Buying guide for Best muscle stimulators
Muscle stimulators aren't magic bullets that develop strength and encourage muscle growth, they are medical devices best used for rehabilitation and pain management. There are two types of muscle stimulators – an EMS helps rehabilitate muscles while a TENS unit can block pain. Coincidentally, the features that make each type the best are very similar.
You will want a unit that gives you control over the pulse strength so you can have the greatest comfort and maximum effectiveness. A display screen, multiple channels, and automated therapy programs are all recommended. A button lock that keeps you from changing any of the settings during treatment is highly desirable.
If you read on, you will discover why the FDA regulates muscle stimulators and learn about some of the risks involved in using this type of device.
How muscle stimulators work
A muscle stimulator is a machine, handheld or larger, with connected electrodes. Larger machines typically exist only in doctor’s offices and therapy clinics. For use at home, handheld devices provide the most common type of muscle stimulation.
Every muscle stimulator includes a series of electrodes that are connected to the unit via thin wires. To use a muscle stimulator, you attach the electrodes to your skin with adhesive pads and power on the machine.
The machine delivers electrical impulses through the electrodes. These pulses attempt to mimic the body’s nervous system, telling the muscles under the electrodes to contract. Once the electrical pulse stops, the muscles relax.
Some muscle stimulators come with pre-programmed therapy plans. When these programs are offered, we note them in our research.
We assess how well a muscle stimulator’s button lock feature works. A button lock will stop all other buttons from working (except the power button).
We consider whether a muscle stimulator has one or two channels. Having more than one channel will provide you with different pulse levels, which can enhance results.
We consider how many pulse levels a muscle stimulator has to determine how versatile it is for different types of injuries and pain.
We assess how long a muscle stimulator’s battery lasts to determine how often you’d need to charge it.
Some of the muscle stimulators we consider have timers. You set the timer for your desired amount of time, and the machine turns off automatically after treatment.
We consider muscle stimulators that are FDA regulated to ensure the machines are safe for at-home therapy.
We assess how easy a muscle stimulator is to set up by reading the instructions that come with it.
We look at whether a muscle stimulator has an LCD screen, and if it does, we find out what data is displayed on it.
Some muscle stimulators also stimulate the nerves. Before recommending a product, we find out whether it offers this dual functionality.
Do muscle stimulators actually work?
The question of whether muscle stimulators actually accomplish what they’re designed to do is debated among scientists. Ultimately, the outcome of muscle stimulator usage depends on what you want to achieve with the machine.
Little to no benefit
Naysayers argue that muscle stimulators don’t actually offer any significant help. They suggest that some people may experience success in one or two of these areas but not in all of them.
Our advice: use your muscle stimulator in a proper manner, as outlined above, for a better chance of success.
Muscle stimulator benefits
Some people who use muscle stimulators report pain relief and a reprieve from muscle and joint soreness after workouts, and some people say their muscles work more efficiently through daily use of muscle stimulators, which tone their muscles.
With a doctor’s prescription, a muscle stimulator could potentially speed the healing of joint injuries. In fact, some doctors use a muscle-stimulating device to prevent atrophy in the muscles of immobilized patients. And doctors who treat stroke victims sometimes use muscle stimulators to promote muscle retraining.
Additionally, doctors sometimes use muscle stimulators to treat patients with muscle spasms. Some doctors believe muscle stimulators work to speed recovery for surgery patients, too.
Muscle growth
Scientists tend to agree on one thing regarding muscle stimulators: they don’t cause muscle growth. Even though the claim of muscle growth remains popular in some EMS advertisements, scientific data refute such claims.
Personal preference
Ultimately, the individual must decide whether this device helps in any way. In other words, using a muscle stimulator is an issue of personal preference. Your doctor may be able to help you determine if an at-home muscle stimulator is right for you.
Muscle stimulator features
Notable features of at-home muscle stimulator devices include the following.
Automatic therapy programs
Some muscle stimulators come with pre-programmed therapy plans. These therapy programs offer a great way to handle certain treatment situations with minimal effort on your part.
Button lock
A button lock prevents changes to the pulse strength that could result from inadvertently pressing buttons. The power button continues to work in case you need an emergency shut-off, though.
Expert TIp
Store TENS patches in a cool dry place far from excessive heat and humidness to increase their life.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
LCD screen
Some muscle stimulators include an LCD screen that displays data about the device’s settings. Having feedback available about the device simplifies operation for the user.
Multiple channels
Some muscle stimulators include two channels that deliver two separate levels of pulses. Having the ability to deliver different pulse strengths may enhance your results.
Testing muscle stimulators
After spending nearly 11 hours researching over 100 muscle stimulators we purchased our top pick and tested in the BestReviews lab.
STAFF
BestReviews
Power options
At-home muscle stimulators run from battery power. As such, they’re easy to take anywhere.
