Electrical muscle stimulation is often used in physiotherapy and rehabilitation activities. The procedure has two goals. First of all, the impact is aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome. Along with this, the restoration of muscle activity is carried out. Let's take a closer look at this procedure. The article will also describe some devices for electrical muscle stimulation.

General information

Muscle electrical stimulation is performed using special equipment. It is equipped with electrodes that are connected by wires. The device for electrical muscle stimulation sends current to the elements. Through the electrodes, the impulses propagate into the muscle tissue. The result is a motor or sensory response.

Electrode placement methods

They are located on the surface of the skin specific muscles. There are two options for placing elements. The first is the location of one electrode in a healthy area, and the second - in the affected area. In the second case, the elements are placed on both sides of problem area. The negative polarity that surrounds the damaged area promotes healing. It stimulates the formation of tissues, thus accelerating the recovery processes.

Indications and contraindications

Electrical stimulation is recommended for the prevention of muscle atrophy, stimulation of the muscles of the thighs, large fibers of the anterior wall of the peritoneum in cellulite. Procedures are applied to reduce overweight and body shaping. Electrical stimulation is recommended in case of deterioration of blood circulation (peripheral venous and arterial), decreased tone, lymphatic drainage. The procedure is not prescribed during pregnancy, the presence of an intrauterine pacemaker. Electrical stimulation is contraindicated in case of nervosa, after surgery.

Removal of soreness

There are two opinions about how electrical muscle stimulation relieves pain. In accordance with the "gate theory" - the first hypothesis, signals from the affected area are sent to the brain through the nerves. However, most of the impulses go through the "gate". Signals during electrical stimulation also pass through them. As a result, the nerves that transmit the pain impulse are blocked. According to another theory, electrical muscle stimulation causes the brain to produce natural painkillers - enkephalins and endorphins. It has been established that after low-frequency exposure, the content of these compounds increases.

Impact on atrophy

The decrease can accompany a variety of pathologies. Electrical muscle stimulation is often used to slow down or prevent this process. The impulses that the electrical muscle stimulation device sends help to maintain the activity of the weakened muscles.

Therapy for osteoarthritis

This pathology is caused by the degradation of articular tissues. Studies have found that electrical stimulation is a very effective technique in the treatment of patients suffering from osteoarthritis in this area of ​​the lower limb, as well as after surgery and joint replacement. Pulse impact can help strengthen the knee extensors, which provides better segment mobility.

Prevention of bedsores

This problem is considered quite common for bedridden patients chained to the bed. During a long stay in this position, there is a strong and constant pressure on certain areas of the body. Electrical stimulation of the buttocks helps prevent deformities and the appearance of bedsores.

Tissue restoration

Muscle electrical stimulation is actively used on fibers that do not contract enough. This kind of effect is indicated for various conditions, but most often it is prescribed to patients who have had a stroke or orthopedic surgery. Often such patients experience serious difficulties when trying to make movements. If the electrodes are placed correctly, the fibers may begin to contract without the patient's intervention during the process of sending an electrical signal from the device to the muscles. During this artificially induced reaction, the patient also tries to contract the muscles. As a result, the procedures contribute to the fact that the brain again "learns" to coordinate muscle activity on its own.

Muscle electrical stimulation: expert reviews

Despite the fact that various activities are periodically carried out to study the effects of current, its effectiveness remains in question. In some studies, the procedure almost completely fails. Often, electrical muscle stimulation appears as an alternative method due to insufficient evidence of its benefit. However, there are experts who point to the effectiveness of the procedures. Thus, in the course of one of the studies conducted in 2014, which involved patients with severe and moderate muscle pain, it was found that exposure to current contributed to a significant decrease in the intensity of sensations. It should be noted that the study of the effectiveness of the procedures is still ongoing.

Electrical muscle stimulation for children

In pediatrics, electric shock is often used. Such a procedure as electrical muscle stimulation is not contraindicated for children, but it has its own characteristics. First of all, you should be careful not to exceed the duration of exposure. Electrical stimulation of the leg muscles for children is prescribed with a reduced tone. Due to the impulse action, blood circulation is stimulated, the activity of the muscles is restored. Electrical stimulation of the leg muscles for children is recommended for flat feet.

Benefits of Impact

Electrical muscle stimulation, reviews of many patients confirm this, is very effective in many cases. The undoubted advantage of the procedure is the removal of pain. According to patients, relief comes quickly enough and lasts a long period. Exposure to current does not provoke addiction. Electrical stimulation can be carried out not only in special rooms, but also at home. Many patients have different devices at their disposal. According to them, using the equipment is quite simple: it is compact and does not require special skills. For many, these devices completely replace drug therapy.

Disadvantages of the procedure

The main disadvantage of the procedure is that it does not eliminate the cause of the pathology. The impact only irritates the muscles, causing them to contract. At the same time, muscle function may not be restored with severe neurological damage. Advertisements for electrical stimulation devices claim that some of them help, but there is no clinical evidence for this.

