What is an important effect of electrical stimulation?

Electric stimulation works by mimicking the natural way by which the body exercises its muscles. The electrodes attached to the skin deliver impulses that make the muscles contract. It is beneficial in increasing the patient’s range of motion and improves the circulation of the body.

What are some of the problems with functional muscular stimulation?

Most of the risks of functional electrical stimulation (FES) pertain to the wires and electrodes that are positioned under the skin or in deep tissue and not FES systems that are external to the body. The risks include: Irritation or infection at the site of electrode placement (internal and external systems).

How does electrical stimulation of the muscle result in contraction?

Muscle contractions are produced through the application of electrical current to activate peripheral motor nerves that innervate a targeted muscle. A muscle contracts when the applied electrical current depolarizes the axonal membranes and thereby generates action potentials in the muscle’s lower motor axons.

Why do muscles respond to electrical stimulus?

Action potentials from the motor neuron are conducted orthodromically to the muscle fibers. The electrical stimulus excites the axon at some point between the motor neuron and the muscle, and produces pairs of action potentials that travel in both the orthodromic and antidromic directions.

Is electrical muscle stimulation safe?

Yes. FDA has received reports of shocks, burns, bruising, skin irritation, and pain associated with the use of some of these devices. There have been a few recent reports of interference with implanted devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Some injuries required hospital treatment.

What EMG triggers electrical stimulation?

EMG-triggered stimulation is a technology to detect the extremely small electrical ElectroMyoGraphic (EMG) signals still measurable in paralyzed muscles after stroke and use these signals to initiate electrical stimulation impulses to the same muscles resulting in actual muscle movement.

What are the contraindications for using functional electrical stimulation?

Other contraindications are over any implantable electrical devices, like phrenic nerve stimulators, urinary bladder stimulators, pain pumps, ITB pumps, etc. If there is an area known peripheral vascular disease, thrombophlebitis, a known DVT or suspected DVT, you want to avoid Estim in that area.

What are the side effects of EMS?

They warn us of the following potential side effects of EMS:

• Even though you can keep muscles active and toned, there is a danger of muscle degeneration, which can lead to early atrophy.
• It can increase anaerobic metabolism, thereby, increasing lactic acid levels, which can be dangerous for cardiac patients.

Can muscle stimulators hurt you?

The application of electrical impulses may feel a bit uncomfortable, but it should never hurt. If you feel pain during electrical stimulation, tell your physical therapist. They will adjust the treatment or stop using it.

Does electrotherapy help pinched nerve?

Think of it as acupuncture with electrical stimulation. The advantage of using needles instead of pads means the currents pulse closer to the pinched nerves and muscles. This can provide almost immediate pain relief for some patients.