Does anyone use an electo muscle stimulator

[hibbygb]

Does anyone use an Electro muscle stimulator (EMS)

I've been considering the expense of an electro muscle stimulator (EMS) like the Compex machines. In theory it looks good for me as a time crunched cyclist and to help active recovery. But as they are so expensive i wanted to know if anyone uses them are they worth the money and are they any good. I know top pros use them HTC and lampre had them. Your thoughts would be welcome

 

[Tapeworm]

I've been considering the expense of an electro muscle stimulator (EMS) like the Compex machines. In theory it looks good for me as a time crunched cyclist and to help active recovery. But as they are so expensive i wanted to know if anyone uses them are they worth the money and are they any good. I know top pros use them HTC and lampre had them. Your thoughts would be welcome

Attaching something which stimulates muscle contraction through electrical stimuli does not sound like something I want to use. I can think of other far more effective methods of recovery - like sleep.

Pro teams may use it for recovery. Are you are pro?

 

[Stingray34]

Ignore Le Teina's comments; he doesn't seem to have any manners towards new members and I hope he'd be more congenial in person.

The machines you mention and the similar TENS machines can be useful in some ways. I don't think there's much research to back up some of the claims some manufacturers make, the best results you're likely to get are a subjective sense of pain relief. I don't know about the Compex devices, but many TENS/EMS can be bought pretty cheaply.

I've used EMS for neck problems and they're not too bad at all. They give a very pleasant buzz or vibration through the affected muscle when set correctly. They're the same thing a physio will hook you up to when you present for some soft-tissue injury. Also, now on the market are home-use ultrasound machines for reducing swelling.

If you get one, make sure it's one with a comprehensive manual on settings, etc. Some settings can hurt you on certain parts of your body.

 

[krebs303]

I have used a TENS/EMS unit for back pain with good results. I paid $79 USD a few years back.

 

[hibbygb]

Thanks for the comments guys. I was more interested in training with the machine to recruit more muscle fibers and even as a seperate session when i cant get out on the bike to maximise my fitness and boost recovery to train harder. The literature seems interesting to read but wanted to know if anyone had real life experience as if it only gives a small percentage of difference then i cant justify the cost. I've used a tens for pain relief but not ems to work a muscle. The compex comes with manual and a electronic location pointer to get the right placement Stingray could do with a trial then i could post a review maybe!!!

I may not be a pro Tapeworm but im always looking for better smarter ways to train and get fitter. Everyone uses supplements compression clothing etc now And most people ride carbon bikes or want electronic gears does this warrant the same comment.If nobody strived to acheive or better themselves where would be

 

[krebs303]

It's been a few years but I recall there were mixed reviews on the results using for increasing performance. I don't think I have the articles anymore.

 

[Tapeworm]

People who don't know better use supplements and compression garment and other voodoo to enlicit a "shortcut" to training. The evidence that I am aware of in regards to EMS is that some may report better recovery but the actual evidence is lacking. People felt better using power bands as well.

Riders I coach that log between 20-30hrs per week have no such need for supplements or other stuff. The training load you have must be matched with the ability to recover properly - and unless you can afford daily massage this means sleep and lots of it. As well as eating correctly. No amount of compression or protein powder, gimmick X, Y or Z will replace this.

 

[hibbygb]

Woh there tapeworm. I joined to post an honest question for my own freewill to choose whether to use a a product thats all. I'm not looking for an easy way to train or a quick fix just ways of getting more out of the time i have and the training i do. I dont see anything wrong with using technology to help but you wrongly assumed i just dont put the effort in. If you or your riders dont use vitamins or protein or other technology that may help them thats your choice but you only have to look at team GB, Sky, Garmin etc that using such "voodoo" can make a big difference. My point about supplements was science in sport. I take it you only drink water on the bike and have home made energy food no fancy newfangled gels and certainly dont use heart rate monitors or power meters just time on the bike! Science can help if you use the data. I take it from your back lash of me mentioning pros use of items with disdain that you coach pros if they have the time to put 3 to 4 hours every day in to train. Im shocked at the response everyone else who replied has done so emparting their thought and views without implication and I thought cyclists were a friendly bunch may be i missjudged the website. I apologise if ive offended anyone it was only an opinion i was after

 

[Tapeworm]

Maybe allow yourself to be educated rather than insulted.

I have saved you money on a pointless machine.

You're welcome.

 

[mewmewmew13]

Ignore Le Teina's comments; he doesn't seem to have any manners towards new members and I hope he'd be more congenial in person.

The machines you mention and the similar TENS machines can be useful in some ways. I don't think there's much research to back up some of the claims some manufacturers make, the best results you're likely to get are a subjective sense of pain relief. I don't know about the Compex devices, but many TENS/EMS can be bought pretty cheaply.

I've used EMS for neck problems and they're not too bad at all. They give a very pleasant buzz or vibration through the affected muscle when set correctly. They're the same thing a physio will hook you up to when you present for some soft-tissue injury. Also, now on the market are home-use ultrasound machines for reducing swelling.

If you get one, make sure it's one with a comprehensive manual on settings, etc. Some settings can hurt you on certain parts of your body.

I would agree.

 

[Tapeworm]

And while we are talking all that complicated science stuff, which apparently I have no grasp of, a TENS machine (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is not the same as neuromuscular electrical stimulation NMES.

NMES IS a highly useful tool for rehab situations, those with degenerative muscular issues, neuro-muscular issues etc.

For recovery, strength building, "fat burning" in otherwise healthy individuals I haven't seen any evidence that they are effective tool.

But if a pro somewhere, somehow, uses something then it must be mustard.

Oh and for the record I am far worse in person.

 

[MR_Sarcastic]

I have a Compex unit that I use when my legs feel like they're falling off.

Not as good as a full leg massage, but better than nothing.
There are units that work on batteries that are not rechargeable, that work almost as good, and are much cheaper.

I wouldn't recomend Compex if you're paying full retail.
.

 

[Boeing]

are these things anything like the stuff a physio would use on like a deep muscle strain or contusion?