Electrostimulation: interest, effectiveness and effects

What is electrostimulation (EMS)?

Electrostimulation is a device transmitting electrical impulses to muscle fibers via a Miha bodytec type suit. These electrical impulses are innovative techniques for effortlessly building muscle and helping to regain a toned and harmonious silhouette. This method is also used by certain health professionals, in the treatment of pain and in the field of rehabilitation.

“When we makephysical exerciseit is the brain that sends the information to contract to our muscles“, explains Frédérique Gestin, physiotherapist. However, when we use electrostimulation devices or EMS (Electro-Myo-Stimulation), they replace the brain, thanks to electrical impulses, by asking our muscles to contract via an electric current which can go up to 150 hertz unlike the brain, which only sends 65 hertz. contraction is therefore more intense with electrostimulation devices, which can be used in 3 cases:

What is an electrostimulator? Which one to choose ?

The best electrostimulation boxes constitute a small investment, count at least €500, and they are mainly used by high-level athletes, for sports recovery for example, and physiotherapists.

There are two types of current:

• An excito-motor current: which affects muscle contraction;
• A Tens current (or via the gate control system) which acts on the nociceptive fibers or the pain fibers for an analgesic action.

For Sébastien Assohou, sports coach, “the technical choice is important and will depend on the user’s objective. Indeed, there are several brands of electro stimulation devices with their specificities such as muscle development, recovery, rehabilitation“. Find out carefully and tell the seller the sporting objective you wish to achieve with the machine.

Benefits: is electrostimulation effective?

What are the effects and benefits of electrostimulation?

• “Electrostimulation increases muscle contractions during physical effort using electrodes, indicates the coach. Depending on the desired intensity, and the program chosen, the user will determine whether its use is for physical strengthening or recovery or even rehabilitation..”
• “For the sports recovery : this allows you to drain, recover and reduce aches” thanks to the improvement of blood circulation.
• “An analgesic action: these devices are now prescribed by pain centers and can be rented from pharmacies. This makes it possible to treat chronic pain, for example..”

Contraindications

Sébastien Assohou warns: “This device does not replace physical effort but is complementary to it. In order to benefit from its benefits on the body, it is preferable to perform movements simultaneously with the contraction carried out by the electrostimulator.”

Electrostimulation is not recommended for:

• Growing children and adolescents;
• Pregnant women ;
• People with cancer;
• People with epilepsy;
• People with heart problems (avoid sensitive area).

If you have any doubts about your general health, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.

Final recommendations before the first session: “The electrodes must be applied to muscular areas with voluntary contraction. Avoid placing them on the heart or private parts. Be attentive and gradually increase the intensities so as not to injure yourself.”

Sport and electrostimulation device: which bodybuilding exercises?

Targeted exercises

For the sports coach, “all non-aquatic exercises are possible provided you respect your own current abilities.” He advises performing exercises that target the area to be stimulated to obtain a double contraction of the chosen muscle group.

Electrostimulation is mainly practiced among high-level athletes to obtain a gain in muscular efficiency.

In the room on a machine?

If you are a novice and to benefit from the best possible support, “I recommend being supervised for the first sessions by state-certified sports coaches.” Some gyms today offer electrostimulation sessions with a combination, like that of Miha Bodytec. These sessions are alternatives to traditional workouts. The sessions are customizable and take place in small groups. After several sessions, you can regain a harmonious figure, provided you have a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, physical activity, etc.).

The EM 37 abdominal belt from Beurer:

Thanks to its 5 customizable programs, it is possible to adjust your training program, intensity and duration in order to better adapt the session to your needs. This belt works with 4 electrodes designed for application to the abdominal area without adding contact gel.

The Connect Abs belt from Slendertone:

This electrostimulation belt has up to 100 intensity levels, 7 scalable programs and 3 active ones to use during sports practice. It tones all four muscle groups at the same time (internal and external obliques, rectus abdominis and transverse).

The Compex Corebelt 3.0 belt:

Thanks to its 4 electrodes (two at the front and two at the back), it is possible to strengthen both the abdominal and lower back muscles. The Compex application (available on iOS and Android) allows you to choose the desired program from 6 to choose from, such as “refine the silhouette”, “tone the abs”, “strengthen my lower back”, “strengthen my core”. ..