March 22, 2014
Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.
When I first heard about a device that could generate new blood vessels, remove waste from muscles, maximize flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body, and allow muscle fibers to fire with lightning-like precision, I knew I had to do a podcast about it.
It's called a “Marc Pro“, it's a form of electrical muscle stimulation, works much differently than something like a Compex, and in today's episode with CEO Ryan Heaney, you're going to discover:
-What is the Marc Pro?
-How does it help with muscle recovery?
-Are there any effects on performance or strength?
-Can you build muscle with it?
-How is this any different than other electrical stimuation devices?
-Whether you can use it during exercise.
If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:
–How To Use Electrical Muscle Stimulation to Enhance Performance, Build Power and VO2 Max
–Can Electrical Stimulation Devices Make You Fit or Help You Burn Fat?
Do you have questions about the Marc Pro or how to use it? Leave your thoughts below! And remember, you can save 5% on the Marc Pro with code “BEN” at MarcPro.com, and they offer a very affordable $54/month payment plan!
Hey Ben,
I have tight Hamstrings/Hip Flexors and inactive Glutes (Severely quad dominant).
Do you recommend using the Compex or MarcPro to activate these muscle groups?
They’re inactive to the point where I can’t even get them sore or feel them during exercises, so the main goal is activation.
Yep, it would be perfect for that. I'd also do a LOT of glute extension work and review these: https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/2016/07/what-is-… https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/2016/08/how-to-d…
Hi Ben,
3 weeks ago I had a benign nerve sheath tumour removed from a sensory nerve in my upper inner thigh. The surgical site has been vitually symptom-free but the op has left me with paraesthesia/hyperaesthrsia in the skin just above my knee. Do you think the Marc Pro would assist with the rehab? Any advice greatly appreciated. Love the podcast, best on the planet! Cheers
I am not a doctor and this is not to be taken, interpreted or construed as medical advice. Please talk with a licensed medical professional about this. These are just my own personal thoughts and not a prescription or a diagnosis or any form of health care whatsoever. I'm not sure this is the kind of thing the MarcPro was designed to actually help with…
Ben,
Have you tried the Marc Pro for golfer elbow relief? Would the Marc Pro Plus be better?
Yes, I would highly recommend it. And the pro is even better. Check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uSWJEXpuDg ion and use promo code “BEN” for 5% discount at marcpro.com
In terms of prolonging protein synthesis by lightly hitting the same muscles as the previous day. Would a Marc Pro session deliver the same results? It seems that the Marc Pro will facilitate recovery, but will it do the same for protein synthesis?
Yes, it would indeed deliver blood flow results which could indirectly assist with protein synthesis although it is not going to cause protein synthesis directly.
Hi Ben,
I’ve been using the Marc Pro for many years, but I was wondering if you had any advice on electrode placement to help me rehab from what I have concluded as the broad “osteitis pubis.” Or if you have any other thoughts on how to deal with something like this.
Love the podcast, thanks for all your hard work.
“Surround” the area of pain with the electrodes, like an X pattern. But yes, there is WAY more you can do. I had osteitis pubis 6 years ago and totally fixed it. Happy to help via a consult if you go to www.greenfieldfitnesssystems.com/ben and choose 20 or 60 mins and we’ll get you scheduled!
Do you recommend the Mark Pro for Trochanteric Bursitis on the hip,cortison toes not help?What would you recommend?
Thank you
Check out the question from Tina here: https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/2011/09/episode-…
How would you say the Marc Pro compares to something like the Normatec for recovery? Thanks!
My situation is the following: I have micro tears on tendons on the inside of my right elbow. I am a crossfitter and overworked it. It is taking a really long time to heal (8 months). Ecentric work, massage therapy, grasting and shockwave therapy are the treatments I have had to essentially generate bloodflow to accelerate the healing process. It is getting better but ver slowly.
Would you recommend the Marc Pro for me? What other options would you recommend as well? Really enjoy your podcasts, appreciate your response.
Thank you
I'd do the MarcPro, but I'd do it like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uSWJEXpuDg
I'd also be happy to help you via a personal one-on-one consult. Just go to https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/coaching. and then choose a 20 or 60 minute consult, whichever you'd prefer. I can schedule ASAP after you get that.
