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Muscle Stimulator Treatment

Muscle stimulators are machines meant to cause muscle contractions. The muscle stimulator machine has electrodes that are placed on the area being treated to send the electrical current to the muscles, causing the contraction. Muscle stimulator treatment is helpful in many rehabilitation treatments to get the muscles used to movement after a prolonged period of rest. Muscle stimulators also help relieve pain and increase circulation.

  1. Stimulators

    • Muscle stimulators simulate the electrical currents that your brain sends to your muscles during normal exercise and movement. The electrodes are placed on your skin with a conductive gel to send the currents through your skin to your nerves, making your muscles contract and relax similar to the way they would with normal activity. Muscle stimulators used for pain control are used in much the same way, though the currents sent to your nerves are in different patterns to induce a different reaction. Your muscles will still contract and relax when using a muscle stimulator for pain relief, but the electrical currents also stimulate the nerve fibers to block pain signals from being sent to your brain. Muscle stimulators also cause your body to release endorphins in the brain, which help soothe pain.

    Reason

    • Muscle stimulators are primarily used by physical therapists and in sports medicine. If you have a muscle injury, electrical stimulation with a muscle stimulator may be part of your treatment plan and recovery. Muscle stimulator therapy can help you tone and prevent atrophy from disuse of a muscle. The electrical stimulations can also help relieve pain and muscle spasms. You may receive stimulation therapy at an outpatient physical therapy clinic. If you have an injury that requires a long rehabilitation period, you may get a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine to use at home. A TENS unit is a small muscle stimulator machine that you can use at home to relieve pain.

    Risks

    • Muscle stimulator treatment is considered safe, and most patients experience no side effects or complications. Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the adhesive or gel used on the electrode pads that can cause rashes and skin irritation. Never place an electrode over your heart or on the front of your neck. People with pacemakers cannot receive muscle stimulator therapy, as it may interfere with the device and cause serious complications. Do not use a muscle stimulator machine if you are pregnant. If you have a TENS unit at home, always use it exactly as directed by your doctor.

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