Exposure using professional equipment

Various devices are used for the procedures. One of them is the physiotherapy equipment "ESMA". In the process of exposure, not only the fibers are irritated, but also the nerve innervating them with the help of a pulsed current. As a result, a change in bioelectrical activity is observed, spike responses are formed, and an intensive contraction is carried out. During the procedure, such types of current are used as:

• High frequency.
• Pulse.
• Midrange.
• Constant.
• Low frequency.

Mechanism of influence

Electrostimulation of the muscles is often compared to "gymnastics for the lazy" - the patient does nothing, and his muscles are active. However, experts are in no hurry to draw a direct analogy, since contractions under the influence of current and natural movement are very different. However, one does not replace or cancel the other. In the process of normal physical activity, regardless of its nature - housework, special exercises, walks and so on - purposeful work is carried out by far not all muscles. Against the background of current exposure, all excited structures are involved. These include smooth and striated fibers. Nerve endings send a signal "up" - to the centers of the brain, and "down" - to organs and systems. At the same time, the walls of large vessels begin to react, reserve capillary channels open. Due to such a massive impact, even the most weakened muscles are prepared for work. However, one should not be limited to the use of external influences. To successfully achieve the goal, you need to force your muscles to act.

Equipment types

Electrodes are applied to certain motor points of the thighs, back, chest, abdomen, lower extremities. Depending on which model of the muscle stimulator is used, a special conductive gel can be applied to the skin. Usually 15-20 procedures are prescribed per course. The frequency of electrical stimulation is 2-3 times a week. The impact allows you to activate fibers that are located deep enough, which in normal cases can be difficult to get close to. Electrical stimulation of the calf muscles is very effective. As a rule, the impact is directed to a separate muscle group. In this case, electrical stimulation is performed in a certain sequence. Actually, this determines the positive effect of the procedure. As mentioned above, the equipment is equipped with electrodes. They, in turn, are equipped with devices by which they are attached to the body. The device also has a main unit. It generates a current of a certain strength and frequency. Each muscle group has its own mode of exposure. Often, in addition to the equipment, a special gel or cream is supplied that improves the conduction of impulses.

Exposure at home

Today, portable devices are quite popular. Some of them run on batteries. However, such devices are only able to maintain the state. With a reduced tone, for example, there is not much benefit from them, since their power is not enough for a full impact. For example, electrical stimulation of the calf muscles with a portable device will relieve fatigue after a working day. However, it will not help to correct the condition of the muscles. Among the most common devices, it should be noted OMRON E4, "Enistim-1", "ESMA 12.20 COMBI" and "ESMA 12.48 FAVORITE".

The human body is capable of self-healing, but sometimes (after suffering injuries, operations) it can take quite a long time. For successful and more quick recovery in medicine, various are used. Therefore, we will further analyze what electrical stimulation of the back muscles is, why it is useful and how it is carried out.

The technique is widely used for the rehabilitation of patients after various kinds, with impaired functioning nervous system with muscle hypertonicity.

Why is the procedure useful?

The benefits of current stimulation sessions are obvious. So, The use of this technology allows to achieve the following results:

The procedure shows high results in therapy

1. Prevention of muscle atrophy.
2. Restoration of nutrition processes and excretion of metabolic products.
3. Reduction of pain of any localization.
4. Increased adaptation and muscle fatigue limit.
5. Promoting the process of tissue regeneration.

Also, regular stimulation provides recovery " feedback with the cerebral cortex.

Due to this, the nervous regulation of muscle tissue contractions is gradually restored. This is a great achievement in the treatment of severe pathologies (paralysis, paresis).

Apparatus for the procedure

All devices for electrical muscle stimulation have a main unit in which a current of the required frequency and strength is generated, as well as electrodes attached to the body.

Reference. Each device has different modes of operation required for a particular muscle group.

Devices are divided into several types in accordance with their purpose:

• professional— are used in medicine and cosmetology;
• low power- Designed for home use.

Also, devices are distinguished based on the nature of the outgoing currents:

1. Amplipulse-4.5, Stimulus-1- for muscle recovery and stimulation with the help of sinusoidal currents of increased frequencies, modulated by low frequencies.
2. "Neuropulse", "UEI-1"- used for reduced electrical excitability of muscles. The currents are supplied in a rectified mode.

Various devices for muscle stimulation with current have been developed.

In medicine, there are many other devices, each of which has its own application features: "NET", "Tonus-1", "Miovolna", etc.

Electrical stimulation at home

The technique is quite simple to perform, so you can perform electrical muscle stimulation at home.

The scheme of the session includes several stages and is as follows:

Can be used at home

• electrodes are wetted with water and placed on the affected muscle tissue and fixed with bandages;
• wires are connected;
• a suitable program is started on the device;
• the current strength increases in stages, after 3-4 minutes after the start of exposure to current, until such time as they will not be felt muscle contractions;
• after the end of the session, the device is turned off and the electrodes are removed;
• the skin in the area of ​​application of the electrodes is treated with a tonic for moisturizing.

