Electrostimulation is a widely used technique in the field of aesthetics and physiotherapy. It involves applying low-frequency and low-intensity electrical currents to muscles to provoke their contraction without the need for voluntary effort.
The benefits of electrostimulation are multiple. Below, we tell you everything you need to know about this technique, its applications, and results.
What does electrostimulation consist of?
Electrostimulation consists of applying low-frequency (between 1 and 150 Hz) and low-intensity (between 1 and 130 mA) electrical currents through electrodes placed on the skin.
These currents cause the depolarization of muscle membranes and their involuntary contraction, mimicking the effect of the nervous system on muscles.
This way, it’s possible to activate deep muscle fibers that are not normally exercised voluntarily, recruiting up to 90% of motor units compared to the 40-60% achieved with conventional exercise.
Objectives and benefits of electrostimulation
The main objectives and benefits of electrostimulation in aesthetics are:
- Muscle toning and strengthening: the involuntary contraction of muscles produces an effect similar to physical exercise, increasing firmness and muscle tone.
- Reduction of localized fat: by activating deep muscle fibers, metabolism is accelerated and calories are burned, reducing localized fat and cellulite.
- Skin firming: muscle work causes a tensing effect on the skin that firms it and reduces its flaccidity.
- Lymphatic drainage: electrostimulation helps activate blood and lymphatic circulation, promoting the elimination of fluids and toxins.
- Pain relief: in physiotherapy, it’s used to relax contracted muscles, reducing spasms and contractures that cause pain.
In summary, aesthetic electrostimulation achieves results very similar to physical exercise but passively, without effort from the patient.
Areas that can be treated
Electrostimulation can be applied to almost all areas of the body, both facial and body. The most frequent are:
- Abdomen: to reduce localized fat, tone abdominal muscles, and firm the skin.
- Buttocks: lifts, tones, and firms the buttocks.
- Thighs and legs: reduces cellulite and flaccidity, toning the muscles.
- Arms: defines and tones the arms.
- Neck and facial oval: tightens and rejuvenates the skin of the face and neck.
- Back: relieves tensions and contractures. Strengthens the muscles.
Types of electrical currents
There are several types of currents that can be used in electrostimulation:
- Galvanic currents: these are continuous low-voltage currents. They have an analgesic and relaxing effect.
- Low-frequency currents: between 1 and 50 Hz. They cause slow and sustained contractions.
- Medium-frequency currents: between 50 and 120 Hz. Rapid tetanic-type contractions. Greater recruitment of muscle fibers.
- High-frequency currents: between 120 and 150 Hz. Asynchronous and superficial contraction. Analgesic effect.
- Russian currents: apply brief high-intensity pulses. They cause maximum contractions.
- Interferential currents: use two current channels that cross inside the tissue. Greater depth of penetration.
The intensity, frequency, and type of currents are adjusted according to the area to be treated and the desired objectives.
How is a treatment performed?
The procedure for a session of aesthetic electrostimulation is as follows:
- Adhesive electrodes are placed on the area to be treated. The placement varies according to the muscles to be worked.
- A conductive gel is applied between the electrodes and the skin to facilitate the passage of current.
- The physiotherapist or aesthetician programs the treatment parameters on the equipment: intensity, contraction time, rest time, frequency, type of current, etc.
- The electrical current is initiated, which will cause involuntary muscle contractions for the programmed time.
- The intensity will gradually increase until reaching the desired level according to the patient’s tolerance. It should not be painful.
- The session lasts about 20-30 minutes per treated area.
- At the end, the electrodes are removed, and a moisturizing cream is applied.
It’s important that the professional adapts the parameters to each person and area to obtain the best results. Periodic sessions are recommended to enhance the effects.
Results of electrostimulation
The results obtained with electrostimulation are visible from the first sessions, with a progressive improvement observed with the continuity of treatments. Among the effects achieved are:
- Increase in muscle tone and firmness. Muscles appear more defined.
- Decrease in flaccidity and improvement in skin texture.
- Reduction of localized fat and cellulite.
- Decrease in size in abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
- Lifting of the buttocks.
- Attenuation of stretch marks.
- Improvement of blood and lymphatic circulation.
- Relief of muscle contractures and pain.
The results are more visible the better the initial physical condition of the patient. They are enhanced with a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and healthy habits.
Advantages over physical exercise
Electrostimulation presents some advantages over conventional physical exercise:
- It is painless and requires no physical effort from the patient.
- It allows reaching deep muscle fibers inaccessible with voluntary exercise.
- It does not overload the joints.
- The intensity and parameters are precisely dosed.
- It allows working each area in a localized manner.
- Results are faster than with physical exercise.
- Ideal for people who cannot exercise due to injuries, pathologies, or lack of time. It complements any sports routine.
Side effects and precautions
Electrostimulation is a very safe treatment that rarely presents side effects when applied correctly:
- It can cause redness of the skin under the electrodes, which disappears in a few hours.
- Mild post-treatment muscle pain similar to that of physical exercise.
- Mild itching or stinging during application in very sensitive people.
It is contraindicated in people with pacemakers, pregnant women, and those suffering from heart diseases, epilepsy, cancer, or severe circulatory disorders.
It should be applied with caution in areas with inflammatory or infectious processes or damaged skin. Its suitability should also be individually evaluated in patients with metal implants.
Electrostimulation equipment
There are different types of electrostimulation equipment according to their features:
- Portable equipment for home use: more basic and economical, for personal use.
