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. Next, we will consider this procedure in more detail. The article will also describe some devices for electrical muscle stimulation.
General information
Electrical muscle 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 placed on the surface of the skin, over specific muscles. There are two options for placing elements. The first is to place one electrode on a he althy area, and the second on the affected area. In the second case, the elements are placed on both sides of the problem area. The negative polarity that surrounds the damaged area promotes healing. It stimulates tissue formation, thus accelerating the recovery process.
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 used to reduce excess weight and body shaping. Recommended electrical stimulation 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 intrauterine contraceptives, a pacemaker. Electrical stimulation is contraindicated in case of nervosa, after surgery.
Relieve 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.
Atrophy treatment
Decrease in muscle mass can accompany the mostvarious pathologies. Electrical muscle stimulation is often used to slow down or prevent this process. The impulses sent by the electrical muscle stimulation device help to maintain the activity of weakened muscles.
Osteoarthritis Therapy
This pathology is caused by degradation of articular tissues. In the course of research, electrical stimulation of the thigh muscles has been found to be 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.
Decubitus Prevention
This problem is considered quite common for bedridden patients. During a long stay in this position, there is a strong and constant pressure on certain areas of the body. Electrical stimulation of the muscles of the back, buttocks helps prevent deformities and the appearance of bedsores.
Repair fabric
Electrical muscle 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. With the correct placement of the electrodes during the sending processthe electrical signal from the device to the muscle fibers can begin to contract without the participation of the patient. 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.
Electrical muscle stimulation: expert reviews
Despite the fact that various activities are periodically carried out to study the effects of electric 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. So, in the course of one of the studies conducted in 2014, in which patients with severe and moderate muscle pain participated, 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. stimulated by impulse actionblood circulation, muscle activity is restored. Electrical stimulation of the calf muscles for children is recommended for flat feet.
Pros 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.
Flaws 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 increase muscle mass. However, there is no clinical evidence for this.
Exposure using professional equipment
Different devices are used for 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 ofimpulse 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.
- Permanent.
- Low frequency.
Mechanism of action
Electrical muscle stimulation 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 ordinary physical activity, regardless of its nature - housework, special exercises, walks, etc. - purposeful work is carried out by far from 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
Electrodesimpose on 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, shewill 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".
