Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) makes a muscle contract using a weak electric current, delivered through electrodes on the skin. It is used when a muscle has weakened and doesn’t switch on well by itself: after surgery, after a long time immobilised in a cast, or because of a trapped nerve. EMS helps to “wake up” the muscles, but it doesn’t replace exercise. That is why Kaloyan combines the two.
What to expect
Kaloyan places a few adhesive electrodes on the skin over the muscle and gradually increases the current. First you feel tingling, then the muscle begins to contract by itself. Kaloyan chooses the pulse frequency according to the type of damage and the area, and sets the intensity so that the contraction is clear but not unpleasant. He will often ask you to tighten the muscle along with the current, because the effect is better that way.
The treatment doesn’t hurt. Afterwards the muscle may feel slightly tired, as it does after a workout. It is usually done every few days as part of rehabilitation, until the muscle starts to work well enough on its own.
What it helps with
- A weak quadriceps (the muscle at the front of the thigh) after knee surgery
- Muscle wasting (atrophy) after a cast or a long time in bed
- Muscle weakness caused by a trapped nerve, for example with a herniated disc
- A muscle weakened by nerve damage, for example a “drop foot” (peroneal nerve palsy) or a drooping half of the face (facial nerve palsy)
- Difficulty switching on the muscles around the shoulder or knee because of pain
- Keeping the muscles working when you can’t put load on them yet
Who it’s for
- After surgery, your muscle “doesn’t listen” and you can’t tighten it.
- Your leg or arm has weakened after weeks in a cast.
- You have muscle weakness caused by a nerve problem, and your doctor has recommended stimulation.
When it isn’t suitable
- You have a pacemaker or another implanted electronic device.
- You are pregnant, if the area is the abdomen or lower back.
- You have a blood clot (thrombosis) in the area, or a heart condition with an irregular rhythm.
- You have cancer in the area, or a wound or irritated skin under the electrodes.
- You have epilepsy. Tell Kaloyan before the treatment.
