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Benefits of the EMS method

Works according to your body’s own principle: through electrical signals

The way the backup works is based on the findings of clinical studies and the scientifically proven effects of electrical muscle stimulation, or EMS for short. EMS works with electrical impulses, using a highly endogenous principle. Low currents flow through our bodies continuously.

In this way, information about external stimuli such as touch, heat and cold is constantly transmitted and processed. This information is used for such actions as perceiving pain and controlling movements. What this means is that everything we perceive, feel and do is done with the help of electrical signals.

The central nervous system as the hub of movement and coordination

The starting point and control centre is the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Movements and reactions of the body are controlled from here via sensory and motor neurons. Sensory neurons constantly pick up external stimuli via the sensory organs such as the eyes, ears and skin and report this information to the central nervous system via internal electrical impulses. There, the information is processed and passed on to the corresponding motor neurons, which initiate movements based on the sensory input processed and the knowledge gained from it, causing, for example, the arm or leg muscles to contract.

Moving through a space, coordinating the body and reacting to external stimuli is therefore only possible on the basis of communication between neurocognitive elements with the help of electrical signals.

Why EMS is so effective

The electrical impulses used in the EMS method are nothing new to the body. The difference is that rather than being sent by the brain, the signals are transmitted from outside the body through the skin via electrodes to the underlying nerves to make the muscles contract. Compared to the voluntary tensing of the muscles triggered by the brain, like in conventional strength training, the EMS method has the following benefits for a healthy back:

Benefit 1: No strain placed on bones or joints

Lack of exercise is one of the main causes of back pain. This results in weakened or asymmetrically strained back and abdominal muscles, which causes shortening and tension and means that joints and bones can no longer be sufficiently stabilised.

If the weakened muscles are strengthened in a targeted way, this relieves the joints and intervertebral discs. Because the stronger and more balanced the muscles, the easier it is to move and the smoother the interaction between muscles, bones, tendons and joints.

Relying solely on classical strength training carries risks. Muscles only grow when they are exposed to a stimulus that exceeds a certain threshold. This is why weights are gradually increased throughout the course of a workout plan. However, weights not only weigh on the muscles, but also on the joints and bones. If there is already damage, such as joint wear or even inflammation, the weights may even aggravate symptoms.

EMS eliminates this risk: electrical impulses are applied specifically to the muscles, stimulating them to grow without putting strain on the joints or bones.

Benefit 2: EMS accelerates and optimises muscle growth

Our skeletal muscles, also known as striated muscles, consist of white and red muscle fibres, which differ from each other in their properties and functions. Red muscle fibres contract more slowly and are mainly responsible for endurance and strength. They are also called type I fibres. White muscle fibres contract quickly. They belong to the type II fibres, are responsible for strong and explosive movements and have less endurance.

During voluntary muscle contraction, such as during conventional strength training, the body first activates the low-fatigue type I fibres. In this way, the body saves valuable energy. The type II fibres are only activated once a higher muscle load is reached (at least 80% of maximal voluntary contraction).

EMS is different: the electrical impulses also stimulate the type II fibres. This enables the activation of all of the striated muscles – without the user’s intervention and thus independently of the duration of the workout and the user’s fitness level. The greatest effect on the muscles, and thus the best possible success in muscle building, can be achieved when voluntary muscle contraction is combined with the advantages of the EMS method as part of conventional training.

Benefit 3: EMS involves the deep muscles

Structurally and functionally intact muscles are success factors for a healthy back. Well-developed deep muscles are crucial for smooth interaction between back structures and core muscles. This is because it’s the deep, local muscles that provide stabilisation for the spine, joints and intervertebral discs and in turn enable the body’s physiological movements. These muscles are located close to the bone.

Training these deep muscles by consciously tensing them is difficult or even impossible. The electrical impulses, on the other hand, stimulate all skeletal muscles and make them contract, regardless of whether the muscles are large or small, superficial or deep inside the body.

This depth effect makes EMS the ideal method for combating back pain. It’s not without reason that EMS is also successfully used in medicine to eliminate problems such as incontinence, as electrical impulses can be used to specifically strengthen the deep pelvic floor muscles and thus improve pelvic floor function.

Electrical stimulation has been used in sports medicine, physiotherapy and rehabilitation for several decades. The effect of EMS is scientifically recognised. Owing to its outstanding effects on muscle development, EMS is also becoming increasingly popular as a full-body training method.

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