You’ve probably heard a lot about muscle stimulators recently and chances are, you’ve heard TENS being mentioned, as well. They are both commonly advertised machines that you can get easily for home use. But what is the difference between these two treatments? If you aren’t sure about this then you won’t be able to make the best purchase decision.

The main difference between the two is that a muscle stimulator is used to cause muscle contraction, while TENS focuses on nerve stimulation and tries to avoid contracting the muscles. Both use electrical pulses to do their job, but have different purposes.

TENS
The main use of a TENS machine is for pain relief, particularly in the case of chronic pain. It is most often used for joint or muscle pain that won’t go away, but can also be used to help treat nerve problems without resorting to drugs. It isn’t uniformly effective, that is, different people will have different results. For some, TENS electrical pulses interrupt the pain signals so effectively that they are literally without pain. For others, the relief is nearly non-existent, but most commonly, this treatment provides considerable relief from the chronic pain that haunts the user.

On occasion, with medical consent, the TENS can be used at the end of pregnancy, to help alleviate the pains associated with early labor. Since this is only recommended with a doctor’s permission, it’s not a good idea to try this without checking first. TENS can be used for up to 12 hours and consists of two small electrodes that are placed on either side of the area where the pain originates. The higher frequencies tend to block the pain signals, while much lower frequencies will stimulate the body to produce endorphins which naturally reduce pain.

Muscle Stimulation
This is a very similar machine to the TENS, also using two electrodes to send electrical pulses through the body. However, the purpose is quite different. Here, the purpose is to cause the muscles to contract and the reason has nothing to do with pain relief. Muscle stimulation has been found to be an effective method of training the muscles. The electrical impulses mimic those of the brain to tell muscles to move. There are two main reasons to use a muscle stimulator.

Training: Using electrical stimulation for training purposes is very useful. It allows the person to focus on specific muscle groups by choosing the right frequency and will work just those muscles, working them and conditioning them. This is particularly useful for aesthetic purposes.

Medical: When it comes to therapeutic use, electrical pulses can be used to stimulate muscles that are not being used. This can keep them conditioned and prevents atrophying. It’s a useful measure in medical situations.

Both TENS machines and muscle stimulators have their uses, but they are very different in their reasons for being used. If you are looking for an alternative to standard pain relief, then the TENS machine is what you should be looking at. However, for the prevention of atrophied muscles and to define specific muscle groups, the muscle stimulator is the way to go.

Now that you know the difference between these two different types of therapies, you’ll be able to choose the correct one. These machines can be bought for home use and you can safely use them yourself, as long as you follow the directions and take care not to use them if you have heart problems or a pacemaker.

Source: content4reprint.com

In a world where we know body image is less about other peoples perception and more about your perception, electronic muscle stimulators can have a positive effect to supplement a good diet and regular physical activity. Using tiny electric pulses, an electronic muscle stimulator (EMS) tones and firms your muscles giving them that sculpted look you desire.

Electronic muscle stimulators are not a new technology. Professional athletes looking for a competitive edge and body builders looking for that extra sharpness to their physique have been using them for years. However, an EMS device can be of practical use to everyday people who want to keep up a fit form simply from the comfort of their living room or home gym. In particular, people who are physically disabled, in physiotherapy or who just need results to appear quickly can benefit greatly from what an EMS has to offer.

Electronic muscle stimulators do just what their name suggests: they use electrical pulses to stimulate muscles into flexing many times in a small span of time. While an average workout might be able to flex an individual muscle a couple of dozen times in a half hour workout, an EMS can flex that same muscle a few hundred times in the same time span. Moreover, an EMS is capable of targeting very specific muscles and muscles groups that can be difficult to exercise especially without costly workout equipment. The abdominals, for instance, are extremely stubborn muscles that do not always firm up evenly with regular exercises such as sit-ups. An EMS can ensure the abs get a well rounded and thorough workout without complicated positions or expensive specialized exercise machines.

Electronic muscle stimulators are not a cheat or a new fangled quick-fix. They were developed over forty years ago in England for enhanced athletic performance as well as for everyday functions in beauty salons, health spas, hospitals, and physiotherapy clinics. Their use has been permitted by the International Olympic Committee for athletes since the early seventies. Through an array of soft rubber pads, gentle electronic impulses stimulate muscle groups into relaxing and contracting. Most electronic muscle stimulators come with a chart or a guide to the optimal placement of the pads to work out specific muscle groups.

