What is Electrical Stimulation?
Electrical stimulation, often referred to as electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), is a technique used in physiotherapy to elicit muscle contractions and provide therapeutic benefits. Electrical stimulation devices deliver controlled electrical impulses to specific muscles or nerve pathways, and this can be beneficial for various purposes in rehabilitation. Here are some ways electrical stimulation can help in physiotherapy:
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Muscle Strengthening: Electrical stimulation can be used to activate muscles, especially in individuals who may have difficulty initiating voluntary muscle contractions due to injury, surgery, or neurological conditions. This can help prevent muscle atrophy and promote muscle strength.
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Muscle Re-education: After injuries or surgeries, patients may experience altered muscle activation patterns. Electrical stimulation can assist in retraining and restoring normal muscle function by promoting proper firing sequences and enhancing neuromuscular control.
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Pain Management: Certain types of electrical stimulation, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), can be used to alleviate pain. TENS units deliver low-level electrical currents to the skin, helping to disrupt or modulate pain signals and provide relief.