

It is common to see EMS devices offering ranges between 200-300us. Pulse width refers to the length of time each group of pulses of stimulation is set to, measured in microseconds (us) or milliseconds on devices offering EMS for peripheral nerve damage (ms). Information about the EMS device stimulation parameter range can normally be found in the instruction guide that comes with each device. EMS devices will offer a frequency within a set range (0-70Hz), some devices may only provide one set level of frequency, others will provide the option to adjust the frequency within a pre-set range. As frequency is increased (more pulses delivered per second), so does the strength of the contraction created up to around 60-70Hz, at which point the frequency has more effect upon the sensory rather than motor neurons and the power of the muscle contraction reduces. At a low frequency (1-10Hz), a weak muscle twitch or flutter will be generated. The clinician requires to become confident in the manipulation of these parameters to use EMS effectively.įrequency refers to the number of stimulation pulses delivered per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). These are: Frequency, Amplitude and Pulse Width. Most EMS units share the same parameters for adjustment. This alteration of a produced muscle contraction is the result of the manipulation of the available electrical stimulation parameters controlled by the clinician. The resultant muscle contraction can range from a small muscle twitch, to a powerful enough contraction to cause a physiological movement at the joint(s). This muscle contraction takes place due to the electrical current travelling into the tissues and causing a depolarisation of an intact motor neuron that carries the signal to the target muscle through synaptic transmission to the motor end plates.
#Electro stimulator skin#
What is Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)?ĮMS involves the application of an electrical current, usually across the surface of the skin using adhesive or rubber electrodes positioned on the skin in direct proximity to the muscles to be stimulated, to generate a muscle contraction. However, all of the different approaches named above (and many others) share the same basic approaches and rely upon the same physiological processes to work effectively. Suffice to say this huge variety of terminology has left clinicians perplexed and reluctant to explore further. However, the device is not for everyone check with your doctor to see if the procedure is right for you.The first thing you notice when you search for information on Electrical Muscle Stimulation is the wide variety of types, methods and names, such as Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), Functional Electrical Therapy (FET), Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation (TES), and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES). Spinal cord stimulation is recommended when other treatments have not been successful, when surgery is not likely to help, or when surgery has failed. In these systems, the antenna and transmitter are carried outside the body, while the receiver is implanted inside the body. Another system includes an antenna, transmitter, and a receiver that relies upon radio frequency to power the device.

#Electro stimulator generator#
Most of the newer devices feature a rechargeable pulse generator system that can be easily charged through the skin. There are also some pulse generators that are fully implanted that do not require recharging, but last a shorter time before they need to get replaced. The units that are more commonly used are fully implanted and have a pulse generator, which is like a battery. Several kinds of spinal cord stimulation systems are available.

Some devices cause what’s described as a pleasant, tingling sensation while others do not. Research shows that newer devices may change the sensation of pain by potentially altering the balance of cells that deliver pain in the spinal cord. The patient may turn the current off and on or adjust the intensity of the signals. A small incision is then made to place the pulse generator in the upper buttock. What Happens During the Spinal Cord Stimulation?ĭuring spinal cord stimulation, a device that delivers the electrical signals is implanted in the body through a needle placed in the back near the spinal cord. Spinal cord stimulation is a procedure that delivers low-level electrical signals to the spinal cord or to specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. When other pain treatments have failed, spinal cord stimulation may be an option.