Electronic muscle stimulators are safe for most users. The only people who ought to avoid an EMS are usually not meant to undertake any sort of intensive exercise program anyways such as pregnant women, those with a pace maker or internal metal plates or pins, or those with diabetes or abnormal blood pressure. On the other hand, an EMS can be ideal for a woman who was recently pregnant and wants to quickly reduce the appearance of being pregnant. Since the benefits of using an EMS are usually quicker to appear and easier to achieve than they are through traditional conventional exercises and since an EMS is lightweight, portable, and can be used just about anywhere, it is ideal for recent mothers.

Electronic muscle stimulators are especially useful for injured people who want to speed their healing by reducing the blood flow to the traumatized area and reducing swelling and soreness. In conjunction with regular physiotherapy, electronic muscle stimulators can help to speed the healing process by strengthening weak muscles without putting any strain on joints or requiring an excess of movement as an EMS is effective even when one is in a prone position. More often than not, improvement is visible after even one session. Like any exercise, frequent use is needed to maintain form and tone of the muscles, but frequent exercise has never been easier or more convenient.

Source: add-articles.com

Massage is known to be the best pain relieving mechanisms known to us today. They are completely free of side effects as there are no bitter pills to be swallowed, nor any foul smelling soups to be drunk. Lucrative though massages are it’s not always possible to get a massage therapist when and wherever you need. The solution to this problem is electronic massagers. With the advancements in health care technologies, electronic massagers have improved in both features and ease of use because they have become more compact. Thus you can get rid of your old and bulky massager which is also an electricity hog.
The compactness of new electronic massagers means that you have no need to depend on others to help you with your massage.

Just switch the electronic massager on and use it to get instant pain and stress relief. The new electronic massagers use sophisticated technologies which ensure that you normal body mechanism is bolstered not ruined.
This is done by exercising strict control in striking a balance in the overall flow of energy in your body. Hyper energized sections are repressed and weaker sections are given more stimulation. These are greatly similar to well established schools of acupressure and acupuncture which cure ailments by monitoring and balancing the flow of energy in the body.

The modern day electronic massagers use ultra low frequency waves which can regulate and improve blood circulation in deep muscles are they can penetrate the muscle structure of the body very well and save you the pain of needles of acupuncture. The electronic massagers being self usable are way more value for money as compared to a session of acupuncture or acupressure. You can get relief from pain anywhere and whenever you feel the need.
The power of the electronic massagers is generally derived from batteries which ensure their low weight, portability and independence from power outlets. Ever since their debuts in early 19th century the electronic massagers have helped a lot of people get relief from backaches, joint pains etc.

At the beginning electronic massagers were used to treat hysteria but they have evolved and now electronic massagers are being used to successfully relieve people from backaches, joint pains, chronic back pains eve hypertension and asthma.

It’s easy to buy electronic massagers from the Internet while you are sitting in your chair and the massagers get delivered to you home. It recommended ensuring the credibility and after-sales support of the vendors selling electronic massagers.

Source: add-articles.com

Many of us around the world are facing problems on weights. Most are suffering from excessive weight gain and obesity. Many try to lose weight but struggle to find an effective weight loss method. Unluckily, there is no easy way. One way to lose weight and keep it off is by making permanent lifestyle changes.

Nowadays, about 100 million people or more go on diet every year. But sadly, only 10 to15 percent tend to maintain the weight loss method. We can not deny the fact that many of us have some misunderstandings on what method of diet is healthy and what is not. As the rate of obesity has increased, so has the market for weight-loss products. Let us say, you choose to use an over-the-counter weight loss product or participate in a weight loss program, the bottom line is that you still must eat fewer calories than you burn to lose weight.

