Dangers of Muscle Stimulators
Dangers of Muscle Stimulators
By: Marylin Salgado
Whole Body or Electrical Body Stimulation has become very popular and an alternative to physical training. Much like the nervous system, muscle stimulators send an electrical impulse to cause the muscle to contract. If used properly, these stimulators can be very safe. Muscle stimulators must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration before they are mass produced and place on the retail floor.
Unfortunately, just like any product approved by the FDA, muscle stimulators come with its risks. This blog will primarily discuss the risks associated with muscle stimulators, including interference with implanted medical devices, burns, muscle tears, and skin irritation.
- Implanted Medical Devices – If you have an implanted pacemaker, regardless of your age, use of a Muscle Stimulator can prove to be dangerous. Many of these implanted pacers are developed to work around many other electrical devices. Sometimes, there may be an electrical interference making your pacer think your body is sending it a signal that your heart either needs a change of rate or that your heart actually needs a shock. Regular exercise has been recommended as the best option for people with heart failure.
- Burns – A large delivery of electricity over a small area or muscle, can cause a burn. If you feel pain or any type of discomfort, pay attention to these signs, remove the electrode and check the skin. A tingling sensation may be ok. Any type of discomfort isn’t. Any type of electrode burn should by assessed by your physician.
- Muscle Tears – If you have an untrained muscle and turn up the stimulation too high, you can actually tear the muscle. If you have a pre-existing muscle injury, high loads of stimulation can actually cause a new tear or bruising. If you are not sure what proper parameters should be used, call the manufacturer or speak to a physician or physical therapist on the proper use of the unit. Many physical therapist use TENS units which are very similar to electrical muscle stimulators. For those who have suffered from Rhabdomyolysis, or don’t wish to suffer from it, using excessive amounts of electrical stimulation can cause an episode of this life-threatening condition. For those of you interested in learning more, please look for my Rhabdo blog on our website.
- Skin Irritation – Irritation can occur if you suffer an allergic reaction to the electrode adhesive or the electrical current itself. It is recommended you apply the electrode on clean and dry skin. If you have recently shaved your skin, the newly exposed skin may have higher sensitivity to the electrodes. Further irritation should be assessed by your physician.
Why not Natural Bodybuilding?
The best option to build muscle and build muscle fast is by taking supplements and working out to build muscle over time. Muscle stimulators are a quick and dangerous alternative. It keeps your ass on the couch, which does not help build your cardiac and respiratory system. Adding cardio to a weight training workout is ideal and the best option to a healthier and leaner body.
I have written other blogs on the importance of implementing a cardio workout to your routine. Most weight lifting athletes who drop from heart attacks have excelled their weight lifting abilities by adding too much weight to the lift, exceeding their cardio load and increasing stress on the heart. Most of this is due to the lack of building strong cardiac and respiratory systems. They could have saved their own lives by adding a cardio workout to their routine for 30 to 45 minutes before lifting or at least 3 to 4 days a week.
Please visit our website for all of our muscle building products, build your own stacks, or purchase one of our stacks to start your body building program. Remember, patience is key. Change does not happen overnight.
This platform is meant to educate Tokkyo Nutrition consumers with the information needed to help you stay mentally and physically healthy. Please consult your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise program.
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