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| Frequently
Used Modalities |
TENS -
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Primarily used for managing chronic
pain. Works by blocking the pain signal, and by
increasing endorphins in the body. Can be worn
all day or on an as needed basis. Device features
include adjustable pulse rate, pulse width, and
amplitude (intensity). Higher priced units offer
modulation (variations) of pulse rate, width,
and/or amplitude settings, and other user
friendly features. Placement of electrodes are
usually at pain site or along the nerve channels,
called dermatomes.
T.E.N.S. devices are the most often prescribed
modality in electrotherapy. These devices are
easier to use than other modalities. Please Click
Here to learn more about how T.E.N.S
works.
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NMES -
Neuromuscular Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Primarily used for preventing disuse
atrophy (muscle wasting). Stronger than a TENS
unit, with a wider pulse width to elicit muscle
contraction for a period of time. More than just
nerve stimulation, muscles are contracted and
relaxed on and off to strengthen muscles,
increase blood circulation to the area, and/or to
reduce edema. Device features include adjustable
pulse rate, width, amplitude, ramp, alternating
or synchronus stimulation. Higher priced devices
offer accesory jacks for remote switches, AC
Adapters, and other user friendly features.
Electrode placement is very important, mostly
over motor points or on the belly of muscles.
Please Click Here to learn more about how N.M.E.S
works.
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HVPG - High Volt
Pulsed Galvanic Stimulation
Primarily used for quickly increasing
circulation or reducing edema in a specified
area. Also used widely by PT's for wound healing.
Uses high voltage and direct current (DC) as
opposed to low voltage and alternating current
(AC) common in TENS or NMES. Device features
include adjustable pulse rate, positive or
negative polarity switch, alternating or
synchronus stimulation. Large
"dispersive" pad is needed to ground
the current. Smaller "active" pads are
placed over treatment site.
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INF -
Interferential Stimulation
Primarily used to manage deep chronic
pain. INF current uses very high pulse rate.
usually 4001-4150 pulses per second. This higher
frequency goes through the skin and muscle better
than TENS or other modalities, thus can be more
effective in pain control. Provides more
analgesic, or nerve blocking effect. Device
features include adjustable pulse rate, two or
foue electrode treatment selection, and
modulation of pulse rate. Because of suche
frequency, these devices will require a lot of
power. Batteries will not last long. AC Adapters
are usually provided with device. Electrode
placement should be in an "X" pattern,
as the point of intersection provides a third
stronger frequency.
Please Click Here to learn more about how
Interferential Stimulation works.
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MENS -
Microcurrent Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Microcurrent electrical nerve
stimulation (M.E.N.S) uses micro-amperage current
as opposed to millamperage current which is found
primarily in T.E.N.S. devices. Microamp current
is 1/1000 of a milliamp current and is closer to
our own body's natural healing current.
Wheras TENS is used generally for relief of pain,
MENS is thought to work more on a cellular level
and aids in the healing process while relieving
pain. It has been found that MENS can help
increase levels of a chemical called ATP
(adenosine triphosphate) which promotes protien
synthesis and healing in tissue cells. MENS is a
very subtle, yet powerful current, and treatment
levels are usually sub-sensory--the patient
barely feels the stimulation. In many cases where
TENS or other electrotherapy modalities have been
unsuccessful, MENS has been proven to be an
effective alternative.
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EMG -
ElectroMyoGraphy
Sometimes
referred to as biofeedback, this procedure is
very similar to routine electro-cardiography
(ECG). While ECG measures the activity of the
cardiac muscle, EMG measures the electrical
activity of contracting skeletal muscles. Muscle
activity produces electrical signals that can be
detected through the skin with surface
electrodes. The magnitude of electrical activity
is proportional to the strength of the
contraction. Thus, surface EMG can quantify
muscle activity non-invasively. Common uses
include muscle re-education, post-op knee
rehabilitation, hand rehabilitation, work
hardening, posture training, relaxation, stress
management training and incontinence.
Please Click Here to learn more about how E.M.G.
works.
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