When selecting a weight loss product or program, gather as much information as possible. Just one thing, beware of high costs, pressure to buy special foods or pills, and fraudulent claims. There are a lot of risks on that. Some examples of ineffective or useless diet products include: diet patches, magnet diet pills, certain bulk fillers, electrical muscle stimulators, appetite suppressing eyeglasses and magic weight loss earrings.
How do we say that they are ineffective? Diet patches have been removed from the market by the FDA because they were ineffective as diet aid. Magnet diet pills on the other hand allegedly flush fat out of the body which is unhealthy. While certain bulk fillers may cause internal obstruction. Electrical muscle stimulators may remove by the FDA from the market if promoted for weight loss. Appetite suppressing eyeglasses and magic weight loss earrings are said to claim colored lenses project image on retina and decrease appetite and control hunger by stimulating acupuncture points respectively.

There are actually a lot of different kinds of weight loss products that are on sale. They are sold over the counter in various retail outlets such as pharmacies, health food stores, grocery stores and are also available online. Under the right circumstances, some of these may be safe and effective when used as part of a weight management program that promotes a reduced intake of dietary calories and an increase in physical activity. But if you are considering the use of weight loss products, you should be aware of potential risks so you can make informed choices.

Above all these, the best weight loss products come in one: natural diet. It is as simple as eat healthier, watch portion sizes, be responsible and be active.

Source: add-articles.com

Electronic Muscle Stimulation Devices, or EMS devices, create electrical signals that stimulate the nerves. The devices are usually connected to the individual through electrode pads that are adhesive and they are very lightweight and battery-operated, which makes them so portable that they can be used just about anywhere.

Physical therapists and doctors prescribe these devices to reduce or completely avoid muscle atrophy in patients, especially after a surgical procedure or a severe injury. EMS devices are also used in those with paralysis and in anyone who needs to improve their blood circulation, improve their range of motion, or even increase muscle endurance. In addition, EMS devices may be used to relax muscles, re-educate nerves, and also in the management of pain.

As far as the safety of these devices, they are safe as long as they are used as directed. The medical community has used them for years for many of the reasons that were described above. EMS devices are regulated by the FDA, which means they regulate the sale of the many different kinds of EMS devices within the United States. This means that those companies who manufacture EMS devices must comply with regulations set forth by the FDA before they can ever sell their device. Their use is mainly meant for rehabilitation and other medical purposes, however there are bodybuilders using them all of the time to aid in the toning of muscles.

It is very important that the device meets FDA requirements. Doctors may choose to use these devices on children for medical reasons as will sports coaches and chiropractors. However, EMS devices shouldn’t be used on children before their mid to late teens unless there is a good medical reason for it. Children are growing and they usually get the necessary exercise to ensure they grow properly. For those who are paralyzed or have encountered a severe injury, a doctor may choose to go ahead with the use of an EMS device, but caution must be taken when doing so.

However, if an EMS device is being used that has not met the requirements of the FDA; it is illegal because that means it could be potentially hazardous. Anyone of any age, with the exception of young children and those in their early teens, can use an EMS device, but it is very important that it is ensured that the device is approved by the FDA.

Nevertheless, for those looking to achieve “six-pack” abs with these devices, that is an unreasonable expectation. EMS devices simply make the muscles contract, which will stimulate the muscles, but the stimulation will not go as far as providing someone with abs that are normally a result of working out at a gym. If the intent behind using these devices is for strengthening and toning, the best results are achieved by combining the EMS device with diet and exercise. Experienced bodybuilders realize this and will still use an EMS device to increase their endurance and their range of motion to avoid injury when enjoying their sport. The electric pulses helps in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscle cells through improved circulation and various toxins are removed from the body as a result.

Despite these health advantages, again, it is not a good idea to use these devices on children unless a doctor deems it necessary for such conditions as paralysis. Furthermore, instructions from the FDA will state that EMS devices should not be used on children and should be used according to their intended use. If used otherwise, the person using the EMS device risks severe injury that could cost them in the long-run.

Source: add-articles.com

Electronic muscle stimulators, also known as EMS devices, are machines that aid people in toning their muscles. These types of machines can help an individual keep their body toned, in shape and according to some, enable them to lose weight. They are also used by physical therapists and health care professionals for the relief of minor joint pains, muscle aches and stress. For individuals who suffer from partial to full paralysis or have hard time moving, electronic muscle stimulation via these machines can also keep their muscles from atrophying.

Outside of rehabilitation, some body builders and athletes claim that EMS devices can help build muscle mass.

