Introduction to NMES

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Neuromuscular stimulation should be used only under medical supervision for adjunctive therapy in the treatment of medical diseases and conditions.

Neuromuscular Stimulation (NMES) is the application of an electrical stimulus for use in muscle rehabilitation. An electrical stimulus is passed from the device to an electrode that is placed on the skin over the motor point of a targeted muscle or muscle group. This stimulation results in a muscle contraction. By assisting patients to fully contract a muscle or muscle group, NMES can move a patient more quickly towards normal function and the resumption of their normal activities.

NMES is indicated for use in:

• The retardation or prevention of disuse atrophy (wasting of muscle due to lack of use)
• Muscle re-education, such as after surgery or trauma
• Relaxation of a muscle spasm
• Prevention of deep venous thrombosis (blood clots due to inactivity) immediately after surgery
• Maintaining or increasing the range of motion
• Increasing local blood flow

A wide range of neurologic and orthopedic diagnoses will benefit from the use of NMES. Some of the most common uses include rehabilitation after knee surgery or traumatic injury, shoulder rehabilitation, and CVA (stroke).

NMES devices are restricted to sale by or on the order of a physcian. The application of a NMES device requires medical knowledge and skill. Proper patient selection, electrode placement, parameters selection and patient education contribute to the successful use of NMES.