Are there any reasons why I should NOT use EMS?

Muscular Atrophy may have many causes - therefore muscle problems must be diagnosed by a medical practitioner before EMS treatment begins.

Side Effects

There are no known side effects to EMS use and long-term EMS use is not harmful, however as with a normal muscle workout some soreness can occur following treatment. To avoid this, use a lower intensity on your next treatment. 

Warning and Contraindications

• Do not ignore any allergic reaction to the electrodes. If a skin irritation develops, discontinue use and consult a doctor or medical professional

• Do not apply electrodes to broken or irritated skin

• Do not apply electrodes to skin which does not have normal sensation. If the skin is numb, you will not be able to feel the full effects of the intensity being used and therefore may harm your skin

• Do not immerse your EMS unit in water or place it close to excessive heat

• Do not attempt to open up the EMS unit. There are no user-serviceable parts inside

• Do not use rechargeable batteries, as the voltage can be insufficient

• Do not mix old and new batteries. Be sure to dispose of old batteries safely, and always used the correct batteries as suggested in your user manual. Always remove batteries from your TENS machine if the unit is unlikely to be used for a long period.

Device Cautions

Do not use EMS under the following circumstances:

• If you have epilepsy

• On the heads of children under 12

• During the first six months of pregnancy or at any time on the abdomen during pregnancy

• When driving or operating machinery

• If you are suffering from acute, feverish or infectious diseases

• Near heart monitors or alarms

• To mask or relieve undiagnosed pain

Electrode Placement Cautions

• Over or near the heart if you have a pacemaker or have a heart rhythm problem

• On the carotid arteries in the front of your neck 

• Over your eyes 

• Across the front of the head 

• Near malignant tumours 

General Advice

• Excessive use of high intensity or long periods of usage can cause muscle injury.

• Always increase intensity gradually.

• If stimulation causes pain reduce intensity or stop treatment.

• After treatment tingling sensations may continue or your skin may feel numb, this is normal.

Setting the Treatment Time 

Depending upon the muscle group and the patient's status, treatment by EMS can vary between 15–60 minutes of stimulation twice a week, to treatment sessions several times per day. 

Choosing the right intensity

The object of EMS treatment is to produce powerful tetanic muscle contractions.

The strength of the current should be increased above the sensory threshold, to the tolerance level.

The patient often experiences the electrical contraction as more powerful than a voluntary contraction, because of the sensory effect of the current.

The electrical signals have a pain-relieving effect. Patients usually find the sensation uncomfortable to start with, often not reaching the therapeutic intensities required at the start of treatment. The current intensity can be steadily increased during the course of the treatment, as the patient becomes more accustomed to the current. The powerful muscle contractions caused by electrical stimulation may give rise to training aches to begin with, which usually disappear within a week. 

Electrical muscle contractions should be combined with simultaneous voluntary muscular activity to achieve the best results possible. Always seek medical advice before using EMS to ensure you are receiving the best treatment for your condition.