$Unique_ID{BRK00366}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue}
$Title{Electrical Muscle Stimulators}
$Subject{exercise situp electric device}
$Volume{M-18}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Electrical Muscle Stimulators


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QUESTION:  I am thinking of purchasing an electrical muscle stimulator, that I
may use to tone up my stomach muscles without those painful situps.  What do
you think of the idea?

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ANSWER:  Not much I am afraid, and neither does the FDA.  They have been
stopping the sale of such devices for years and even seized a number of muscle
stimulators in the early 1980's to prevent them from reaching the market
place.  While the devices may contract your muscles for you, there is little
gain if muscles do not contract against resistance.  That means work, and work
means sweat, without which there rarely is gain.  A few indications, under
medical supervision do exist for such devices.  They are helpful in ralaxing
muscle spasms, preventing blood clots in patients confined to bed, and
preventing muscle atrophy in a paralyzed arm or leg.  There cost does not
provide you with a bargain for a short cut to bulging muscles.  You can obtain
more information about stimulators from The National Council Against Health
Fraud, P.O. Box 1276 Loma Linda CA 92354, a nonprofit, tax-exempt voluntary
health and consumer protection agency.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
