NMES
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is the application of an electrical current to elicit a muscle contraction. The main purpose of NMES is muscle strengthening. It is often used when a muscle can’t or won’t contract voluntarily. During NMES, an electrical impulse is delivered through electrode pads that are placed on the skin over the targeted muscle(s). These impulses encourage the nerves and muscles to retain normal function. NMES can also be used to improve the quality of a muscle contraction. Some indications for NMES include:
- reducing disuse atrophy (post surgery or injury)
- reversing muscle atrophy
- strengthening selected muscles (muscular re-education)
