EMS Rotator Cuff Treatment

Injuring the shoulder is one of the most troublesome recoveries patients can face. Like the knee, the shoulder is used much more than people think. We depend on our shoulders to pick things up, raise our arms over our heads and to function day to day. When the use is limited by injury, it can severely compromise the quality of life of the patient. EMS--or electromagnetic stimulation--is a treatment used on injured rotator cuffs with excellent results.

Treatment

• The EMS machine is a small box with electrodes that connect to wires. These wires run down to electrodes that are placed on the patient's shoulder in various spots where the tissue needs to be stimulated, and then high frequency shots of electromagnetic pulses are sent through the wires into the patient's shoulder.

What It Does

• Each pulse causes the tissues beneath the electrodes to contract and to pulse with electricity and magnetic resonance. This increases circulation of blood to the injured area, which assists in healing and also stimulates the movement of muscle, which can be beneficial, especially after surgery.

Frequency and Tolerance

• Since the treatment involves mild electric shocks, patients may take some time to get used to the feeling. Usually, patients begin at a lower frequency and then, after a couple of sessions, are able to endure stronger sessions. Usually, the higher the frequency, the more intense the therapy.