It is mandatory to study the instructions for the electrical muscle stimulator, which will ensure the correct procedure and the effectiveness of treatment. If the session technique is not followed, side effects may develop.

How often can procedures be done

How often can electrical muscle stimulation be done? Treatment with a similar physiotherapy method is carried out 2-3 times a week, however, a session is allowed every other day (depending on the indications).

Reference. The therapeutic course includes 10-20 sessions.

In this case, the duration of the procedure should be approximately 20-40 minutes. Repeated course can be completed not earlier than 1 month after the previous one.

Side effects

There are practically no side effects

There are practically no side effects of electrical muscle stimulation.

The only thing to note is feeling of muscle discomfort during the session and after it.

Also, an inflammatory reaction may appear at the points of contact between the skin and the electrodes.

In order to avoid such undesirable reactions from the body, during the sessions, the patient must monitor his well-being. If discomfort, even slight, occurs, the patient should inform the doctor about it.

The list of contraindications to the electrical muscle stimulator is extensive. When prescribing therapy, it must be taken into account by the doctor.

Important! The procedure can accelerate the progression of certain diseases, which will lead to undesirable consequences.

It is forbidden to carry out the procedure in the presence of such circumstances and diseases:

Has a large list of contraindications

• oncology;
• infectious diseases;
• arterial hypertension;
• epilepsy;
• hyperthyroidism;
• blood pathology;
• heart failure above 2 degrees;
• active form of rheumatism
• the presence of pacemakers;
• education of a benign nature;
• atrial fibrillation;
• phlebitis, thrombophlebitis;
• violations of the integrity of the skin (abrasions, wounds, cuts);
• condition after stitching muscles, tendons, nerves (for 1 month).

Do not use this method of treatment in pregnant women, since the procedures can cause an increase in the tone of the uterus, which can result in a miscarriage or premature birth (depending on the gestational age).

Conclusion

Therapy of pathologies of the nervous and muscular system does not appear without physiotherapy techniques. Among the variety of procedures, electrical stimulation is the most active and shows high results in treatment.

Description of the method
Electrical muscle stimulation is an internationally recognized clinical method of physiotherapy in such specialties as orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation. Applied to a central or peripheral partially damaged nerve, electrical stimulation can induce a muscle response in patients with limited or lost muscle activity. This method is an adjunct to physiotherapy and should be combined with active training, strength and coordination exercises. The method is simple and suitable for treatment, both in the hospital and outpatient at home.

Operating principle
NMES stimulates motor nerves to generate muscle contractions, unlike low frequency TENS, which creates small muscle twitches. NMES also stimulates A-beta nerve fibers (as does TENS), which has an analgesic effect.

Reading examples

• restoration of quadriceps function after surgery
• maintaining or increasing the range of active movements
• capillarization
• reduction of atrophy / hypotrophy of muscles
• maintaining muscle strength during immobilization
• prevention of loss of muscle strength after surgery, for example on the vastus medialis
• reduction of spasticity, such as reciprocal inhibition of the flexor muscles of the arms in patients with hemiplegia
• training after partial peripheral nerve injury with reinnervation symptoms such as plexus injury
• peroneal muscle stimulation
• incontinence treatment
• anesthesia
• warm-up
• increase in muscle strength
• recovery

NMES treatment

Installation of electrodes
For achievement good results essential correct installation electrodes. The muscle contracts by stimulating the motor nerve. The motor point is the area on the skin that is closest to the point where the motor nerve enters the muscle. This is the most advantageous place for the induction of contraction using electrical impulses. Cefar's NMES programs generate a symmetrical biphasic waveform, meaning the polarity is constantly changing. This means that both electrodes are equally active.

There are different methods for positioning the electrodes. The most optimal is the installation of a pair of electrodes above the towering place of this muscle. By placing one electrode over the motor point of the muscle, you will get the strongest muscle contraction without discomfort. When placing electrodes over motor points different muscles can effectively work with large muscle groups.

What size electrodes to choose?
A large muscle group requires a larger electrode area. For a small muscle group, small electrodes are better suited, as they are more specific, which provides a greater current density (mA/cm2). Large muscle groups may also require dual channel stimulation, in which four electrodes are used simultaneously.

What frequency and pulse duration should be selected?

NMES usually operates at frequencies of 20-120 Hz. To increase blood circulation, choose frequencies up to 10 Hz. The goal is to induce vibrations, not contractions. Adjust the duration of the pulse in relation to the amount of energy in each pulse. When stimulating a small muscle group, a short pulse (say 200 µs) is usually sufficient, while a long pulse (eg 400 µs) is used for a large muscle group.