There is some debate as to if these electronic muscle stimulators are actually effective in helping maintain the shape and contours of the human body. Enthusiasts say that EMS devices definitely work and are the perfect compliment to an intensive workout. Others say that while electronic muscle stimulators can help strengthen muscles, it won’t give true muscle definition.

FDA regulation

The FDA technically recognizes electronic muscle stimulators as a “device” with therapeutic and cosmetic implications. While some mainstream consumer varieties of muscle stimulators exist, many high end EMS devices are used by therapists to keep muscles from atrophying after severe injury. Due to FDA regulations, companies that choose to sell these machines to the public at large have to prove their reliability and usefulness.

Overall Health and Safety

There is no shortage of online companies that will sell products that provide electronic muscle stimulation. Many such companies claim that they are the epitome of electronic muscle stimulators, but beware; the wrong type of device can be potentially dangerous. Some people have experienced pain, irritation, bruising, burns and shocks — electrocution has even been sited. This is why it is extremely important to make sure that the EMS device you are investigating is FDA approved. The FDA works hard to ensure that these items are highly functional and won’t harm the consumer.

What to look for in quality EMS devices

Although electronic muscle stimulation is often used by doctors and medical practitioners to increase blood circulation, reputable online and offline businesses can and do supply electronic muscle stimulators to the general public. More often than not, body builders and athletes seek to supplement their workout with consumer grade EMS devices.

When looking for an electronic muscle stimulator, they seek one with versatility and enough voltage to really aid with muscle growth. They can also use the EMS devices to help treat sore or injured areas of the body.

Quality EMS devices would also be cost effective without risking the health or well being of an individual because of cut corners.

Top EMS machines go for $60-$150 dollars consumer grade and come with electrodes.

Worth the expense

The money spent for an EMS really depends on what you want to accomplish. People who seek to enhance their physiques may find it a helpful compliment to physical exercise. If however, you have had a serious injury and wish to use the device for therapeutic reasons, you should consult with a certified health care professional before use.

A rehabilitation specialist will have access to better grade of equipment and can advise you on other things you can do to better your condition. An EMS device may not be the cure all weight loss item, but its wonderful applications in regards to pain management, stress reduction and muscle improvement make it a most noteworthy investment.

Just remember that the device delivers electronic currents and if mishandled can cause harm, even if it is FDA assured. Use common sense and take due precautions when utilizing this, or any other type of medical device, in the pursuit of health and wellness.

Source: ezinearticles.com

If you are looking for a way to reduce the pain you feel from a sports injury when you are working out, consider investing in a TENS unit. These devices can help you control your pain so that you can get the most out of your workout. TENS units are widely used in the physical therapy field to help patients control their pain while they rehabilitate their muscles. With the proper training, you can benefit from this same technology at home or at your favorite gym.
What Is a TENS Unit?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A TENS unit uses electrical shocks to block pain signals that are being sent to the brain. It can also stimulate the body to create endorphins, which can increase the body’s ability to perform physical exercise.
How TENS Units Work
TENS units come with small electrode pads that already have gel on them. These are placed on the area that is experiencing pain. The small electrical shock delivered by the device will trigger the nerves in the area. Most users will feel a tingling sensation when they turn the device on. This can block the signal of pain to the brain when used at high dosages. Lower dosages are what trigger endorphin creation.
Who Can Use TENS Units?
Anyone can use a TENS unit with the proper training. However, since these do involve the use of electrical current, you should not use them without medical oversight. If you are recovering from a sports related injury, however, consider asking your physical therapist if you can be trained to use a TENS unit as you return to your sports training program. The device is going to be the most effective for athletes who are suffering from pain due to nerve damage. The common aches and pains that come from a rigorous workout are not what this device is intended to help.
Some people should not use a TENS unit, however. Children should not use the device, as its safety on growing bodies has not yet been tested. Any people with pacemakers or other similar electrical devices inside their bodies should never use a TENS unit. It can interfere with the proper functioning of the device, which can be life threatening.
Safety Concerns When Using a TENS Unit
TENS units are considered safe when used properly. However, there are certain places on the body where they should not be used. The electrodes should never be placed near the eyes or mouth. They also should not be placed on the temples. In fact, it is best not to use them on the face at all, as they could easily be placed too close to one of these sensitive areas.
The front of the neck is another place that the device should not be used. If you have any open wounds, do not put the electrode on them. Never place the device over the belly of a pregnant woman. In fact, pregnant women should not use a TENS device without first consulting with their obstetrician.
Once you have been trained by your doctor or physical therapist as to the best way to use the TENS device in your training program, make sure you resist the temptation to turn the frequency up too high. Remember, there is a limit to the pain relief you can experience with at TENS unit. Putting the frequency too high will actually cause you to have more pain. If you notice your muscles contracting near the electrodes, it is set too high. Otherwise, as long as you are properly trained and have followed these safety rules, you can use a TENS unit to reduce the pain from a past injury as you continue your workout routine.

