What is Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation?
Muscle Stimulation Therapy utilizes Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) devices to send electrical impulses to the nerves in the muscles at specific frequencies and intensities for purposes of strengthening and/or stimulating the muscles. Muscle stimulation can help improve muscle strength, tone and range of motion, especially when combined with other therapy modalities. The electrical pulses are said to mimic the actions of signals coming from neurons - the cells of the nervous system.
The mild electrical currents contract muscles, enabling the child to maximize capacity through activation of less active muscles and/or simply provide the child physical and motor awareness. Muscle Stimulation therapy can benefit movement, body alignment, blood flow, muscle function and strength, as well as promote skill development.
Muscle Stimulation Therapy utilizes Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) devices to send electrical impulses to the nerves in the muscles at specific frequencies and intensities for purposes of strengthening and/or stimulating the muscles. Muscle stimulation can help improve muscle strength, tone and range of motion, especially when combined with other therapy modalities. The electrical pulses are said to mimic the actions of signals coming from neurons - the cells of the nervous system.
The mild electrical currents contract muscles, enabling the child to maximize capacity through activation of less active muscles and/or simply provide the child physical and motor awareness. Muscle Stimulation therapy can benefit movement, body alignment, blood flow, muscle function and strength, as well as promote skill development.
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How Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Works?
Rhythmic pulses cause muscle contractions that can help improve muscle strength, particularly if the child is also simultaneously contracting these same muscles. Electrical stimulation can also 'train' muscles to respond to the body's natural signals to contract, or 're-train' a muscle to function and to build strength after a surgery or period of disuse. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation can be done on children as young as 4 months old (on low frequency). |
Who Can Benefit from Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Muscle stimulation therapy can benefit children with movement disorders, neurological injury, foot drop while walking (difficulty picking up their toes when walking), or difficulty grasping. This may include conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, brain injury, traumatic brain injury, or incomplete spinal cord injury. It can also benefit children with tasks such as walking or using an arm to reach. The treatment can focus on varied areas, including the achieving of motor learning, motor control, muscle strength, and sensory stimulations.
How is Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Delivered?
Electrical stimulation can be delivered during a physiotherapy or occupational therapy session at Stable Connections if it is deemed suitable for your child.
Upon assessment of the child’s abilities and goals, our therapists will develop a treatment plan, determining which muscle group to target with the pads, along with the machines’ frequency and intensity. The small electrodes will then be attached to the bare skin by sticky pads and connected to the stimulation unit with wires. While the stimulation units are on (usually 2-3 units are used in each session, targeting 2-3 muscle groups at a time), our therapists will engage the child in movements and poses that are complementary to the goal at hand.
Contact the office to book your appointment today.
Muscle stimulation therapy can benefit children with movement disorders, neurological injury, foot drop while walking (difficulty picking up their toes when walking), or difficulty grasping. This may include conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, brain injury, traumatic brain injury, or incomplete spinal cord injury. It can also benefit children with tasks such as walking or using an arm to reach. The treatment can focus on varied areas, including the achieving of motor learning, motor control, muscle strength, and sensory stimulations.
How is Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Delivered?
Electrical stimulation can be delivered during a physiotherapy or occupational therapy session at Stable Connections if it is deemed suitable for your child.
Upon assessment of the child’s abilities and goals, our therapists will develop a treatment plan, determining which muscle group to target with the pads, along with the machines’ frequency and intensity. The small electrodes will then be attached to the bare skin by sticky pads and connected to the stimulation unit with wires. While the stimulation units are on (usually 2-3 units are used in each session, targeting 2-3 muscle groups at a time), our therapists will engage the child in movements and poses that are complementary to the goal at hand.
Contact the office to book your appointment today.
