Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Electrical muscle stimulation is very low electrical current that affects the myo-neural junction or the area the nerve goes into the muscle. As the electrical current is slowly increased there will be an involuntary contraction of the muscular area being treated.

Exercise is needed for injured or spastic muscles, or areas of muscle spasm, to heal properly. However, forced exercise can be injurious to the muscles.

Passive exercise (contraction and movement involuntarily done while the muscle is at rest) will exercise and thereby strengthen the muscle without injuring it. The area of involvement will then heal stronger and will be much more stable. Using the electrical muscle stimulator will also help to override the established reflex pattern which is causing muscle spasm, restricting motion, and producing pain.

The contraction produced by the electrical current also helps to increase the circulation of blood in the area through exercise, also promoting healing and strengthening the area of muscles involved.

Inactivity during and injured or spastic state while the muscle is healing causes the tissue to heal in the weakened state. The application of electrical muscle stimulation promotes healing and, especially, strengthening of the involved area.