Source: ezinearticles.com

An ultrasound machine uses high frequency sound waves and their resulting echoes to help determine the size, shape and depth of an abnormality. It allow various organs in the body to be examined right in the doctor’s office or clinic.
A basic ultrasound machine has the following parts:

* The Display - it is the most recognizable part of any unit. As the operator manipulates the transducer probe (we’ll talk about that next), it send out and receives data that is processed by the CPU and it’s software. That data is translated into visual information that displayed on the monitor or display. The clarity of the images depends on the age and resolution of the display.
* Transducer Probe - The probe is the eyes and ears of the ultrasound. The probe sends sound waves into the patient and receives the reflected vibrations. As the vibrations travel into the patient, they bounce back at different intervals depending on what the bounce off of. The transducer probe collects this information and moves it along to the CPU.
* Central Processing Unit (CPU) - The CPU is a computer that uses specialized software that interprets the sound waves that are returned to the transducer probe. It translated the data into an image or a series of images, allowing doctors and technicians to view the affected body part or parts.
* The Keyboard - Since it is a specialized computer, ultrasound machines have a keyboard much like a regular computer. It allows the operator to enter patient information or particular findings during the procedure.
* Hard Drive Storage - Like a regular computer, an ultrasound is capable of storing information for later retrieval. The information can be stored on the internal hard drive or on a CD or a DVD. the information can also be stored digitally and uploaded to the internet, so that it can be accessed from the office or anywhere you have an Internet connection.
* Printer - During the ultrasound procedure, the operator can print images for later study or that can be taken home by the patient, usually by expecting parents.
* Video Recorder - some ultrasound have the capability to record the procedure as it happens. This type of  recorder is specifically designed for medical applications. Its digital frame memory provides a noiseless, crystal clear “freeze” and is fully compatible with other S-VHS (or VHS) tape recordings. Like the printer, it allows expecting parents to take home a record of the development of their child.
Depending on the make and model of the ultrasound, there may be additional parts or options. Some suppliers offer options, like an endovaginal and endorectal transducers, that offer higher resolution than that of a traditional abdominal transducer. Because they can produce a scan close to the affected area, they can produce more accurate results. More features have been added to smaller, portable ultrasound machines, making them a versatile, powerful, lower-cost alternative for many doctors and clinics.
We should also mention the most important part of an ultrasound machine: the operator or sonographer. Sonographers are medical professionals who perform ultrasonic scans for diagnostic purposes. At times, the doctor and the sonographer are one in the same. The accuracy of the ultrasound exam and it’s results are dependent on the operator’s education, training, skill and experience. The more accurate the information from the exam, the more accurate the doctor’s diagnosis can be. The best ultrasound equipment that money can buy isn’t of much use unless you have the best qualified people operating it.
Do you have questions about a part of your ultrasound machine? Wave Imaging Solutions is a great place to turn to for questions and answers.
We are an OEM certified remanufacturer of used ultrasound equipment with cross-trained service professionals that are certified in multi-vendor capacities.
By adding the value of EOM Certification to our used ultrasound machines, our clients benefits from a very dependable ultrasound machine at a fraction of the price of a new one.

