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What is electrical muscle stimulation (e–stim)?
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) or electromyostimulation is the elicitation of muscle contraction using electric impulses.
How many Types of electrical muscle stimulation (e–stim)?
1. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
2. Russian Stimulation
3. Faradic currents
4. Surge faradic
5. Galvanic currents
6. High voltage therapy (HVT)
7. Micro-currents
As there are so many types of electrical muscle stimulation, where patients need to keep in mind that many forms of electrical stimulation are a passive treatment; you are doing nothing while receiving the stimulation.
Some forms of electrical muscle stimulation, like NMES and Russian stimulation, require that you are active (functional activity) while the stimulation is in use.
Indication of electrical muscle stimulation (e-stim):-
1. Relieve discomfort and pain
2. Reduce muscle spasms
3. Restore muscle tone
4. May improve joint pain and swelling
5. Prevents and reveres muscle atrophy (loss of muscle mass/tissue)
6. Enhances rehabilitation of muscles (Muscle re-education)
7. Increases range of motion for tense muscles or tendons
8. Reduces stress and discomfort
Conditions treated by electrical muscle stimulation (e-stim)
a) Bell’s palsy
b) Facial palsy
c) VMO training
d) Muscle activation
e) Muscle strengthing
f) Nerve injury / neurapraxia
g) Erb’s plasy
h) Muscle transfer
i) Post surgery
j) Foot drop
If your PT chooses to use electrical stimulation during your rehab, he or she should explain to you the procedure and the expected risks and benefits. A typical application of e-stim goes something like this:
1. Expose the area of your body being treated.
2. Your PT will apply electrodes to your skin. These electrodes are connected via a wire to an e-stim machine.
Will I Feel Anything during electrical Muscle stimulation (e-stim)?
1. You will feel a slight tingling sensation.
2. The sensation will be increased until it feels strong but comfortable.
3. If the e-stim is used for muscle spasm or pain relief, you will relax during the treatment.
4. If the electricity is used to improve muscular strength or function, you may be required to contract your muscle as the machine is working.
What is an electrical Muscle stimulation (e-stim) Dose?
E-stim treatment will take from ten to twenty minutes, which depends on types of muscle stimulation and condition or problem of patient which will be decided by Physiotherapist.
Is Electrical muscle stimulation (e- stim) safe?
Yes, it is completely safe.