EMS Machines: Miracle or Mayhem? Side Effects Unplugged
Imagine lying on the sofa watching a drama, with a few electrodes attached to your body, and gently stimulating your muscles with electric current, you can easily have six pack abs , but the EMS body shaping device makes this dream within reach. However, behind this seemingly perfect ‘lazy fitness method’, the body may be silently protesting. Some people exclaimed refreshing after using it, while others were “electrified to doubt their lives” by the sudden electric current; The side effects of burning skin, excessive muscle fatigue, and even the risk of accidentally damaging the heart have made many consumers exclaim, ‘This electricity bill is a bit expensive.’. Experts remind that although electric current can simulate sports effects, it is not omnipotent. Incorrect use may turn the “shaping artifact” into a “pain making machine”.
The Science behind EMS Technology
Electromagnetic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology has brought about a method in the realm of body sculpting and aesthetic enhancements by sending out electromagnetic pulses to trigger muscle contractions imitating the bodies natural response to exercise. This process results in muscle strengthening and toning effects which provide a cutting edge solution for individuals looking to contour their bodies without undergoing treatments. The technology is tailored to focus on areas to improve muscle definition and aid in reducing fat accumulation.
The Therapeutic Functions of EMS
The therapeutic function of EMS sculpting is to strengthen the abdominal muscles and shape the waistline.EMS sculpting uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy technology, which stimulates 20,000 strong muscle contractions when acting on the abdomen. This super muscle exercise can increase the density and volume of abdominal muscles and decompose and eliminate abdominal fat. Lift the hip curve and create a peach hip. When EMS sculpting acts on the buttocks, the powerful energy pulse causes the hip muscles to contract continuously. The muscles gradually grow larger and thicker in this “super muscle exercise”, the overall buttocks are lifted, the muscle relaxation is significantly reduced, and the entire hip line becomes more and more obvious.
Which Group is EMS Suitable for?
In principle, it is suitable for everyone, including many people with a well proportioned body but local excess fat, no muscles, and tight skin. But if your body fat is extremely high and your weight base is too large, it is recommended to lose weight and fat first, and then further increase muscle and burn fat, which will be more reasonable and effective.
There are Some Treatment Precautions We Should Pay Attention to
During treatment, do not be full, at least one hour after meals.
The therapist must not carry any metal objects on their body.
The operating area and treatment probe should be kept dry, without water or moisture.
The operating energy varies from person to person, so it should start with low energy and gradually increase.
The total operation time per day shall not exceed 1.5 hours, and one part shall not exceed 1 hour. No electronic products or metal objects should be placed on the instrument during the operation process.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Physiological risks
Muscle system injury
Excessive electrical stimulation may lead to micro tearing of muscle fibers, and in severe cases, may cause rhabdomyolysis
Abnormal muscle contractions may cause tendon strains or joint injuries
Long term dependence on EMS may lead to the degradation of proprioceptive function (muscle “laziness”)
Case: In 2021, a member of a fitness club in South Korea was hospitalized for myoglobinuria due to excessive use of EMS
Neurological effects
Current interference may cause transient neural conduction abnormalities
Repeated stimulation may lead to decreased peripheral nerve sensitivity
May induce seizures in epilepsy patients (even in well controlled cases)
Cardiovascular system risk
Current may interfere with normal electrocardiographic activity
Blood pressure fluctuation risk (systolic blood pressure may suddenly rise by more than 30mmHg)
May cause fatal interference to individuals with pacemakers
Skin and tissue reactions
Contact adverse reactions
Common treatment areas:
Red rashes (incidence about 18%)
Itching (reported by 12% of users)
Burns (often seen in inferior equipment)
Pigmentation (up to 23% for long-term users)
Deep organizational influence
Risk of local blood circulation disorders
Possible obstruction of lymphatic reflux
Subcutaneous adipose tissue inflammatory response
Taboos for Special Populations
Absolute taboo group
Pregnant women (may induce uterine contractions)
Malignant tumor patients (theoretically at risk of promoting metastasis)
Acute infection patients
Severe osteoporosis patients
Population requiring medical supervision
Patients with diabetes (may affect neural perception)
Patients with hypertension (grade 2 or above should be cautious)
Patients with peripheral vascular disease
Patients with sensory disorders
Suggestions for safe use of EMS
Professional guidance and equipment selection
Before using EMS equipment, it is recommended to consult a professional physician or rehabilitation therapist to ensure that one’s health condition is suitable for electrical pulse training. Choose legitimate equipment that has passed FDA, CE, or medical device certification to avoid using inferior or counterfeit products. The electrode pad should be attached to the skin, avoiding direct contact with wounds or inflamed areas, and ensuring that the device has an adjustable current intensity. The first use should gradually adapt from the lowest level.
Scientific training to avoid excessive stimulation
The duration of a single EMS training session should not exceed 20-30 minutes, and should not be used more than 2-3 times a week to avoid muscle fatigue or the risk of rhabdomyolysis. If you experience skin burning, dizziness, palpitations, or abnormal pain during the training process, you should immediately stop and seek medical attention. Patients with hypertension, heart disease, epilepsy, and pregnant women are strictly prohibited from using , and those with pacemakers or metal implants should also avoid it absolutely.
Reasonable combination of exercise and recovery
EMS cannot completely replace traditional exercise. It is recommended to combine strength training, aerobic exercise, and stretching to achieve the best results. After training, it is necessary to replenish water and electrolytes to help eliminate metabolic waste. If used for a long time, it is necessary to regularly evaluate the muscle condition to avoid a decrease in muscle voluntary contraction ability due to dependence on electrical stimulation. Healthy weight loss and shaping still rely on scientific diet+active exercise, EMS can only be used as an auxiliary tool.
Postoperative Precautions of EMS Treatment
- After use, you should replenish water and foods high in protein in time;
- Do not overeat, and arrange your diet and sleep properly;
- Strengthen moisturizing and sun protection after use;
- Avoid spicy, greasy and high-sugary food;
- Do not soak in hot springs or saunas within three days.
Q&A
Q: Why is one abdominal EMS sculpting equivalent to 20,000 crunches?
A: Because in the EMS sculpting improvement process, high-intensity focused electromagnetic field technology HIFEM is used. The energy pulse can stimulate 20,000 strong muscle contractions and accelerate fat metabolism, which is equivalent to real fat loss through exercise.
Q: How will you feel after the treatment?
A: After the whole process, you can feel that your muscles are being grabbed by a stream of energy again and again, a bit like being electrocuted, but it doesn’t hurt. After the treatment, you may feel soreness in the improved part, which is slight muscle fatigue, similar to the soreness after exercise. This is the manifestation of the effect of the improvement, and the body will feel that it has been well exercised. Subsequent treatments will make you more adaptable and relaxed.
Q: How long does it take to see the effect? Will there be a rebound?
A: Generally, you can see the effect after one course of treatment, and muscle lines will appear. After 3-4 courses of continuous improvement, you can feel the muscles gradually forming under the fat. With low body fat, you can easily have healthy lines such as vest lines. Of course, you also need to pay attention to a healthy diet, which will not rebound like exercise.
Q: Is EMS sculpting dangerous?
A: EMS sculpting is a body-related instrument with a certain strength, so you need to choose a genuine instrument to operate it, set the energy reasonably, operate it professionally, and there is zero risk.