I have a severely atrophied quadriceps muscle (specially the VMO) following knee injury, 8 weeks on crutches and subsequent knee surgery with substantial knee swelling This has resulted in neuronal inhibition of the quads, but I can’t exercise the quads as i have a patellar maltracking issue due to weak VMO. Have had some electrotherapy at the PT office with a clinical grade device, and I am looking for a device that I can use at home to continue with treatment. Can you suggest a device and or model of ems with a suitable programme? Also would the regular strength programmes work ?Many thanks!!
For this type of strength program I would definitely use a Compex: http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=3… – BGREENFIELD10A – That's for a 10% discount.
I fell three years ago, and without going into too much detail I have right glute inhibition (and atrophy), and my piriformis and other external rotators are hypertonic from guarding and doing all of the work to power my runs (down to 2 per day from 4 miles).
I purchased the Marc Pro to use on my glute max to get it activated again. But I am unsure of the placement of the electrodes, because the last thing I want is piriformis spasm.
Is there a safe use of the Marc Pro in this context, or did I waste my money. Thank you!
Cindy check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uSWJEXpuDg
Ben,
Would you mind commenting on your experiences with the MarcPro as a recovery device and any specific routines you follow with it? Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Dan
Absolutely. It is SUPER simple to use as it only has one setting. I simply surround the area that "hurts" with the electrodes, usually slap an ice pack on it, then run it for 20-30 minutes. That's it. Sometimes magnesium oil underneath too.
Would the french made Veinoplus Sport be a good alternative at a fraction of the price (€180)?
They seem to have a bunch of olympic athletes on their team.
To my understanding, MarcPro has patented the specific wave form used in their technology and I really would vouch for any form of electrical muscle stimulation that uses a different waveform if your goal is injury recovery
Oh and the link says it's Zero of Zero seconds to play, which I think might be your problem…
I got the link to this page to listen to your podcast, but it won't play, I have tried playing the podcast on 2 of my work computers, my home laptop and 2 cell phones and it won't play. I have searched for it in google and on none of the podcast pages does it play either. It's like it was taken down. :(
It's working for me, try a different browser?
Hi Ben,
I’m a triathlon coach in the Orange County area and I decided to purchase a Marc Pro Plus after listening to the interview. I have decided to return the unit after having written the company 5 times from two separate email addresses with no reply. You can do whatever you want, but you may want to reconsider endorsing a product that offers zero customer service.
That hasn't been my experience at all. Have you checked your spam box?
Nice. I'll pick some up. Thanks for all the info.
I inquired about the ARPWave and their business model is pretty nuts. $500 for rent, $200 shipping plus controlled hours on it. If they want to get the product out there they have to change it up. I know it's expensive but they are over the top. I love the therapy I am getting with it though. It really works well. According to my dock I have pretty bad fibrosis. Do you think the Marc Pro Plus will work to help clear this? Thanks man! Enjoy your trip!
Fibrosis? Depends. I'd be doing lots of deep tissue work and even consider proteolytic enzymes. I think that type of think would help MORE than EMS…but if I were going to use EMS for something like this, I'd consider MarcPro for sure…
Thanks Ben. Any brands? Does Thorne FX make one? Thanks, Dave
I like these ones https://greenfieldfitnesssystems.com/product/recov…
Hi Ben,
Now that you have used both the Marc Pro and Compex, I have a question. I have an atrophied left quad that appears to be resulting in patellofemoral pain. No matter what I do I can barely get the left quad to burn whereas the right fires and I can feel a solid burn easily, so their clearly seems to be some neurological inhibition. I am thinking of using EMS for muscle re-education, not really for recovery. In this case, do you think the Compex is a better choice? Now I wouldn't mind getting recovery/angiogenesis utility out of my purchase as well (these things are expensive), so what do you think of the claims made by Compex that their units also facilitate recovery and capilarization (depending on mode used)? Thank you.
In a situation like this, I'd use compex, even though it's waveform is *inferior* for recovery, I'd say it's superior for muscle training (although nothing beats the multi-thousand dollar ARPWave for that)..
Awesome explanation of the uses of medical estim for muscle regeneration/induced fatigue vs. recovery/sports performance. the wave form and parameter settings sound quite delicious.
Ben
How does the Marcpro compare to Compex and which do you prefer ?
Hmm…you didn't listen to the interview, did you? ;)
Hi Ben,
I actually DID listen to the interview, so I get the MarcPro vs Compex comparison, but which one do you prefer? Seems to me the Compex is more robust, so you get more bang for your buck…
If I was using it for injury – MarcPro. For training – Compex.