EMSCULPT NEO, Pain Relief, and Applied Kinesiology at Phelts Chiropractic PC

Many people associate EMSCULPT NEO with body contouring, but it has also expanded into functional applications. Importantly, EMSCULPT NEO is FDA-cleared for pain relief by stimulating peripheral nerves for certain pain indications (see References). At Phelts Chiropractic PC in Midtown East NYC, we integrate Applied Kinesiology (AK) with EMSCULPT NEO to help ensure muscles with low tone are identified and activated for better results—especially when pain makes conventional exercise difficult.

The Pain–Weakness Cycle: Why Exercise Isn’t Always Possible

Pain can create a frustrating loop: discomfort inhibits muscle activation, weak or inhibited muscles provide less support, and reduced support can increase strain—leading to more pain. In many cases, people know that strengthening would help, but pain prevents them from performing the very exercises needed to rebuild stability.

How EMSCULPT NEO Supports Strength and Comfort

EMSCULPT NEO uses high-intensity electromagnetic technology to produce strong, involuntary muscle contractions. Because the contractions do not depend on the same loading patterns as traditional exercise, this approach can help strengthen targeted muscle groups even when pain limits conventional strengthening.

In addition, manufacturer indications describe EMSCULPT NEO as intended to stimulate peripheral nerves for relief of certain pain conditions. (See References/Sources for the manufacturer indication statement.)

Why We Add Applied Kinesiology to EMSCULPT NEO

At Phelts Chiropractic PC, we integrate Applied Kinesiology (AK) to improve outcomes with EMSCULPT NEO. Applied Kinesiology uses muscle testing to assess functional tone and activation patterns. When muscles test as “low tone” or inhibited, AK-based techniques can be used to help reset resting tone toward normal and improve activation. This helps ensure the muscles that need strengthening are better prepared to respond.

• Muscle testing: identifies low tone/inhibited muscle patterns
• Reset toward normal tone: supports improved recruitment and coordination
• Better activation: helps EMSCULPT NEO target the right muscles more effectively

Who May Benefit

This integrated approach can be helpful for people dealing with:

• Persistent or recurrent muscular pain
• Core inhibition and stability challenges
• Postural fatigue and functional weakness
• Low back discomfort where poor muscle support is a contributing factor
• People who cannot tolerate strengthening exercises due to pain

What a Session Is Like

• Non-invasive, no needles
• Typical session time is about 30 minutes (protocol varies by goal)
• No downtime for most patients
• Commonly described as intense muscle contractions; some feel workout-like soreness afterward

We Also Offer EMSELLA and EMFACE

EMSELLA (Pelvic Floor Strengthening)

We also offer EMSELLA, an FDA-cleared treatment for male and female urinary incontinence. EMSELLA uses focused electromagnetic energy to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles—helping improve pelvic floor strength and neuromuscular control. Many patients pursue EMSELLA to support bladder control, pelvic stability, and quality of life. (Some benefits related to sexual health, gait, and low back support may be discussed as supportive/adjunctive and can be individualized.)

EMFACE (Non-Invasive Facial Muscle Strengthening + Skin Tightening)

We also offer EMFACE, a non-invasive facial treatment designed to support facial muscle strengthening and skin tightening. It combines energy-based technologies to improve facial tone and skin quality for a more lifted, refreshed appearance. At our office, when appropriate, we pair facial treatments with functional principles that emphasize balanced muscle activation and tone.

Schedule a Consultation

If pain is limiting your ability to exercise, and you suspect weakness or poor muscle activation is contributing to your symptoms, EMSCULPT NEO combined with Applied Kinesiology may be a strong fit. We’ll evaluate your goals, assess functional muscle tone, and build a plan tailored to you.

Practice Information

Dr. John W. Phelts, D.C.
Phelts Chiropractic PC
369 Lexington Avenue, Suite 214
New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 286-2012
Website: https://www.drphelts.com/

References & Sources

1. BTL Industries (Body by BTL). EMSCULPT NEO — Indications include peripheral nerve stimulation for relief of certain pain conditions (manufacturer statement).
   https://bodybybtl.com/solutions/emsculpt-neo/
2. Kinney BM, et al. High-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy evaluated for abdominal applications (initial physiologic response). Lasers Surg Med. 2018. (Free full text on PMC)
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6585690/
3. Samuels JB, et al. Radiofrequency heating combined with high-intensity focused electromagnetic treatment (HIFEM + RF) for abdominal applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022. (Free full text on PMC)
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9028295/
4. Sant’Ana E, et al. Electromagnetic field for supramaximal muscle stimulation (abdominal muscles): safety and efficacy evaluation. 2023. (PubMed)
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36718803/
5. Silantyeva E, et al. Comparative study: high-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy vs electrostimulation for pelvic floor muscle weakening and urinary incontinence. 2020. (Free full text on PMC)
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8016513/
6. Long CY, et al. High-intensity focused electromagnetic technology for female stress urinary incontinence: clinical evaluation. 2024. (Free full text on PMC)
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11673164/
7. El-Domyati M, et al. Radiofrequency facial rejuvenation: evidence-based effect and histologic changes. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2011. (PubMed + Free full text on PMC)
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21315951/
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6541915/

Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. A clinical evaluation is required to determine appropriateness, and treatment plans are individualized.