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Facial Muscle Stimulation - Myths Dispelled

By Dr Ronald Baxendale, Division of Neuroscience and Biomedical Systems, University of Glasgow and inventor of the Take Ten technology.

Muscles decline in size as we grow older. This process leads eventually to the familiar 'little old ladies’. The reduction in the size of the facial muscles combined with loss of skin elasticity leads to the development of lines and causes the 'sagging' appearance.
Electrical stimulation can be used to reverse the decline of facial muscles. This relies on transferring established medical science developed to rehabilitate muscles after injury. However, there are many myths associated muscle stimulation. I will address some of these in this article.

How does it Work?

Firstly, electrical current activates the nerve supplying muscle and so the contraction is caused indirectly. Anyone suffering from nerve damage is unlikely to benefit from electrical stimulation. Briefly, the pattern of electrical stimulation should be set up to replicate established exercise patterns. Electrical exercise can be more efficient in triggering muscle growth than conventional facial exercises because it can induce more intense muscle activity.

Does it hurt?

It can if it is not used properly.  But then any exercise can hurt if not conducted properly. Facial stimulators must be powerful enough to make the muscle contract. If there is no contraction, there is no stimulus for muscle growth. Well-designed devices shape the current pulses so there is no pain associated with the stimulation. Some people experience 'delayed onset muscle soreness’, which is a natural consequence of unfamiliar exercise. This should pass off quickly. Any soreness really confirms that the exercise is substantial and everything is working well.

Does the Type of Current Matter?

Many people ask me which type of current, Faradic, Galvanic, Neurotrophic or Micro current is more effective? This is really asking if there is something magic is on offer. I do not believe that there are any magical properties associated with the current.  The key point is that the current makes the muscles exercise and the pattern of exercise determines the muscle growth. The best growth comes with short periods of intense activity.

Will I be worse off if I Stop Completely?

If you stop the stimulation the muscles will return to their original condition within 5 to 10 weeks. There is no reason to believe it will finish up worse than when it started. Sonic sportsmen become really flabby when they stop training. They probably suffer from continuing on a very high calorie diet after they have finished training.