Muscle Stimulation: EMS Benefits, Dangers & TENS Safety

What happens when you overuse a TENS machine? While electronic muscle stimulation offers toning benefits for abs, understanding the potential dangers is essential.

Patient at the physical therapy

Side Effects of Overusing a TENS Machine

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation -- TENS -- machines are a common form of pain relief, especially for musculoskeletal pain. Mild muscle soreness and skin irritation may occur with excessive use.

Read more →
Fitness female woman, muscular body, workout, abs, abdominals

Slendertone Pros & Cons

Slendertone is an electrical muscle stimulation device (EMS). This means that a mild electrical current produced by the device forces involuntary contractions from your muscles. Advertisements for commercial EMS systems, including Slendertone, claim these devices will help tone and strengthen muscles.

Read more →
Spinal Cord Stimulator for Chronic Pain

Muscle Stimulation Dangers

Electrical stimulators work similarly to the nervous system -- in both cases, an electrical signal causes a specific muscle to contract. A key difference is that the body generates electrical signals internally, while electrical stimulators generate the electrical signal outside of the body.

Read more →

How to Use a Muscle Stimulator on My Abs

There are quite a few muscle stimulating devices on the market that promise its users tighter and firmer abs. Unfortunately, the FDA explains that only one brand may be able to fulfill such a promise.

Read more →
Woman having electrical lymphatic drainage.

How Does Electrical Muscle Stimulation Work?

Electrical muscle stimulation -- often called "e-stim" or "TENS" -- is a type of treatment often used in physical therapy or other rehabilitation settings. The two primary uses for this treatment are pain relief and muscle re-education. In most settings, there is a machine that provides an electrical current.

Read more →