EMSCULPT NEO® for Function: Building Strength to Move Better

When pain, injury, surgery, or reduced activity affects the body, the impact often extends beyond the original problem. Muscles that support the affected area can become weak, underactive, or deconditioned. Over time, that loss of strength can influence stability, movement patterns, and the ability to return to normal activity.

At Sampson Regen, we look beyond the affected area to understand the bigger picture, including how muscle strength and activation may be affecting recovery and function.

That’s where EMSCULPT NEO® can play a role.

While EMSCULPT NEO is widely known for body sculpting, at Sampson Regen we also use the technology as part of selected functional and orthopedic treatment programs. Our goal is to use targeted muscle stimulation to help activate, strengthen, and condition specific muscle groups as part of a personalized recovery and rebuilding plan.

What Is EMSCULPT NEO?

EMSCULPT NEO is a non-invasive technology that combines two forms of energy: HIFEM+® electromagnetic stimulation and synchronized radiofrequency (RF).

HIFEM+® induces powerful, repeated muscle contractions in the targeted area. Within a functional program, these contractions can be used to activate and condition selected muscles as part of a broader strategy that may include rehabilitation, progressive strengthening, and other recovery treatments.

Radiofrequency provides controlled heating of the targeted tissue and works alongside HIFEM+®. Depending on the treatment area and protocol, the combination can also address localized fat and contribute to changes in muscle definition and body composition.

But for patients using EMSCULPT NEO for function, the emphasis is on the muscle.

Why Muscle Strength Matters for Recovery

Muscles don’t work in isolation. They help support joints, stabilize the body, control movement, and generate the strength needed for everyday activities and athletic performance.

Following an injury or procedure, patients may temporarily reduce their activity. This can contribute to muscle weakness and deconditioning, even when the original injury is improving.

For example, weakness in the:

• Core and lower back can affect stability and movement
• Glutes can influence hip and lower-extremity mechanics
• Quadriceps can affect strength and function around the knee
• Hamstrings can contribute to lower-extremity stability and performance
• Calves play an important role in walking, balance, and propulsion
• Arms and other muscle groups may require targeted conditioning depending on the patient’s needs

The goal isn’t simply to make a muscle look more defined. It’s to help rebuild the strength and activation needed for movement.

EMSCULPT NEO as Part of a Bigger Recovery Plan

At Sampson Regen, we think about treatment in phases:
DIAGNOSE → TREAT → RECOVER → REBUILD → TRACK

EMSCULPT NEO fits primarily within the REBUILD phase.

That doesn’t mean every patient needs EMSCULPT NEO, and it isn’t intended to replace physical therapy, exercise, or progressive strengthening. Instead, when appropriate, it can complement these approaches by providing targeted muscle stimulation during the rebuilding process.

Treatment areas are selected based on the patient’s diagnosis, areas of weakness, movement patterns, stage of recovery, and individual goals.

As strength and function improve, the treatment plan can evolve.

EMSCULPT NEO After Orthobiologic Treatments

For appropriate patients, EMSCULPT NEO may also be incorporated into the recovery and rebuilding process following orthobiologic procedures such as PRP, bone marrow concentrate (BMC), or microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) treatments.

After a procedure, the goal may be to progressively restore strength and function in the muscles surrounding or supporting the treated area.

The timing of EMSCULPT NEO is individualized. Your physician considers the procedure performed, diagnosis, treatment area, stage of recovery, and rehabilitation goals before determining whether and when muscle stimulation is appropriate.

Function and Form Can Work Together

Not every patient comes to Sampson Regen for the same reason.

Some are primarily focused on restoring strength and function. Others are interested in muscle definition and body composition. Many patients have goals that overlap.

EMSCULPT NEO can be customized accordingly.

For patients focused on function, treatment may target areas such as the core, lower back, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, arms, or other appropriate muscle groups.

For patients interested in body composition and aesthetics, EMSCULPT NEO can also be used to build muscle while addressing localized fat and improving muscle definition.

The important distinction is that the treatment plan starts with the patient—not a predetermined protocol.

What Does EMSCULPT NEO Feel Like?

During treatment, patients typically experience a series of strong muscle contractions along with a warming sensation from the radiofrequency energy.

Treatment intensity can be adjusted based on the patient’s tolerance, and anesthesia is not required.

Each body region requires approximately a 30-minute treatment session. If multiple regions are being treated, each region receives its own session.

Because EMSCULPT NEO is non-invasive, most patients can return to normal daily activities immediately following treatment.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

There is no single EMSCULPT NEO protocol for every patient.

Functional and muscle-rebuilding programs commonly involve eight or more sessions per treatment region, with the number and frequency individualized according to the muscle groups being treated, the patient’s stage of recovery, and progress.

Treatment protocols may change as strength and function improve.

Measuring Progress

Rebuilding should be measurable.

When appropriate, Sampson Regen may incorporate InBody body composition analysis and other objective assessments to establish a baseline and track changes over time.

This can provide information about changes in muscle mass and body composition while helping the clinical team monitor progress and determine the next phase of a patient’s personalized treatment plan.

What Does the Research Show?

EMSCULPT NEO has been studied using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate changes in muscle thickness and localized fat.

A multicenter MRI study published in Dermatologic Surgery reported an approximately 25% increase in muscle thickness and 30% reduction in localized fat thickness following treatment. Individual results vary, and these findings relate to the combined HIFEM+® and synchronized RF technology rather than guaranteeing a particular outcome for every patient.

Reference: Jacob C, Kent D, Ibrahim O. Efficacy and Safety of Simultaneous Application of HIFEM and Synchronized Radiofrequency for Abdominal Fat Reduction and Muscle Toning: A Multicenter Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation Study. Dermatologic Surgery. 2021;47(7):969–973. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000003086.

Rebuilding Strength. Supporting Movement.

Recovery isn’t always just about treating the original source of pain.

For some patients, getting back to doing what they want to do requires rebuilding the muscles that support movement, stability, and performance.

At Sampson Regen, EMSCULPT NEO may be one component of that process—used strategically alongside rehabilitation and other treatments when appropriate.

The goal isn’t simply to build muscle. It’s to help you rebuild the capacity to move.