the use of a stim machine. For instance, EMS can reduce muscle spasticity and improve motor control and range of motion through muscle contraction.

A systematic review in the journal Stroke analyzed 23 trials. These trials used EMS to recover movement and functional ability after a stroke. Researchers concluded that EMS could improve weakness on one side of the body after a stroke.

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation (Muscle Strengthening)

Unused muscles can atrophy after a spinal cord injury, making rehabilitation more challenging. EMS provides involuntary muscle contractions similar to regular muscle contractions. This can strengthen muscles after a spinal cord injury, decreasing the degree of atrophy.

Incontinence Treatment (Pelvic Floor Muscle Strengthening)

Incontinence is a common problem, especially for older women. EMS may improve incontinence by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.

This 2022 review examined 27 articles. It found that EMS can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles. It also reduces incontinence without surgery.

Improved Local Blood Circulation

Electrical muscle stimulation, both TENS and EMS, may improve local blood circulation due to muscle contraction. EMS provides more substantial blood circulation, while TENS may have a minor effect.

Potential for Release of Endorphins

According to the Mayo Clinic, electrical muscle stimulation, including TENS, may promote the release of substances, such as:

• Endorphins

• And enkephalins.

Both naturally reduce pain. The degree of pain reduction may depend on treatment parameters such as the intensity link and the length of the treatment session.

Enhanced Range of Motion

EMS can enhance the range of motion through muscle activation and contraction. While TENS therapy cannot directly enhance range of motion, it may decrease pain, which results in improved flexibility.

Non-invasive and Drug-Free Treatment Option

One of the benefits of electrical stimulation is that it offers a noninvasive, non-pharmaceutical option. Certain options to treat pain, such as injections, are invasive. In addition, pain medication can have side effects and become habit-forming. EMS provides an alternative to these other treatment modalities.

Portable and Easy to Use

Many stim devices, including EMS and TENS units, are easy to use and portable. Although devices may vary in size, portability is one of the benefits of muscle stimulants.

Muscle Spasm Reduction

EMS may reduce muscle spasms by triggering contractions and tiring the spasming muscle, causing it to relax.

A study published in the journal Neuromodulation examined the use of EMS for muscle spasms. It involved 32 adults with either lumbar spinal stenosis or lumbar herniation who suffered from cramps in their gastrocnemius.

EMS was applied to the calf muscle twice a week for 4 weeks. Leg cramps or spasms decreased by 25%. TENS therapy may also help indirectly by stimulating sensory nerves, which may relax the muscle and reduce spasming.

Massage-like Sensation

Both EMS and TENS therapy provide a massage-like sensation depending on specific settings. This massage sensation can promote relaxation and reduce pain.

Cosmetic Muscle Toning

Studies are limited on the cosmetic muscle toning benefit of EMS. Firming and strengthening the muscles through EMS may give the appearance of tighter abs. However, currently, EMS devices are not cleared for cosmetic muscle toning.

Improved Proprioception

EMS can enhance proprioception, which is body awareness. The improvement in proprioception occurs due to muscle activation through repeated muscle contraction. Proprioception is important for maintaining balance.

Potential for Reduced Nerve Sensitization (TENS)

Using a TENS device may reduce nerve sensitization by sending electrical impulses to the nerves and blocking pain signals. This may reduce pain from various conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.

Comparing Each Stim Machine Type by Its Benefits

The chart below provides potential benefits from EMS, FES, and TENS therapy.

Key:

• Yes: The device type is generally known to offer this benefit.

• No: The device type typically does not directly offer this benefit.

• Maybe: The device type may offer this benefit in some specific applications or indirectly.

Comparing Each Stim Machine Type by Its Benefits

The chart below provides potential benefits from EMS, FES, and TENS therapy.

Key:

• Yes: The device type is generally known to offer this benefit.

• No: The device type typically does not directly offer this benefit.

• Maybe: The device type may offer this benefit in some specific applications or indirectly.