High-intensity electromagnetic muscle stimulation

High-intensity electromagnetic muscle stimulation is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses electromagnetic fields to provoke very intense muscle contractions, impossible to reproduce voluntarily during physical exercise.

The objective is to strengthen the musculature, improve muscle tone and contribute to body remodelling. Depending on the treated area and the state of the patient, it can also be part of functional rehabilitation programmes.

It does not replace physical exercise or a healthy diet, but acts as a complement within an integral approach.

The device generates high-intensity electromagnetic fields that directly stimulate the motor nerves. As a consequence, thousands of supramaximal contractions are produced during a single session. These contractions favour:

• Muscle strengthening.
• The increase of muscle tone.
• The improvement of resistance.
• The physiological adaptation of the muscle.
• A greater local energy expenditure.

In some patients it can also contribute to partially reduce localised fat as a consequence of the high metabolic demand generated by the muscle, although its main objective is muscle strengthening.

It can be part of the treatment of:

• Loss of muscle tone.
• Weakness of the abdominal musculature.
• Body remodelling.
• Recovery of the musculature after certain periods of inactivity.
• Complement of physical exercise programmes.
• Some pelvic floor strengthening programmes with equipment specifically designed for it.

The indication will always depend on a medical assessment.

Depending on the available equipment, it can be used in:

• Abdomen.
• Buttocks.
• Arms.
• Thighs.
• Calves.
• Pelvic floor, with specific devices.

Each area requires an adapted protocol.

It may be indicated in people who:

• Wish to improve muscle tone.
• Seek to define certain body areas.
• Present mild loss of muscle mass.
• Want to complement an exercise programme.
• Wish to improve trunk stability through abdominal strengthening.

It is not designed to replace physical training or the treatment of muscular diseases.

The patient remains lying down or seated while the applicator is placed over the area to be treated.

During the session, intense and repeated muscle contractions are produced, completely controlled by the equipment. The intensity is adjusted progressively according to the tolerance of the patient.

Each session usually lasts approximately 30 minutes.

No recovery period is usually necessary. It is normal to present:

• A sensation of having performed intense exercise.
• Slight muscle fatigue.
• Small discomfort similar to muscle soreness.
• Muscle sensitivity for one or two days.

Most patients can immediately continue with their usual activity.

The improvement usually appears progressively. After several sessions many patients observe:

• Greater muscle firmness.
• Better body definition.
• Increase of muscle tone.
• A greater sensation of strength.

The results continue to evolve during the following weeks.

The duration depends on:

• The usual physical activity.
• The diet.
• Body weight.
• The subsequent maintenance.

Without exercise and healthy habits, the benefits will progressively decrease over time.

Electromagnetic muscle stimulation makes it possible to:

• Strengthen the musculature.
• Improve muscle tone.
• Favour body definition.
• Complement physical training.
• Perform a completely non-invasive treatment.
• It does not require anaesthesia or recovery time.

It is generally a very well-tolerated procedure. There may appear:

• Muscle fatigue.
• Discomfort similar to muscle soreness.
• Temporary sensitivity.
• Slight redness in the support area.

Complications are infrequent when the contraindications are respected.

It may be contraindicated in people with:

• A pacemaker or other implanted electronic devices.
• Some metallic implants located near the treated area.
• Pregnancy.
• Certain neuromuscular diseases.
• Other situations that the doctor will assess during the consultation.

It is generally recommended to:

• Maintain a good hydration.
• Continue performing physical exercise.
• Follow a balanced diet.
• Respect the protocol of sessions indicated by the doctor.

It usually does not require special care.

Yes. It can be integrated into personalised programmes together with:

• Cryolipolysis.
• Radiofrequency.
• Nutritional programmes.
• Supervised physical exercise.
• Body remodelling treatments.

The combination will depend on the objectives of the patient.

It is advisable to request a medical assessment if:

• You wish to improve muscle tone.
• You seek to define certain areas of the body.
• You want to complement a training programme.
• You wish to know if this treatment is appropriate for you.

• Myth: It is equivalent to doing physical exercise. Fact: No. It is a complement, but it does not replace regular physical activity.
• Myth: It serves to lose weight. Fact: Its main objective is to strengthen the musculature and improve the body contour, not to treat overweight.
• Myth: The results appear after a single session. Fact: A progressive improvement is generally obtained after completing the recommended protocol.
• Myth: It produces painful electric shocks. Fact: The treatment uses electromagnetic fields and is usually well tolerated, although the muscle contractions are intense.
• Myth: The results are permanent. Fact: To maintain them it is necessary to continue with physical exercise and healthy habits.

• High-intensity electromagnetic muscle stimulation strengthens the musculature by means of electromagnetic fields.
• It produces supramaximal contractions impossible to achieve voluntarily.
• It improves muscle tone and definition without surgery or recovery time.
• It does not replace physical exercise or a balanced diet.
• It can be combined with other body remodelling treatments.
• The medical assessment is essential to confirm that the treatment is indicated and to rule out contraindications.