Exercise of all kinds but in particular strength training is critically important to our health and wellbeing.

Building muscle can be one of the best ways to prevent disease, injury and bone loss as we age and can be the metabolic engine that helps us burn fat and keep our weight in check.

Dr. Joseph Ciccolo, an exercise researcher at Columbia University, has been studying the effects of strength training on mental health. According to NIH.gov in March 2020, “His team recently found that strength training could reduce some symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in both women and men.”

What if we could enhance basic strength-training activities with the technology? Well, now we can with the BTL EMSCULPT ® technology.

What is EMSCULPT?

This device made by BTL is the first FDA-approved device, a non-invasive procedure to build muscle and sculpt the body. The technology has been documented through 15 studies across the U.S. The device has both large and small applicators and can be used to build muscle in the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, arms and calves.

How does it work?

The device uses HIFEM ® – High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic field technology. HIFEM uses a powerful but harmless form of electromagnetic stimulation to contract the muscles in a targeted area. These magnetic fields create electrical currents which are passed to the muscles. These magnetic pulses force the muscles to contract.

This focused energy induces 20,000 powerful “supramaximal contractions” per 30-minute session. This level and intensity of contraction are not achievable through regular, voluntary muscle action – like routine exercise or weight lifting.

What does the research say?

In the published research studies so far, they have found on average:

• 16% increase in muscle mass density

• 19-23% abdominal muscle thickening

• 11% increase in total volume of all three buttocks muscles

• 10-11% reduction in abdominal muscle separation

• Measureable improvement preserved 6-12 months post-treatments See https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=HIFEM

What is a treatment experience like?

The minimum treatment protocol is four 30-minute sessions over two weeks. Although you will lie down comfortably during the treatment, our BTL specialists will work with you to increase the intensity, and you will feel the device working to contract your muscles.

Our treatments take place in our clean, soothing, spa-like treatment room and last 30 minutes. There is no downtime, no anesthesia, and a patient can go back to work, errands, etc. right after the treatment.

Due to the device’s unique third phase, this pulsing action assists the body in flushing out the lactic acid (what causes us to feel sore from exercise) from the treatment area. Therefore, you will feel the tightness in the area but no extreme soreness from the treatment.

The protocol of four treatments costs in general $3,000. However, we recommend a free consultation with our BTL specialist to design a customized package for you to meet your individual goals.

As with any of these treatments, maintaining weight, exercise, a healthy lifestyle and proper hydration is critical to success.

Why did we choose this product for our medical practice?

After many years of being approached by aesthetic companies and being underwhelmed by the technology and results, I was introduced to the BTL line, examined the science and testing behind the technology and spoke to several colleagues around the country who were getting great results for their patients. I then decided that this was the right addition to my practice.

We are very pleased with our results so far. In fact, I have tried treatments on my stomach and love the results. I am 60 years old, work out and have a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI). EMSCULPT allows me to enhance my abdominal tone and supports my overall core strength, which is critical to the stamina of a surgeon.

Who is a good candidate for this treatment?

Patients 21 and older, who have a healthy BMI, no metal implants or serious health conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not attempt this procedure. Make sure your practitioner provides you with a complete list of precautions and risks before having this or any procedure done.

For more information, visit BodySculptShreveport.com or BodyByBTL.com or call or text 318.222.4282 for a free consultation.