Is an EMS machine harmful?
Safe application of stimulation current with an EMS machine
A great advantage of an EMS machine is its flexibility. You can take it with you anywhere, for example to train in the fresh air in sunny weather, or use it comfortably at home. For many people, however, the question arises whether the muscle training through electrical muscle stimulation can also be dangerous. This is especially true for people who are not already familiar with an EMS machine from its use by their physiotherapist or who have not yet had any contact with electrical muscle stimulation at all.
We at axion would like to provide you with all the information you need to use our devices safely and successfully. This includes not only an explanation of how an EMS machine works, but also a description of the quality standards, contraindications and possible side effects.
If you have any further questions about EMS applications or our EMS machine, you can contact our trained medical product experts at +49 7152 - 353 911 - 0 or by email at service@axion.shop.
Our EMS machine and electrode pads recommendation
The advantages of EMS
Contraindications
EMS is considered a particularly low side-effect training method, which additionally even protects the joints. The feeling of the electrical impulses can be unpleasant for some people, but most users describe the application as a pleasant tingling sensation. For people with an allergy to adhesives, the electrodes may cause skin irritation and redness, in which case you should stop using EMS. Otherwise, there are no side effects if used correctly. Nevertheless, the following should be observed if you have decided to train your muscles with EMS.
Our EMS machine and electrode pads recommendation
High quality standards for safe use with an EMS machine
To ensure that your safety is the top priority during use, our EMS device and also the electrodes have been tested in accordance with the Medical Device Directive MDD (93/42/EEC)[1]. Without this certification, the medical devices would not be allowed to be sold within the EU. It lists a number of requirements that must be fulfilled. If you are interested, you can read the complete directive, you will find the link in the references. Precisely because an EMS device emits electricity to the body, many people have concerns during or before use. This is perfectly natural, because when choosing an EMS device, quality and safety should definitely be in the foreground. For a certified medical device, safety is given a high priority when delivering current (energy), the related section can be found in paragraph 12.8 (Protection against risks resulting from the delivery of energy or substances to the patient). Since May 2021, this directive has been superseded by MDR 2017/745, where you will find the following paragraph under 21.1[2].
12.8.1
Devices for supplying the patient with energy or substances must be designed and constructed in such a way that the flow-rate can be set and maintained accurately enough to guarantee the safety of the patient and of the user.
In addition, our medical products are certified according to ISO standard 13485:2016/NS-EN ISO 13485:2016, which contains requirements for the manufacture and sale of medical products.[3].
At axion, you can be sure that training with an EMS muscle stimulator is completely safe when used correctly. On our EMS training overview page you will find both the correct electrode placement and the programme recommendation for your application. Please note the contraindications to using an EMS machine in the following section.
Please note
There are also a few circumstances where you shouldn't use an EMS machine:
- Heart diseases or cardiac arrhythmia
- Cardiac pacemakers
- Open wounds
- Pregnancy
- Tumors
- Implants
- Epilepsy
The electrode pads must not be placed above the heart, on the larynx or the carotid artery. We composed the correct electrode pad placement for every application for you. For example, if you want to train the chest, be careful not to place the EMS electrodes over the heart.
When using for the training of the chest muscles, do not place the 5x5 cm electrode pads directly over the heart, but as shown in the photo.
Our axion EMS world
We will be happy to advise you!
You still have questions about working out with EMS? Our expert advisors are there for you!
Studies and scientific sources
[1] COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 93/42/EEC of 14 June 1993 concerning medical devices (1993). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:31993L0042&from=DE
[2] REGULATION (EU) 2017/745 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 5 April 2017 on medical devices (2017). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32017R0745&from=DE
[3] Wikipedia (2006, 12. August). ISO 13485. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_13485