- Fixed professional equipment: allows programming multiple parameters precisely to adapt the treatment to each person. The best ones have independent channels that make it possible to treat several areas at once.
- Accessories such as belts, girdles, and patches with built-in electrostimulation: practical for personal use on abdomen, buttocks, legs, etc. They should be used under professional supervision.
It is recommended that treatments be carried out by qualified personnel who ensure proper use and optimal results.
Facial electrostimulation
Electrostimulation can also be applied to the face to achieve a tightening, firming, and rejuvenating effect:
- Reduces wrinkles and expression lines by toning facial muscles.
- Improves facial contour by working the muscles of the neck, chin, and facial oval.
- Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.
- Promotes the penetration of active ingredients from creams and serums by activating microcirculation.
- Gives luminosity and better color to the skin.
Electrodes are placed at different facial points, and low-frequency currents are applied to cause slight contractions in the muscles.
It should be performed in a cabin by qualified personnel to ensure maximum safety and avoid unwanted effects.
Body electrostimulation
A comfortable way to receive body electrostimulation treatments is through special chairs or beds with integrated electrodes.
The advantages of electrostimulation are:
- It allows treating several body areas at once: abdomen, buttocks, legs, arms, etc.
- It is very comfortable for the patient, who receives the session relaxed in an ergonomic position.
- The electrodes are perfectly placed to work all muscle groups.
- The professional only needs to program the equipment and supervise the session.
- It combines electrostimulation with other techniques such as infrared heat, vacuum massage, etc.
This method is ideal for aesthetic centers and spas that want to offer very effective global body treatments in a short time.
Frequently asked questions about electrostimulation
Below, we answer some of the most frequent questions about electrostimulation:
Does electrostimulation hurt?
Electrostimulation should not be painful, it only produces a tingling sensation and muscle contraction. The intensity is always adjusted to each person’s tolerance. Mild muscle pain afterward is normal, just as it occurs after physical exercise.
How many sessions are necessary?
It depends on each person, usually 8 to 15 sessions are necessary to see results. Subsequently, maintenance is recommended every 15-30 days. A healthy lifestyle and moderate exercise enhance the results.
Are the results lost after stopping treatments?
If a routine of physical exercise and good habits is not continued, the results may slowly attenuate over the months, as occurs when stopping training in a gym.
Is it useful for slimming and weight loss?
Electrostimulation alone is not useful for significant weight loss, but by toning and increasing muscle mass, it accelerates metabolism helping to burn more calories. It should always be accompanied by a balanced diet and exercise.
Can it cause side effects?
Side effects are infrequent in treatments performed by professionals. The most common are temporary redness of the skin under the electrodes or mild post-treatment muscle pain.
Is it indicated for pregnant women?
It is not recommended for pregnant women, as some currents can cause unwanted uterine contractions. Also not during menstruation. Other women can undergo this technique without problem.
Conclusions about electrostimulation
Electrostimulation is a very effective and safe technique with multiple aesthetic and therapeutic applications.
Among its benefits are muscle toning and strengthening, improvement of body contour, reduction of cellulite and localized fat, firming effect on the skin, and relief of contractures and pain.
It requires several sessions to see results, but these are long-lasting if accompanied by a healthy lifestyle. It is ideal for those people who cannot do physical exercise regularly.
The best results are obtained with professional equipment handled by qualified technical personnel who know how to adapt the parameters to each patient.
Electrostimulation is presented as one of the most innovative body techniques with the greatest future projection in the field of aesthetics, due to its versatility, effectiveness, and ease of application.
Frequently asked questions about electrostimulation
Below, we answer some of the most frequent questions about electrostimulation:
Does electrostimulation hurt?
Electrostimulation should not be painful, it only produces a tingling sensation and muscle contraction. The intensity is always adjusted to each person’s tolerance. Mild muscle pain afterward is normal, just as it occurs after physical exercise.
How many sessions are necessary?
It depends on each person, usually 8 to 15 sessions are necessary to see results. Subsequently, maintenance is recommended every 15-30 days. A healthy lifestyle and moderate exercise enhance the results.
Are the results lost after stopping treatments?
If a routine of physical exercise and good habits is not continued, the results may slowly attenuate over the months, as occurs when stopping training in a gym.
Is it useful for slimming and weight loss?
Electrostimulation alone is not useful for significant weight loss, but by toning and increasing muscle mass, it accelerates metabolism helping to burn more calories. It should always be accompanied by a balanced diet and exercise.
Can it cause side effects?
Side effects are infrequent in treatments performed by professionals. The most common are temporary redness of the skin under the electrodes or mild post-treatment muscle pain.
Is it indicated for pregnant women?
It is not recommended for pregnant women, as some currents can cause unwanted uterine contractions. Also not during menstruation. Other women can undergo this technique without problem.
Conclusions about electrostimulation
Electrostimulation is a very effective and safe technique with multiple aesthetic and therapeutic applications.
Among its benefits are muscle toning and strengthening, improvement of body contour, reduction of cellulite and localized fat, firming effect on the skin, and relief of contractures and pain.
It requires several sessions to see results, but these are long-lasting if accompanied by a healthy lifestyle. It is ideal for those people who cannot do physical exercise regularly.
The best results are obtained with professional equipment handled by qualified technical personnel who know how to adapt the parameters to each patient.
Electrostimulation is presented as one of the most innovative body techniques with the greatest future projection in the field of aesthetics, due to its versatility, effectiveness, and ease of application.
