Rehabilitation

What is Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation?

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is the application of low level electrical current to a particular area to achieve a variety of treatment goals, mainly pain control and muscle strengthening.

At certain electrical current frequencies, muscle groups can be made to contract, thereby strengthening the target muscle group. This can be particularly useful in preventing postoperative muscle atrophy (degeneration), which occurs rapidly with limb disuse.

Benefits of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Minimize Muscle Atrophy

Without NMES, it can take months to build back the muscle mass which can be lost in a matter of weeks of post-operative healing. By preventing or diminishing the degree of muscle atrophy post-operatively, patients can resume regular activities more rapidly.

Maintain Muscle Mass

NMES can also be used to support the maintenance of muscle mass in patients who have become non-ambulatory (unable to walk) from a variety of neurologic and metabolic diseases.

Control Muscle Spasms and Pain

At frequencies different from those which induce muscle contraction, NMES can also be useful in reducing muscle spasm and pain. By bridging a painful area with electrical current, circulation is increased and a release of endorphins (the body's own natural pain killers) occurs.

This use of NMES devices in this manner is traditionally referred to as the application of "transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation" or TENS. It is perceived by patients as a pleasant and mild tingling sensation.