Watch Your Step
The earliest report of electricity being used, although unintentionally, to treat a person’s pain was in 47 A.D.. A man with gout (a form of arthritis) was walking on the beach and was reportedly struck accidentally by an electric ray, also known as a “torpedo fish”, and was cured from his pain.
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Early Electro Therapists
John Wellesley was one of the first 18th century electro therapists and is visualized below in an image depicting the electrostatic generator that he used to treat his patients. He was also one of the first therapists to report pain reduction from what we now know as electric muscle stimulation (EMS).
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Electro Analgesics
In its early days EMS was prescribed as an analgesic to reduce feelings of pain. This was accomplished by stimulating the nerves causing the pain response. Although it received some push back in the late 18th century, it gained traction with the introduction of electro-puncture. Electro-puncture combined electricity with a form of acupuncture by running electrical current between only two needles.
It was this combination that had electro therapists running experiments and advancing the technology that led to its initial rise in popularity. Ultimately, early EMS methods reached its height in the late 1800’s when there was enough empirical data for doctors to start adopting this innovative approach to pain reduction.
Galvanism
“ Some of the best attested clinical facts that have ever gone into history have been along the line of Galvanism for relief of neuralgic pain.”
– Dr. J. B. Mattison in the year 1890
Galvanism in biology is defined by the act of a muscle contracting after stimulation from an electrical current. Strangely, EMS had otherwise disappeared from the medical world shortly after Dr. J. B. Mattison declared his findings to the Medical Society of the County of Kings.
From the year 1900 until recently, EMS never reached the same level of prominence that it did throughout the previous century. However this has been changing and has caused a recent spike in popularity as a result of emerging technology.
From History books to Full Body EMS Super Suits
Today EMS has emerged from its history of being used solely as a pain relieving therapy to being applied during workouts. An increasing amount of studies clearly show the positive effects of introducing electrical muscle stimulation into your current rehabilitation or training program.
In 1890 the history of EMS looked bright and the future looks even brighter. With technology and research in the field ever expanding expect to see EMS in gyms, physiotherapy clinics and offices near you.
In fact, if you are living in a major city you can most likely try electrical muscle stimulation right now. Chances are that there will be an application that can benefit you, whatever stage of your life you’re currently in.
References
Stillings, Dennis. “A survey of the history of electrical stimulation for pain to 1900 Xk.” Med. Instrum 9 (1975): 255-259.