EMS Faradic Flashcards
What does EMS stand for?
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
What type of nerve cell is stimulated to create a contraction?
Motor nerve
What is the primary use of EMS?
To improve muscle tone, condition and to maintain muscle strength.
How are muscle contractions produced?
Electrical impulses stimulate the motor nerve to produce contraction of the muscle.
What type of current is used ?
Interrupted direct current
Describe the structure of skeletal muscle;
Skeletal muscle is composed of long, thin, multinucleated cells called muscle fibres. Muscle fibres groups together to form muscle bundles, any many bundles make up a complete muscle.
What proteins are found in muscle fibres?
Actin and myosin
What do muscle fibres look like under a microscope?
Light and dark bands are seen along the fibre; these are known as A and I bands composed of actin and myosin proteins.
What role do the A and I bands play in muscle contraction?
These bands move into each other to create a contraction.
What structure of the nervous system controls the voluntary action of muscles?
PNS Peripheral nervous system
Briefly explain voluntary muscle action:
Brain impluses transmitted via the spinal corn and peripheral motor nerves to muscle fibres, causing them to contract.
What frequency would be used to stimulate facial muscles?
135Hz
What is the name of the two phases used with EMS?
Biphasic and Monophasic
What is monophasic current?
With monophasic current, the currrent flows mainly in one direction from negative (Cathode) to the positive (Anode).
What is biphasic current?
Each alternate pulse is reversed and polarity is cancelled out, therfore, even contractins are produced under each electrode.
What part of the muscle with be stimulated by the electrical impluse?
Motor Point
What is a motor point?
Where the nerve enters the muscle belly.
What phase is used for facial EMS?
Biphasic
What may stop an effective contraction?
Oil or grease in area Lack of conductive solution ( Gel or saline solution) Incorrect set up of machine Incorrect intensity Incorrect positioning of the pads Poor contact between the pad and the skin Loose wires Excess adipose tissue in the area
What will increase the response of a muscle?
Pre-heat treatment such as steam
What are the indications for use of facial EMS?
Ageing skin
Loss of firm contours
Preventative measure to delay the effects of ageing
Puffiness around the eyes
What are the effects of EMS?
Imporves muscle tone and general condition of the muscle
The pumping action increases blood supply to skin delivering nutrients and oxygen as well as removing waste.
Vasodilation producing an erythema
The contractin and relaxation of the muscle aids the removal of flui from the area
Irritation of sensory nerve endings
List the specifica contra-indications to EMS;
Hypersentivie skin Highly vascular complexions High blood pressure Sinus congestion Headaches or migraines Skin abrasions Over bony areas A large number of fillings or bridgework Epilepsy Diabetic client
How many times would you stimulate the face muscles?
6 - 8 times repeated 3 times
How would you check the machine is working before you apply it to the client?
Apply conductive solution to arm muscle on self , apply facial block electrode and test current is flowing through. Wipe over the electrode before applying to the client.
What machine checks would you complete before the client arrives?
Check the machine is intact
Check wires are not split
test the machine on self
Turn intensity dials to zero
What safety checks would you complete on the client before applying EMS?
Check for contra-indications
Complete skin anlaysis
Complete tactile and thermal testing
Remove all jewellery
Only turn up the intensity when the surge is on
Always turn the intensity to zero before moving the electrode
Check with client confort throughout
What sensation is felt?
Prickling sensation followed by contraction of the muscle
What specific homecare advice would help to improve the effectiveness of the treatment?
Facial exercises
List the specific contra-actions of EMS;
Muscle fatigue
Excessive erythema