Source: ezinearticles.com

The history of Electronic Muscle Stimulators is quite interesting because it goes all the way back to 2500B.C. which was the time of the Egyptian Fifth Dynasty. Although electricity as we know it was thousands of years from existence, the Egyptians discovered an electric fish that could be used in the treatment of pain. It wasn’t until 1965 when “Pain Mechanism: A New Theory,” a paper by Melzack and Wall that was written after a tremendous amount of research, revealed the benefits of electricity used as therapy to the people of today.
It was in the 1970s that Electronic Muscle Stimulators (EMS) found their place in salons. Over twenty years later in the early 1990s, units used in home treatment gained popularity. It was in the mid-1990s that wearable units gained popularity. They are worn like a belt with electrodes that connect to the skin with adhesive pads. Other Electronic Muscle Stimulators come in the form of shorts made of neoprene and other clothing items such as shirts. Since these variations of EMS devices were created, there has been a large growth in the EMS market. Most of the items are acquired by mail order and now come in different colors and prints such as leopard, cow print, and even zebra stripes. This is so the devices will appeal to some of the younger customers.
However, with the growing popularity of these devices, the FDA had to step in to regulate them as far as what reasons they should be used. In the 1970’s when EMS devices were popular in salons, a device called the Relaxacisor, which was a vest that administered high voltage shocks, was developed. The FDA had to step in and notify post offices to look for these mail order devices because the vest was a hazard. Other reasons why the FDA had to step in were, first of all, that EMS devices are not recommended for young children and those in their early teens. The more appealing styles and prints that have come out in the last decade are for those in their mid teens to their early to mid twenties. Children do not need to be using these devices for the reasons in which many people use them for, which is bodybuilding. Children are growing and usually get adequate exercise from running and playing. What the EMS devices do is help strengthen, tone, and build muscular endurance.
But since the inception of EMS devices, doctors have used them for a variety of reasons. They are especially helpful in those who are paralyzed, in pain relief, and improving blood flow in those with poor circulation. Chiropractors also use them on back injuries in order to relax the muscles, which results in faster healing times for patients.
As the use of Electronic Muscle Stimulation devices has increased, other variations of them have hit the market for those using them during intense sport training. They are available in different strengths such as maximum strength that feels comparable to weight training, endurance and recovery that decreases the chances of delayed onset of muscle soreness, and explosive strength that is used for those participating in sports that involve fast movements.
It is obvious that EMS devices have come a long way from the days of the Egyptians using an electric fish to relieve pain to the 1960’s discovery that EMS devices were great for medical uses. Since then, bodybuilders have found beneficial uses that help them in their weight training and more and more people are benefiting from the low voltage shocks of EMS devices to relieve ailments and to help strengthen and tone their bodies.

Source: ezinearticles.com

Cherry Hill, NJ (WiredPRNews.com) –  The “LG-8TM” 8 Electrode TENS Muscle Stimulator Combo Unit offers patients a Stronger 100mA then any other 8 Electrode Portable Unit on the market.

It is very similar to LGMedSupply’s top seller, the LG-TEC Dual Combo Unit. The main difference between the LG-TEC Dual Combo and the LG-8TM Dual Combo is is that the LG-8TM is a 4 Channel, 8 Electrode TENS / Muscle Stimulator Machine has 8 Electrode Pads instead of four, providing patients with better and more coverage. The LG-8TM 5 Adjustable Modes of TENS, and 3 Modes of Muscle Stimulation. The LG-8TM 8 Electrode Combo Unit also comes with an AC Power Supply so patients can now use at home or travel.

The LG-8TM 8 Electrode TENS / Muscle Stimulator has a long battery life and uses 4 AA Batteries. The LG-8TM is very portable as well and comes with a sturdy metal belt clip. It also comes with a Timer and Patient Compliance Meter. The LG-8TM weighs only 425 grams.

The LG-8TM 8 Electrode Combo Unit consists of 2 Great Synergistic Patient Therapies in One:

1. A TENS Unit to Reduce and Eliminate Pain

2. A Muscle Stimulator to Stimulate, Re-educate, Massage, and Build Muscle.

The LG-8TM will help patients relieve pain effectively, as well as build, re-educate muscle, and increase blood circulation.

How it works: The LG-8TM is a battery operated pulse generator that sends electrical impulses electrodes to the body and reach the nerves and underlying muscle group. The device is provided with two controllable output channels, each independent of each other. The intensity controls are protected by a cap to avoid accidental touch. The settings are controlled by push buttons.

LGMedSupply (www.LGMedSupply.com)
PO Box 913
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

Tags: back pain, electrical impulses, electrode pads, Health, Health News, lgmedsupply, muscle pain, muscle stimulator muscle building, muscle toning, pain, pain relief, portable tens machine, pulse generator, tens machine, tens unit