NMES 20-70 Hz

1.lift
2.Period of stimulation
3.Recession
4.Pause

The illustration above shows electrical stimulation of a muscle. It begins with a lifting phase (1), during which the contraction gradually increases, reaching a maximum contraction in the stimulation phase (2). During the decay phase (3), the stimulation gradually decreases and passes into the rest phase, in which the stimulation stops or is at a moderate level (active rest). Leisure prevents muscle injury, and prepares the muscle for the next contraction. Stimulation with regular pauses is called intermittent.

What sensations should the stimulation evoke?
The goal of NMES is to induce muscle contractions. Increase the amplitude above the somatosensory barrier until you see a motor response. The patient often experiences an electrical contraction stronger than a voluntary contraction. But cuts should not cause discomfort.

Testing the placement position of the electrodes.
The motor point electrode and gel help determine the optimal location for electrode application. Sliding over the surface of the skin with a movable electrode, you find the position with the maximum and most comfortable muscle contraction. Often the patient needs to get used to the stimulation, and therapeutic intensity may not be achieved in the first sessions. During the course of treatment, the intensity of stimulation should gradually increase. In the first session, a short session can be held to determine the patient's response. Excessively strong muscle contractions caused by electrical stimulation can injure a muscle that is not prepared for the load. A gradual increase in load and regularity of classes provide a good result of treatment.

NMES can be combined with other types to achieve good results. muscle training. Muscle stimulation can act both in the phase of concentric and eccentric movement, or only in one of them. It depends on how you combine stimulation with voluntary movements.

What should be the duration of the course of treatment?
Depending on the condition of the muscles and the rehabilitation phase of the patient, the treatment can last from 5 to 60 minutes and be repeated from three times a week to two times a day. In order to intensify the treatment, you can gradually increase the duration of stimulation depending on the pause. You can also increase the amplitude, frequency and/or duration of the pulse.

denervated muscles.
Stimulation of denervated muscles differs from stimulation of muscles with preserved innervation.
If the innervation of the muscle is preserved, you can stimulate through the motor nerve, if the muscle is denervated, you must stimulate the muscle fibers directly to induce contraction. The goal of stimulating denervated muscles is to maintain their contractile units while waiting for possible reinnervation. To generate a contraction, the pulse duration is 100-300 ms. Rectangular pulses are used for fully denervated muscles, while triangular or trapezoid pulses are used for partially denervated muscles. This helps to separate the innervated and denervated fibers.

Switch.
You can use the switch during electrical stimulation to adjust the duration of the pause and stimulation periods. The switch is especially useful when electrical muscle contractions are combined with voluntary contractions. The result is an effective individual treatment.

Installation of electrodes.
Here are some examples of electrode placement for the most common indications. For NMES, there is no difference in the position of the red and black electrodes.

Shoulder - subluxation and impaired abduction

Indication:

1. Functional subluxation of the shoulder after stroke.

2. Decreased function of the shoulder muscles after a fracture, dislocation, etc.

Installation of electrodes: Place one electrode on the middle of the deltoid muscle and the other on the supraspinatus muscle. The position of the electrodes and the type of stimulation may differ depending on the type of subluxation.

shoulder area- dysfunction of the triceps

Indication:

1. Decrease in triceps function, for example, after stroke.

2. Fracture in the elbow joint.

Installation of electrodes: Place one pair of electrodes on the triceps.
Torso, lower back - training of the muscles that extensor the spine

Indication: Pain/Weakness in lumbar region

Placement of electrodes: Place two pairs of electrodes in the lumbar region paravertebral along the course of the muscles that straighten the spine on both sides.
Trunk - abdominal muscle training

Indication: decreased function of the rectus abdominis muscles.

Placement of the electrodes: Place two pairs of electrodes on the rectus abdominis muscles on both sides.
Forearm - violation of the strength / hypotrophy of the extensors of the hand

Indication:

1. Violation of wrist extension and/or spasticity of the flexors after a stroke, etc.

2. Decreased function of the wrist extensors after a fracture, etc.

Installation of electrodes: Place a pair of electrodes over the extensor muscles of the hand.
Knee joint - instability

Indications:
1. Postoperative period after plastic surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint.
2. Extension contracture of the knee joint.

Electrode Placement: Place one pair of electrodes over the quadriceps.
Knee joint - muscle imbalance

Indication: Muscular imbalance of the medial head relative to the lateral head of the quadriceps.

Installation of electrodes: Place one pair of electrodes over the medial head.
Thigh area - Positive Trendelenburg's sign

Indication: 1. Positive Trendelenburg sign. 2. Decreased function of the hip abductors after central disorders such as stroke.

Installation of electrodes: Place one pair of electrodes over the hip abductor muscle and over the flexor muscle.
Calf area - dysfunction of the Achilles tendon

Indication: Dysfunction of the Achilles tendon.

Electrode Placement: Place one pair of electrodes over the gastrocnemius muscle.
Calf area - reduced foot flexor strength

Indication: Decreased dorsal flexion, spasticity.