Some also provide the ability to connect to a wall outlet. This versatility increases a the product’s overall value.
Pulse strength
Most muscle stimulators allow you to adjust the level of the pulse. After all, you may feel like you need a stronger pulse on some days than other.
Treatment timer
Your muscle stimulator should have a timer that allows you to select the number of minutes you wish to receive treatment. Once the simulator reaches the designated time, it shuts off automatically.
Hands on: muscle stimulators
Why does the FDA regulate muscle stimulators?
Consumers who question the safety of muscle stimulators take comfort in knowing that the FDA regulates these devices. By offering muscle stimulator regulation, the FDA forces manufacturers to prove the safety of their products..
The FDA regulates muscle stimulators that doctors and physical therapists use in their offices. This regulation ensures that use of the machines remains safe for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
The FDA also ensures that at-home muscle stimulators work safely for consumers. FDA regulation reduces the chance of potential problems, such as burns and shocks, by mandating safer components and proper instructions.
The FDA also regulates the claims that manufacturers can make when advertising muscle stimulators in the U.S. Sellers can legally discuss pain relief, muscle toning/firming, and physical therapy benefits of these machines. However, they cannot legally claim weight loss benefits or muscle gain when advertising their products.
Notably, some EMS devices available for sale don’t meet FDA regulations. These devices pose safety hazards, as described in the next section.
We encourage potential buyers to buy only FDA-approved muscle stimulators from reputable retailers and manufacturers.
Dangers of muscle stimulators
As mentioned above, ensuring the safety of the construction of muscle stimulators falls under FDA regulation. Choosing to use a device that fails to meet FDA regulations could lead to numerous problems and dangers.
If applied or operated improperly, even an FDA-approved device could cause skin irritation, burns, or pain. Some people suffer adverse reactions to the adhesive used on the electrode pads, too.
Although some people believe muscle stimulators promote muscle growth, no scientific evidence exists to support that claim. These are great for temporary relief, but should not be used as a cure.
Beyond the omission of FDA regulation, here are some other red flags to watch out for.
Inferior cables
All included cables and electrodes must follow electrical safety standards. Poor-quality cables could cause inadvertent shocks.
Corrosion in the battery compartment
People who wear these devices for extended periods of time potentially introduce moisture (through sweat) into the battery compartment. This causes corrosion and potential failure of the device.
Interference with other devices
Occasionally, a non-regulated muscle stimulator causes interference with medical devices, such as pacemakers. This is not a safe situation.
Expert Tip
Make sure your skin is clean, dry, and free from oil and lotion before placing the electrode pads on your skin.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
Tips for success
To make the most of your muscle stimulator, you must set up the device properly. Follow these tips.
Read the directions
Applying the electrodes in the right locations and using the proper settings will give you better results. Make sure you read and understand the machine’s instructions before using it.
Limit the number of muscles you target
Don’t try to use a wide range of electrodes to target multiple muscle groups. Keep the location of muscle stimulator electrodes simple. Target one muscle group at a time.
Only stimulate one arm at a time
To receive the strongest electrode signals, focus on only one arm or leg at a time.
Expert Tip
Stay hydrated before, during, and after your treatment. Electronic stimulation can cause your body to unleash endorphins (your body’s natural pain reliever) and staying hydrated can help maintain good levels of those beneficial chemicals in your body.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
Muscle stimulator prices
How much should you expect to pay for an at-home muscle stimulator?
$30 or less
Low-end muscle stimulators generally carry a price tag of $30 or less. These devices offer fewer settings and lower overall power pulses than more expensive units.
$70 to $100
An at-home machine with a price point around $70 to $100 may offer both TENS and EMS capabilities.
Over $100
The large machines found in medical offices cost a lot more than at-home machines. They offer plenty of power to perform the therapy the doctor prescribes.
Muscle stimulator FAQ
Q. Which companies create the best muscle stimulators on the market?
A. Some of the best brand names in muscle stimulators include AccuRelief, ChoiceMed, Compex, iReliev, Pure Enrichment, Santamedical, and United Surgical. When choosing a device, we recommend that you stick to a well-known brand.
Q. Why don’t muscle stimulators create muscle growth?
A. Muscle growth occurs through the tearing of muscle fibers. When the body repairs those muscles, they grow. A muscle stimulator alone doesn’t break down the muscle fibers as does weightlifting. Additionally, no range of motion exists when using a muscle stimulator. The range of movement involved in lifting weights aids muscle growth.
Q. How does a muscle stimulator reduce pain?
A. Several theories exist as to why and how these devices reduce pain for some people. For those with sore muscles, the act of contracting and relaxing the muscles repeatedly loosens muscle tissue. Another theory says the electrical pulses block nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. Perhaps the muscle stimulation causes the brain to release endorphins as it does during exercise. In this theory, the brain reads the muscle contractions and relaxations as exercise.
