Neuromuscular stimulation, also known as electronic muscle stimulation, is a technique that applies an electrical impulse to the skin and muscle tissue. It can be used for pain relief and muscle training or therapy, and is effective for chronic and acute pain. A TENS unit is a common device used for neuromuscular stimulation. It can also help prevent muscle wasting and increase muscle tone. Electroacupuncture is another form of neuromuscular stimulation. It is generally considered safe, but patients with heart problems or pacemakers should consult a doctor before use.
Neuromuscular stimulation, also called electronic muscle stimulation (EMS), is a group of similar technologies in which an electrical impulse is applied to the skin and underlying muscle tissue. Primarily, neuromuscular stimulation has two distinct uses: killing pain and muscle training or therapy. The technique can be used for both chronic and acute pain and may help prevent muscle wasting in some patients.
In general, neuromuscular stimulation has become a common tool for pain relief. It can be effective for reducing pain from cancer, arthritis, sciatica, bursitis, shingles, and sports injuries. The technique can be particularly useful in patients who are unable or unwilling to use traditional pain relievers. Often called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), the technology is thought to interfere with the nerve endings that transmit pain signals. It can also cause the release of natural substances called endorphins, which generally block the perception of pain.
A common device for neuromuscular stimulation is a TENS unit. It is a portable, generally easy-to-use device that can provide pain relief virtually anywhere. The patient simply places each of the four padded electrodes in a criss-cross pattern over the painful area. He then turns the control to the lowest setting and slowly raises it until he feels a tingle from the electrical stimulation and notices the pain subside. The patient controls the amount of current and resulting pain relief.
Electronic muscle stimulation can also help build muscle tone and prevent muscle atrophy. Injuries and illnesses can cause disuse of certain muscle groups. With lack of use, muscles can waste away to the point where they no longer function. Strokes can also cause muscle dysfunction that could benefit from neuromuscular stimulation.
The basic mode of operation is that electrodes are placed on the affected muscles and an electrical signal is sent to the muscle’s nerves. The electrical impulses stimulate the muscle, which contracts in response. This simulates the normal method of control between nerves and muscles. Repeated application can prevent further atrophy and increase muscle tone.
Electroacupuncture is also a form of neuromuscular stimulation. It takes the ancient Chinese art of acupuncture and brings it into the electronic age. Acupuncture is a method of using needles inserted into certain nerves around the body to unblock energy and treat certain conditions. Electroacupuncture uses the same acupuncture points, but then an electric current is passed through the inserted needles to enhance nerve stimulation.
Electronic muscle stimulation is generally considered a relatively safe therapy. Patients with heart problems or who wear a pacemaker should not use electronic pacing. A person is generally advised to consult a doctor before starting any type of therapy or self-treatment.
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