Placement of the electrodes: 1. One electrode above the exit of the peroneal nerve immediately below the head of the fibula, and the other on the anterior surface of the tibia. 2. Both electrodes on the anterior surface of the tibia.
Contraindications

1. Patients with a pacemaker, intracardiac defibrillator, or other active implants should not be treated with NMES.
2.Carefully exercise in the first trimester of pregnancy.
3. In a pregnant woman, never connect a pair of electrodes across abdominal cavity.
4. Do not stimulate near the carotid glomus, in the projection of the throat next to the carotid artery, as this is dangerous due to pressure drop.
5. Do not stimulate during acute inflammation and acute blood loss.
6. Be extremely careful when stimulating patients with a disease of the lymphatic system.
7. If there are contraindications to the load on the tendon or muscle.

Go to CATALOG

Muscle electrical stimulation - a description of the procedure and an overview of the most popular devices: Stimulus 1, MIORHYTM-040-M2, Miovolna

Electrical muscle stimulation was invented in the middle of the 19th century in France. It is usually used in physiotherapy and rehabilitation therapy to restore the functioning of tissues, organs and systems, including the nervous one.

This method has an effect due to the impulse current, due to which there is a directed excitation and contraction of any area of ​​the muscles, and a decrease in the trophic function of nerve fibers.

The effect of current on the muscle tissues of the body

Electrical stimulation actively affects the body due to pulses of different duration - from 0.5 to 300 ms, with a current strength of up to 5 mA (on the face), up to 100 mA (on the body) and a frequency of 10-150 Hz, which act intermittently.

During the procedure, the person does not move, but this effect is identical to the normal work of the muscles during their activity.

The current, passing through the tissues, excites the cells and stimulates the active work of the muscles, and during the pauses it relaxes.

Thanks to this rhythm of work, there is no irritating effect of the current under the electrodes and the epidermis is not damaged due to prolonged electrical stimulation.

When an electric current acts on muscles or nerves, their bioactivity and the formation of spike responses change. The impulses provoke muscle contraction, which strengthens and activates them.

It is also good that if the muscle is overstressed, electrical stimulation relieves such tension well. This method has no analogues in the world, it forces the muscle to work 100%.

Electrical stimulation of the back muscles helps patients who have an immobile cervical, lumbar, a sick or curved spine, pain is inherent, sensitivity is lost, muscles are weakened, and more.

And also such a procedure is necessary at the stage of rehabilitation after spinal surgery, it will help strengthen muscle corset at the spine.

If you choose the right one, electrical stimulation of the leg muscles will help restore the work of many functions:

• biceps femoris - restores flexion of the knee joint;
• electrical stimulation calf muscle, helps to restore the function of flexion of the foot;
• peronal muscle - dorsiflexion and abduction of the foot;
• impulse currents directed to the rectus femoris improve segment mobility as well as knee extension.

Thanks to myostimulation, it is possible to reach muscles located very deep, which are difficult to load under normal circumstances.

For example, electrical stimulation of the thigh muscles helps to actively fight osteoarthritis, including helping to recover from joint replacement surgery.

The current is also used for cosmetic purposes, for facelift. The face and neck areas are quite difficult to train. regular exercises, but electrical stimulation of the muscles of the face helps to strengthen them and increase microcirculation in them.

The procedure improves blood supply and the complex of metabolic and trophic processes. Including activated systems and cells of the cerebral cortex.

Muscles are stimulated, nucleic acids are synthesized, including RNA, which delays the process of atrophy and sclerotic development in them.

During the procedure, the effect occurs directly on the muscle and through its motor nerve. Electrical stimulation accelerates the utilization of oxygen and reduces the energy expenditure for contraction. After physical activity lactic acid accumulates, and the influence of the current removes it from the muscles, relieving pain.

Electrical stimulation of the muscles of the hands

Electrical stimulation of the muscles of the hands restores the following functions:

1. Influence at deltoid muscle, helps to resume the work of abduction of the shoulder to the side, back and forth;
2. extensors of the hand and fingers, restore their extension function;
3. electrodes located on the triceps muscle affect the extension of the arm in the elbow joint;
4. impact on the biceps muscle, will help to bend the arm at the elbow joint;
5. points on the flexors of the hand and fingers, will help them bend.

How is the procedure

• Before electrical stimulation, the body is examined and spastic muscles are found, the degree of increase in muscle tone is established, and the presence of fibrotic changes is recognized;
• If the procedure is intended for the face, then you need to remove makeup and degrease the skin;
• The specialist can then apply a mask or conductive gel to the skin as well as to the electrodes. It depends on the device that supplies the current, as well as on the conductivity of the current by the body;
• Electrodes are applied to those areas where motor points are located - hips, limbs, abdomen, chest, back, face. Stationary electrodes are fixed or the skin is treated with movable electrodes;
• It is better to carry out such a procedure in a medical center, where a specialist can install electrodes exactly in the places where they need to be. And also he will be able to choose the current strength that corresponds to the degree of muscle damage and fits the individual sensitivity of the patient;
• Having chosen the necessary current strength, frequency and duration, a session of electrical stimulation is performed;
• Remove the electrodes, cleanse the skin of the gel.

