Electrical Stimulation

Pain control: When electrical currents are applied to sensory nerve endings, they affect how the nervous system and brain process the perception of pain. Examples of these include transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation (TENS) and interferential therapy (IF). TENS appears more effective for acute pain whereas IF is more commonly used for chronic pain, as they utilise different neurophysiologic mechanisms.

Muscle strengthening: When mild electrical currents are added during exercise training, they enhance muscular contraction by engaging a greater percentage of muscle fibres, known as electromuscular stimulation (EMS). This is useful when muscles have been weakened due to injury, inactivity or immobilisation. 

An tangential example of this, is we use EMS in stroke patients with subluxed (less than dislolcation) shoulder joints due to weakness in the deltoid muscle. EMS increases the muscle tone, hence keeping the humerus (arm bone) from drooping and causing excessive stretch and pain in the shoulder. Click here for a detailed discussion.

Instead of traditional devices, in which leads and wires connected to a control module are roped around the patient, we offer new technologies that have wireless electrodes, with its output and settings controlled remotely. This allows for a more natural movement during training with the device. 

Electrical stimulation should be individualised and used under strict professional guidance as there are specific indications and contraindications for different medical condition and circumstances, and settings need to be adapted for optimal effect as the patient’s conditions evolve.