Electronic muscle stimulators are medical devices used to treat muscle conditions, but claims of weight loss and muscle building are not scientifically proven. They can be prescribed by medical professionals for muscle retraining, painful spasms, and increasing range of motion. Improper use can cause skin irritation, burns, and cardiac events, so consulting a medical professional before use is recommended. Consumers should ensure the device is electrically safe and certified by safety organizations or government regulatory agencies.
An electronic muscle stimulator is a medical device used to treat various muscle conditions. Some versions of the device are designed for home use and claim to promote weight loss, although this has not been scientifically proven. It uses electrical signals to tense and release muscles, using small electrodes on each side of the muscle area. A stimulator may improve muscle tone, but it won’t create muscle where none existed before, and it certainly won’t result in “rock hard abs” as many manufacturers believe consumers believe.
Medically, an electronic muscle stimulator may be prescribed by a medical professional to a stroke patient to aid in muscle retraining, to an individual experiencing painful muscle spasms, or to a patient who needs to increase their range of motion. The patient is trained in the correct use of the device and receives specific instructions on when and where it should be used. Some healthcare professionals may prescribe this device or a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit to treat migraine headaches and muscle pain, although this use has not been widely studied.
Many countries regulate the manufacture of electronic muscle stimulation units, because improper use can cause problems. Skin irritation is not uncommon, but there have also been reports of burns and cardiac events associated with the use of such devices. A medical professional should be consulted before using any electronic muscle stimulator, should the user have an underlying medical condition that may aggravate. He or she can also make recommendations about brands and use, or provide alternative treatments for the problem that is leading the patient to use the device.
When purchasing an electronic muscle stimulator, consumers should ensure that it is electrically safe. Many safety organizations, including the National Safety Foundation and Underwriters Laboratories, certify electronic devices, which will be stamped with the organization’s seal. If the nation in which the device is purchased has a government regulatory agency, such as the US Food and Drug Administration, consumers should find out if it has an approved list of devices that are safe for use. The approved list will usually also include more information about the medical value of the claims that the manufacturers will make.
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