Session duration

The duration of the procedure is determined by the doctor, depending on the symptoms, the nature of the process and others, usually it does not exceed 40 minutes.

The duration of treatment is usually from 15 to 30 sessions, they are carried out every day or every other day.

The duration of the facial treatment can last from 10 to 20 sessions. They do the procedure every couple of days, and the courses are held about once a year.

The muscle or nerve is stimulated for 2-3 minutes, and then a break of 10 minutes is taken. The timing of achieving the desired result depends on the disease, the characteristics of the body, the condition, on the presence of extra pounds.

Electrical stimulation at home

Today you can hear about portable devices. Some can be powered by electricity, while others can be battery powered.

You can use such devices to maintain tone. Their power is low and they cannot have a full impact.

Electrical stimulation at home will help relieve fatigue after a hard day, tighten some parts of the body, relieve or reduce pain. But such a device will not help overcome diseases or correct the condition of the muscles.

You can also be treated with this drug at home, after being prescribed and trained by a doctor.

Apparatus for electrical stimulation

All devices have electrodes that are attached to the body. The device has a main unit in which a current of a certain strength and frequency is generated. Each muscle group has its own mode of operation.

Devices are classified into professional, which are used in clinics, beauty parlors, and low-power, for home use.

For muscle recovery, sinusoidal currents of increased frequencies are used, which are modulated by low frequencies. These include devices such as "Amplipulse-4, 5", which has a wide range of treatment and type "Stimulus-1", designed to stimulate such muscles.

If the electrical excitability of the muscles is reduced due to degeneration or disease of the motor nerve, stimulation is carried out with the same currents, only they come in a rectified mode. Here the electrodes on the motor point are connected to the negative pole. Such currents are given by the UEI-1 and Neuropulse devices.

Other devices for muscle electrical stimulation: Movolna, Diagnostim, NET, MIORHYTM-040-M2, TUR-RS, Stersodnator, Tonus-1 and others.

Stimulus 1

This device is intended for the complex treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, various paralysis, cuts, in violation of posture, scoliosis, flat feet, to strengthen muscles, eliminate fat layers, with increased physical exertion.

Such a device is used in clinics and various medical institutions.

The device "Stimulus-1" generates radio pulses in a continuous mode of parcels. The amplitude of the parcels is regulated and its period of rise and fall is corrected.

The mechanism of action lies in transistors and microcircuits. The kit includes electrodes of various shapes made of hardened carbon fabric, electric holders and other devices. Operate the device at an air temperature of +10 to +35ºС and at an ambient humidity of up to 80%, at a temperature of +20ºС.

Characteristics of the device Stimulus-1

Frequency of sinusoidal oscillations	2000Hz±10%
The maximum indicator of the average current value with active load resistance	1000 ohm - 30 mA
The frequency of repetition of radio pulses is equal to the frequency of the supply network;	10ms±20%
The duration of the parcels of radio pulses
Radio pulses are generated in continuous mode and burst mode
Working mode	up to 3 min
Continuous operation of the device	up to 6 hours a day
Less power consumption	40 W
Mains consumption	220V±10%
Current frequency	50±0.5Hz
Degree of protection against electric shock	II class
Dimensions	108x300x315 mm
Machine weight without accessories	4 kg

Miowave

Muscles are stimulated with this device to compensate for the deficiency of nerve impulses, increase blood supply to tissues and organs, suppress pain pulsations and improve the functioning of the lymphatic system.

During electrical stimulation, impulses from nerve endings are transmitted to the muscles and cause them to contract. Improves blood flow and lymph flow, stimulates metabolism. Including the device is used to tighten the muscles of the face.

"Miovolna" provides a mode of moving the zone of electrical stimulation, during stable parameters, stimulating impulses.

Due to this, successive stimulation of different parts of tissues along the path of innervation - the direction of blood flow and lymph circulation - is carried out.

MIORHYTM-040-M2

This drug is used in medical, cosmetic and sports area. "MIORITM-040-M2" has an electrical stimulator with a separate power supply and a set of accessories.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system occur in people of all ages. Quite often, muscle dysfunction associated with neurological and other diseases is noted. In the treatment of such pathologies, physiotherapeutic procedures are of great importance, the effect of which increases muscle tone and improves the condition of muscle tissue. Electrical stimulation of the muscles of the back, legs, and other parts of the body makes it possible to cope with hypotension and restore their functionality, which returns the quality of life of the patient to the previous level and improves the long-term results of the therapy.

