(Physiolight 4_Physiotherapy Technique)
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
Electrical muscle stimulation
(EMS), or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), is one of the techniques
of physiotherapy. During treatment with EMS, electrodes are specifically placed
over the targeted muscles. EMS passes safe electrical impulses through the skin
to stimulate the nerves, eliciting muscle contraction. This helps to restore
the communication between the brain and the muscular system in such a way that
your muscles are retrained to function normally again.
Uses of EMS
EMS has the
potential to serve as a:
ü Strength training tool for healthy subjects and
athletes.
ü Rehabilitation and atrophy prevention tool for immobilized
patients.
ü Tool for reduction of muscle spasm and pain relief.
ü Testing and evaluating the neural and muscular
function in vivo.
ü Post-exercise recovery tool.
ü Considered safe for children and elderly.
Mechanism of action
The physiological characteristics
of skeletal muscle, ensures that different types of fibers could be activated
to differing degrees by forms of electrical stimuli, and the modifications
induced depend on the programming of the EMS activity. Some programs will improve
endurance, others will increase force production. EMS causes adaptation, i.e. training
of muscle fibers.
Indications
In physiotherapy,
EMS is used for rehabilitation purposes in the prevention of disuse muscle
atrophy in spinal cord injury, relaxation of muscle spasms, increasing local
blood circulation, muscle re-education, prevention of venous thrombosis, maintaining
or increasing range of motion etc.
Source:
Maffiuletti, N.A, Minetto, M.A, Farina, D., Bottinelli, R. (2011).
"Electrical stimulation for neuromuscular testing and training:
State-of-the art and unresolved issues". European Journal of Applied
Physiology 111 (10): 2391–7.
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