An EMS machine uses electrical impulses to create controlled muscle contractions and may support muscle activation and strength during rehabilitation.
Main EMS goal
Produce a controlled muscle contraction to support activation or strength.
Best used with
Active exercise and a progressive rehabilitation or strengthening program.
EMS or TENS?
EMS targets muscle contraction. TENS mainly aims to provide temporary pain relief.
EMS does not replace an appropriate diagnosis, active exercise or progressive load management. If pain relief is your main goal, read what a TENS machine does.
An EMS machine may be useful when a muscle is weak, inhibited or difficult to activate after injury, surgery or reduced activity. It may also provide an additional strengthening stimulus when normal resistance exercise is temporarily limited.
For example, EMS may form part of muscle injury rehabilitation, post-operative rehabilitation or a gradual return to activity.
Depending on the situation, EMS may support:
The appropriate use depends on the muscle being treated, your health history, the stimulation settings and your rehabilitation goals.
EMS pads sit on clean skin over the target muscle. The device sends electrical pulses through the pads, stimulating motor nerves and causing the muscle to contract.
The strength of the contraction depends on factors such as electrode position, stimulation intensity, pulse settings and the muscle being treated.
Repeated contractions may help maintain or improve muscle activation and strength in some rehabilitation or training settings. However, results vary between people and EMS protocols.
EMS can improve strength in some settings. Research in healthy adults has found that electrical stimulation can produce strength gains, although study methods and stimulation protocols vary considerably.
EMS should not be viewed as an automatic shortcut to stronger muscles. The contraction needs to be strong enough to provide a meaningful stimulus, and active resistance exercise remains important for developing functional strength when it is safe and suitable.
For rehabilitation, the aim is usually to progress from assisted or electrically stimulated muscle activation towards active strengthening and functional movement.
EMS and TENS devices may look similar, and some machines provide both modes. However, the treatment goals differ.
Main goal: muscle contraction and activation.
Main target: motor nerves and muscle.
Common use: muscle activation, strengthening support and rehabilitation.
Main goal: temporary pain relief.
Main target: sensory nerves.
Common use: short-term pain management.
If your main goal is pain relief, see our guide to using a TENS machine for pain relief.
EMS may suit people who need additional help with muscle activation or strengthening. Its usefulness depends on the underlying problem and how it fits with the overall rehabilitation plan.
EMS is commonly considered when the main goal is to improve muscle activation or provide a strengthening stimulus. A physiotherapist may use it during rehabilitation or teach you how to incorporate it into a home exercise program.
There is no single EMS schedule that suits everyone. Frequency depends on the rehabilitation goal, stimulation intensity, muscle response, skin tolerance and the instructions for the particular device.
Some rehabilitation programs use relatively frequent short sessions, while stronger muscle-loading sessions may require more recovery time. Follow your device instructions and any program provided by your clinician.
More stimulation is not necessarily better. Stop and seek advice if you develop unusual pain, significant skin irritation, marked muscle soreness or other concerning symptoms.
EMS can be used safely by many people when the device is appropriate and the instructions are followed. However, electrical stimulation is not suitable for every person or every body area.
Do not place electrodes across the chest, over the head, or over the front or sides of the neck. Avoid placing pads over broken, infected or irritated skin. Extra caution is required where sensation is reduced.
Seek medical or clinical advice before using EMS if you have an implanted electronic device, epilepsy, significant heart or circulation problems, pregnancy, altered sensation, recent surgery or uncertainty about the cause of your symptoms.
Once muscle activation improves, rehabilitation should usually progress towards active strengthening and functional exercise where appropriate.
If you need a structured exercise program, an Accredited Exercise Physiologist may help with progressive strength, balance, endurance or return-to-function training.
An EMS machine sends controlled electrical pulses to a muscle so it contracts. This may support muscle activation during rehabilitation, particularly when the muscle is weak, inhibited or difficult to activate voluntarily.
EMS may support muscle activation and strength in some settings. However, meaningful strengthening usually requires an adequate contraction and appropriate progression. EMS should not replace active resistance exercise when normal exercise is safe and suitable.
Frequency depends on your rehabilitation goal, stimulation intensity, skin tolerance, muscle response and the instructions for your device. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance and any plan provided by your clinician.
Place EMS pads over the intended target muscle on clean, healthy skin according to the device instructions or your clinician’s guidance. Avoid the chest, head, front and sides of the neck, damaged skin and unsuitable areas of reduced sensation.
Seek advice before using EMS if you have an implanted electronic device, epilepsy, significant heart or circulation problems, pregnancy, altered sensation, recent surgery or another medical condition that may affect safe use.
EMS stimulates motor nerves and produces muscle contractions. TENS mainly stimulates sensory nerves and is commonly used for temporary pain relief. Some devices include both settings, so check which mode is selected before use.
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These EMS products are commonly used by our physiotherapists to provide comfort, facilitate strengthening, plus assist home exercise programs.