About method

The use of muscle electrical stimulation in neurology is based on the ability of electric current to pass through muscle fibers, causing a physiological response in them in the form of contractile activity or relaxation. This is especially important when own nerve impulses from the central nervous system cannot reach the muscles as a result of any reasons. The method of electrical stimulation protects muscle tissue from atrophy, improves its nutrition and metabolism due to the constant stimulating effect of electric current. There is scientific evidence that when muscles are damaged, their regeneration increases with external stimulation.

A large number of clinical studies in neurology show another important mechanism of this physiotherapy. Against the background of a stroke and other organic lesions of the brain, there is a violation of the functions of the muscles in the form of paresis and paralysis. Performing myostimulation in this case not only improves the work muscle fibers, but also has a positive effect on the nervous structures, increasing the level of their regeneration and plasticity, allows you to accelerate the recovery of motor activity of the affected limb.

Electric current has a complex effect on muscle tissue: improves microcirculation, accelerates metabolic processes, maintains muscle tone and their regenerative capabilities.

Physiotherapists also note the local positive effects of using electrical stimulation both at home and on an outpatient basis. The action of electric current leads to an improvement in microcirculation, saturation of muscle tissue with oxygen and nutrients, which is associated with the effect of galvanization. The electric field improves the outflow of blood and lymph from the organs by improving the tone of the walls of blood and lymphatic vessels.

A large number of positive effects from electrical muscle stimulation determines the widespread use of the technique in adults and children of various ages. It is important to note that if myostimulation is performed for babies, then it should be carried out only in a medical institution.

Advantages and disadvantages of the procedure

Electrical stimulation of the thigh, lower leg and other parts of the body is widely used in medicine. However, it should be understood that the method has its advantages and disadvantages, which determine the possibility of myostimulation. The main advantages of the procedure are as follows:

• a pronounced effect of restoring the contractility of muscle fibers;
• in most patients, there is a decrease in pain associated with damage to the nerve trunks, spine, etc .;
• devices for myostimulation are quite cheap, which leads to a low cost of the procedure itself;
• after consultation with the attending physician, electrical stimulation can also be carried out at home after purchasing the necessary apparatus.

Despite the pronounced advantages, physiotherapists note a number of disadvantages that do not allow the use of electrical stimulation as the only method of therapy:

• pronounced neurological disorders are difficult to correct with the use of physiotherapeutic procedures or are not treated at all with the help of them;
• electrical impact does not affect the primary disease, but only reduces the severity of its consequences.

In this regard, electrical muscle stimulation is used as part of complex treatment in conjunction with medications and other types of physiotherapy.

Indications and contraindications

The positive effect of electrical stimulation on neuromuscular impulse transmission and the state of muscle fibers provides a wide range of indications for this procedure:

• violations of motor activity of muscles against the background of neuritis, plexitis and radiculitis;
• paralysis or paresis as a result of damage to the central nervous system: strokes, injuries, etc .;
• hypotonia or muscle atrophy after a long period of inactivity, for example, against the background of a fracture of bone formations;
• atonic states of muscle tissue internal organs(small and large intestines, gallbladder) as a result of diseases or surgical interventions;
• disruption of the intestinal sphincters;
• inflammatory processes in the nerves of the face, lower back, etc .;
• violations of vascular tone;
• the need to lose weight in obesity, since electrical stimulation leads to a decrease in the fat content in tissues;
• a long period of rehabilitation in people professionally involved in sports.

It is important to note that, depending on the available indications, an individual treatment regimen is selected for each patient, which may differ in terms of exposure time, electrode localization, and the total number of physiotherapy sessions.

The use of electrical stimulation of muscle tissue is indicated for a large number of diseases, ranging from paresis against the background of neuritis or stroke, and ending with intestinal hypotension in the pathology of internal organs.

There are conditions when electrical stimulation is contraindicated:

• growth of malignant neoplasms;
• history of epileptic seizures;
• the presence of a pacemaker or other implanted devices;
• severe types of arrhythmias.

In the presence of these conditions, the use of electrical muscle stimulation should be abandoned and other methods of treatment should be chosen. However, in some diseases, the procedure can simply be postponed until recovery. Such diseases include:

• acute or exacerbation of a chronic infectious disease;
• decompensated state of internal organs;
• thrombophlebitis in the acute phase;
• pregnancy;
• fractures of bones until their complete union;
• surgical operations on muscles, nerves and blood vessels in the last 3-4 weeks.

Only the attending physician should determine whether the patient has indications and contraindications on the basis of his examination and subsequent laboratory or instrumental examinations.

Preparation for the procedure

The safety and effectiveness of electrical stimulation is possible in cases where the patient has undergone preliminary training. As a rule, it includes the following steps:

• The doctor carefully examines all the patient's complaints, prescribes and analyzes the results of additional instrumental and laboratory examination methods. This allows you to make an accurate diagnosis, as well as identify possible contraindications, for example, the presence of acute inflammatory processes in the body.
• Electrodiagnostics is carried out, aimed at determining the thresholds of excitability of muscle and nervous tissue, which allows you to choose for the patient the optimal indicators of current strength and its type.
• The attending physician talks with the patient or the child's parents, explaining to them the essence of the upcoming treatment, as well as the need to complete the entire course of electrical stimulation in order to obtain the best results.

