We are happy to announce that we are now providers of EMSCULPT by BTL!
This machine is the first of its kind to build muscle while burning fat. Here in Colorado, the ‘fit’ aesthetic tends to predominate over simply slim, and until now muscle definition was only possible in the gym. Even then, many body types struggle to define certain areas despite many hours in the gym — EMSCULPT addresses that!
Tell me about the technology.
High-Intensity Focused Electro-Magnetic or HIFEM field technology induces supramaximal muscle contractions. ‘Supramaximal’ means activation of ALL muscle fibers.
How does muscle building happen?
The brain controls normal voluntary muscle contractions. This means that the CNS (central nervous system) inhibits a new impulse while the previous one is still in action. Due to this, normal voluntary contractions allow the muscle fibers to relax between impulses. EMSCULPT bypasses that route with a high-frequency impulse that doesn’t allow such a relaxation phase.
Normally, the highest amount of muscular tension that can be developed and held is the ‘maximal voluntary contraction’ or MVC. MVC’s usually only last for a split second. ‘Supramaximal’ occurs with tensions higher than the MVC. EMSCULPT can hold these contractions for multiple seconds. This significantly increases the muscle adaptation resulting from the physiologic workload. Exposure to this contraction level induces deep remodeling of the inner structure such as myofibril growth and new protein strands. Remodeling results in muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Definition and muscle tone appear as a result of increased muscle density and volume.
What about the fat?
Muscles require energy (adenosine triphosphate or ATP, creatine phosphate and glycogen) to contract. Once those energy sources deplete, the body breaks down lipids from triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol.
Supramaximal contractions alert the brain to the need for an enormous amount of energy. To supply this muscle expenditure the brain does a few things. Epinephrine release increases resulting in an extreme catabolic reaction and supramaximal lipolysis. This in turn (overwhelmed yet?) dramatically releases those free fatty acids (FFAs) we talked about earlier. Excessive FFAs accumulate in nearby adipocytes which leads to adipocyte (fat cell) dysfunction.
What should you expect?
A consult with Dr. Duncan is mandatory before beginning EMSCULPT treatments. We will take two and three-dimensional photos, along with measurements prior to starting. Photos and measurements will recur at every appointment. Treatment begins with one or two EMSCULPT applicators held to your stomach or buttocks with a band. Starting at 1%, contraction strength will increase with your tolerance. The treatment can feel ‘thumpy’, ‘tingly’, ‘intense’, or ‘tickly’. One of our staff will be with you the whole time to ensure your comfort =). Strength can be adjusted as needed. As bare skin application optimizes the treatment, please be ready to remove your shirt or pants (especially if it contains metal). We recommend bringing a book as we don’t want electronics near the magnets =). Immediately after treatment, the area will feel stronger and tighter, and over the next few days you may develop minor muscle soreness (but not so sore you can’t move like a big workout can do!).
