How EMS Shields Against Muscle Loss After Surgery

ACL or meniscus surgery isn't just about fixing the immediate issue; it's also about dealing with the aftermath, including muscle atrophy, also known as muscle loss. Studies have shown that electro-muscle stimulation (EMS) training can help fight against muscle loss, offering targeted muscle activation and quicker recovery. 

Let’s explore how EMS actively shields against muscle loss and hear Bjoern Woltermann’s, founder and CEO of Katalyst, personal experience with EMS after his knee surgery.

How EMS Combats Muscle Loss

1. Targeted Muscle Activation: EMS precisely activates specific muscle groups, which is crucial when conventional exercises are challenging post-surgery.
2. Reduced Joint Stress: Offering a low-impact alternative to weight-bearing exercises, EMS minimizes stress on the injured joint, allowing early rehabilitation without risking further damage.
3. Improved Blood Circulation: Muscle contractions induced by EMS enhance blood flow, speeding up healing of the surgical site and surrounding tissues.
4. Enhanced Neuromuscular Re-education: EMS aids in re-educating the neuromuscular system, improving coordination and muscle activation patterns vital for restoring normal function.
5. Time Efficiency: Tailored EMS sessions save time and are adaptable to the patient's endurance levels, making them highly efficient during early recovery.

How You Can Maintain Muscle Post-Surgery

Following ACL or meniscus surgery, muscle inactivity inevitably leads to atrophy, resulting in loss of mass and strength.

However, after being advised to refrain from placing weight on his recently operated knee for six weeks following meniscus surgery, Bjoern (pictured above) was motivated to prevent his leg from losing muscle.

"When you do that, you just load the other leg." His concern was valid: while one leg strengthens due to bearing more weight, the other faces significant muscle loss over time.

To prevent this, Bjoern engaged in EMS training twice weekly. By the end of his recovery period, he successfully defied muscle loss through targeted activation of his quads and hamstrings, allowing his knee to heal undisturbed.

Six weeks later, during a follow-up with his physician, the physician struggled to discern which leg underwent surgery, impressed by the symmetrical strength of both. Bjoern's commitment to EMS training preserved muscle mass and facilitated a swift and seamless recovery.

“My doctor said this is fantastic, you don't need to dig yourself out of the performance hole; you can immediately get back into your normal routine.”

From Us at Katalyst

EMS training emerges as a proactive ally in the post-ACL or meniscus surgery rehabilitation journey. By preserving muscle mass, enhancing strength, and improving neuromuscular function, EMS actively defends against the detrimental effects of muscle atrophy, fostering a faster and more complete recovery.