Carrying out electrical stimulation

Before using the method of electrical stimulation in a child or an adult, the doctor should select the necessary mode of exposure (direct or alternating current). The threshold levels of excitability of nerve and muscle formations are also determined, which is necessary to select the current strength used. A similar procedure is carried out using electrodiagnostics, which is carried out by the same device as the stimulation itself.

Depending on the severity of changes in muscle tissue and the underlying disease, the physiotherapist selects the type of device used. With severe hypotension or atony, it is recommended to use such devices as ASM, Neuron-1, which allow you to create a strong electric current with high amplitude and frequency. These devices have big sizes and used on an outpatient basis. There are also compact devices, such as Omron, Nevoton, which are mainly used at home by the patients themselves.

The algorithm for electrical muscle stimulation is quite simple and is carried out as follows:

1. The doctor or the patient himself chooses the necessary electrodes for stimulation. They can be disposable or reusable. There are them various forms: square, rounded, having bends, which is determined by the localization of damaged muscles. For example, large square electrodes are used to influence quadriceps with paresis and paralysis of the legs, since this muscle is very large. If it is necessary to carry out the procedure, infants use special children's electrodes.
2. After choosing the electrodes, they must be correctly positioned. As a rule, the target muscle should be located between them, that is, the electrodes should be placed at two poles of a particular muscle.
3. When stimulating the organs of the abdomen and abdominal cavity, back with scoliosis or osteochondrosis, electrodes are placed on the lower back and in the umbilical zone.
4. After fixing the electrodes on the body surface, the device is turned on and the minimum current values ​​are set. As a rule, the time of stimulation of one point should not exceed five minutes, and the whole procedure, in general, should not exceed half an hour. The total number of sessions during the course of treatment is 15-20, which is determined by the severity of the existing movement disorders and the nature of the underlying disease. If necessary, the electrical stimulation method can be repeated after a 1.5-2-week rest.

A simple technique for performing the procedure and high level safety for the patient allow the use of electrical muscle stimulation at home. However, before carrying out such treatment, you should consult with your doctor, who will determine the available indications and contraindications, as well as select the necessary stimulation parameters: the type and strength of the current, the session time and the total number of procedures.

Use in children

Electrical stimulation of muscle tissue is widely used in children of different ages. It is important to note that such a procedure for young children, for example, infants, is recommended only on an outpatient basis to prevent the development of negative consequences.

Electrical stimulation is used to treat cerebral palsy, flat feet, joint dysplasia (for example, hip), scoliosis, hypotension of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, intestinal atony, etc. Pediatricians distinguish a wide range of indications for which the effectiveness of the use of electric currents has been proven.

Conducting electrical stimulation in children does not have significant differences from the use of the procedure in adulthood. The only restrictions apply to the current strength - it should be two to three times less than that of adults. Also, doctors recommend reducing the time of the physiotherapy session to 10-15 minutes to ensure a “soft” effect on the nervous and muscular system child. Separately, it should be said that electrodes intended for adult patients should not be used, as they are poorly suited for a child and do not provide good contact with the skin, which negatively affects the effectiveness of electrical stimulation.

Possible complications in children and adults

Electrical muscle stimulation is safe for patients, however, in some cases, undesirable consequences of physiotherapy may occur:

• unpleasant sensations in the form of tingling and burning, as well as redness of the skin at the places where the electrode is applied, are most common in patients and are associated with the very physiological effect of electric current on biological tissues, no serious consequences for health does not arise;
• burns of varying degrees in the area of ​​electrode application, as well as electrical injury;
• the occurrence or intensification of existing pain;
• muscle hypertonicity, which is associated with overexcitation of nerve and muscle formations.

The last three complications are extremely rare and only occur when the procedure has been performed incorrectly. This is most often noted when trying to self-medicate at home or using faulty electrical muscle stimulation devices.

Proper use of the technique in accordance with the instructions of the doctor and the instructions for using the device allows you to avoid the development of complications and increase the efficiency of electrical stimulation.

Muscle electrical stimulation is an important physiotherapeutic procedure widely used to treat paralysis, paresis and other diseases of the skeletal muscles, as well as hypotonia of smooth muscle tissue in internal organs. The impact of electric current improves the condition of the muscles, their nutrition and neuromuscular transmission, which helps to eliminate hypo- and atony. The physiotherapy procedure has a number of limitations, and therefore it should be used only after consultation with the attending physician, who carefully examines the patient and determines his indications and contraindications for electrical stimulation. In no case should you self-medicate, as this is fraught with development side effects or progression of the underlying disease.