Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) at Flowstate Physical Therapy
At Flowstate Physical Therapy, our physical therapist in Tuscaloosa, AL utilizes various treatment techniques to help patients achieve their recovery goals. One such technique is Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), a safe and effective modality for treating a variety of conditions.
What is Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)?
NMES uses electrical impulses delivered through electrodes placed on the skin to stimulate underlying muscles, causing them to contract. This can be beneficial for various purposes in physical therapy, including:
Muscle Strengthening
NMES can help improve muscle strength, particularly for individuals with weakened or atrophied muscles due to injury, disuse, or neurological conditions.
Pain Management
NMES can help manage pain by promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. It can also help reduce muscle spasms and improve circulation, which can contribute to pain relief.
Improved Range of Motion
NMES can be used to improve range of motion by stimulating muscles that may be tight or inhibited.
Reduced Edema
NMES can help reduce swelling by promoting lymphatic drainage and improving blood circulation.
Post-surgical Rehabilitation
NMES can be a valuable tool in post-surgical rehabilitation by helping to maintain muscle strength and prevent atrophy while surgical healing occurs.
How is NMES Used in Physical Therapy?
Our physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and physical exam to determine whether NMES is appropriate for your condition and treatment goals. During a treatment session, the therapist will place electrodes on your skin over the targeted muscle groups and adjust the stimulation parameters, such as frequency, intensity, and pulse duration, to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
NMES is typically used in conjunction with other physical therapy techniques, such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education.
Benefits of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
- Painless or Minimally Discomforting: NMES is generally well-tolerated, with minimal to no discomfort experienced during treatment.
- Safe and Non-invasive: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation is a safe and non-invasive treatment approach.
- Targeted Treatment: NMES allows for targeted stimulation of specific muscle groups.
- Enhanced Recovery: NMES can accelerate the recovery process by promoting muscle healing and reducing pain.
Conditions Treated with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
NMES can be beneficial for treating a variety of conditions, including:
- Muscle weakness
- Pain management
- Sports injuries
- Neurological conditions like stroke or multiple sclerosis
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Osteoarthritis
NMES is not appropriate for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, such as pacemakers, epilepsy, or uncontrolled bleeding disorders, should not use NMES. It’s important to consult with your doctor before undergoing NMES treatment.
Contact Flowstate Physical Therapy to Learn More
If you want to learn more about how Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation can benefit your specific condition, contact Flowstate Physical Therapy in Tuscaloosa, AL today. Our experienced physical therapist will be happy to discuss your treatment options and determine if NMES is right for you!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
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