Muscle electrical stimulation is often used in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. The procedure has two goals. First of all, the effect is aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome. Along with this, muscle activity is restored. Next, we consider this procedure in more detail. The article will also describe some devices for electrical stimulation of muscles.
General information
Muscle electrical stimulation is performed using special equipment. It is equipped with electrodes that are connected using wires. The device for electrical stimulation of muscles sends current to the elements. By means of electrodes, impulses propagate into the muscle tissue. As a result, a motor or sensory reaction appears.
Electrode placement methods
They are located on the surface of the skin, above specific muscles. There are two options for placing items. 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 the problem area. The negative polarity that surrounds the damaged area promotes healing. It stimulates the formation of tissues, 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 with cellulite. Procedures are used to reduce excess weight and figure correction. Recommended electrical stimulation for poor circulation (peripheral venous and arterial), decreased tone, lymphatic drainage. The procedure is not prescribed during pregnancy, the presence of intrauterine contraceptives, pacemaker. Electrical stimulation for nervousness is contraindicated after operations.
Pain relief
There are two opinions on how electrical stimulation of muscles 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 pulses go through the "gate". Signals during electrical stimulation also pass through them. As a result, there is a blockage of nerves that transmit a pain impulse. According to another theory, electrical muscle stimulation causes the brain to produce natural painkillers - enkephalins and endorphins. It was found that after low-frequency exposure, the content of these compounds increases.
Atrophy exposure
A decrease in muscle mass can accompany a variety of pathologies. Muscle electrical stimulation is often used to slow down or prevent this process. The pulses sent by the apparatus for electrical stimulation of the muscles help maintain the activity of weakened muscles.
Osteoarthritis therapy
This pathology is due to the degradation of articular tissues. In the course of studies, it was found that electrical stimulation of the thigh muscles is a very effective technique in the treatment of patients suffering from osteoarthritis in this region of the lower limb, as well as after surgery and joint replacement. Impulse action can strengthen knee extensors, which provides better segment mobility.
Sores Prevention
This problem is considered quite common for bedridden patients bedridden. During a long stay in this position, there is strong and constant pressure on some areas of the body. Electrical stimulation of the muscles of the back and buttocks helps prevent deformities and the appearance of pressure sores.
Tissue repair
Muscle electrical stimulation is actively used on fibers that are not sufficiently reduced. This kind of effect is indicated in 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 in the process of sending an electrical signal from the device to the muscle, the fibers can begin to contract without the participation of the patient. In the course of this artificially induced reaction, the patient also tries to make muscle contraction. As a result of the procedure, the brain again "learns" to coordinate muscle activity on its own.
Muscle electrical stimulation: expert reviews
Despite the fact that various measures are periodically conducted to study the effects of electric current, its effectiveness remains in question. In some studies, the procedure almost completely yields no results. Often, electrical muscle stimulation acts as an alternative method due to insufficient evidence of its benefits. However, there are specialists who indicate the effectiveness of the procedures. So, in one of the studies conducted in 2014, in which patients with severe and moderate muscle pain participated, it was found that exposure to electric 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.
Muscle electrical stimulation for children
In pediatrics, exposure to current is often used. Such a procedure as electrical muscle stimulation is not contraindicated for children, but has its own characteristics. First of all, care should be taken and not exceed the duration of exposure. Electrical stimulation of the leg muscles for children is prescribed with a reduced tone. Due to the pulsed action, blood circulation is stimulated, muscle activity is restored. Electrical stimulation of the leg muscles for children is recommended for flat feet.
Benefits of exposure
Muscle electrical stimulation, reviews of many patients confirm this, is very effective in many cases. The undoubted advantage of the procedure is the removal of pain. As patients note, relief comes quickly enough and lasts a long period. Exposure to electric current is not addictive. 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. Exposure only irritates the muscles, causing it to contract. In this case, muscle function may not recover with serious neurological damage. An advertisement for electrical stimulation devices claims that some of them help increase muscle mass. However, there is no clinical evidence for this.
Exposure using professional equipment
For the procedures used different devices. One of them is the physiotherapeutic 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 bioelectric activity is observed, spike responses are formed, and intensive reduction is carried out. During the procedure, such types of current are used as:
- High frequency.
- Impulse.
- Midrange.
- Constant.
- Low frequency.
Mechanism of action
Muscle electrical 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, because the contractions under the influence of current and the 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, walking, etc. - purposeful work is carried out by far not all the muscles. Against the background of the action of the current, 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 using external influences. To successfully achieve the goal, you need to make your muscles act.
Types of equipment
Electrodes are applied to certain motor points of the hips, back, chest, abdomen, lower extremities. Depending on which model of the myostimulator 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 the fibers located deep enough, which in normal cases can be difficult to get close. Electrical stimulation of the leg muscles is very effective. As a rule, the effect 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. Also, the device has a main unit. It generates a current of a certain strength and frequency. Each muscle group has its own exposure regimen. Often, in addition to the equipment, a special gel or cream is supplied that improves the conductivity of the pulses.
Exposure at home
Portable devices are quite popular today. Some of them are battery powered. However, such devices are only able to maintain state. With a reduced tone, for example, they are not of much use, since their power is not enough for a full impact. For example, electrical stimulation of the leg muscles with a portable device will help relieve fatigue after a working day. However, it does not help to adjust the state 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".