Electrotherapy has become widespread and has been added to physiotherapy protocols.
The implementation of the electrostimulation system is evolving and progressing, allowing a better adaptation to the needs of physiotherapists and their patients.
EMS wireless electrostimulation is increasing the easy of use of the system and improving patient recovery.
If you have a patient who is recovering from injury, fibromyalgia pain, stroke, or other conditions, electrostimulation in physiotherapy may be of benefit to them.
Electrostimulation exercises the muscles using local electrical impulses, also known in the fitness industry as EMS (Electrical muscle stimulation) to help stimulate injured muscles and reduce pain.
Physiotherapy using electrostimulation is accelerating the recovery of many patients and relieving painful or uncomfortable symptoms.
What is Electrostimulation and how does it work in Physiotherapy?
Electrostimulation uses impulses that are generated from devices and transmitted through electrodes located on the muscles to be stimulated. The impulses mimic the action potential coming from the central nervous system, causing muscle contraction.
In other words, electrostimulation therapy in rehabilitation for muscle recovery sends signals to specific muscles to contract, such as when we flex our biceps. By causing these repeated muscle contractions, it improves blood flow and helps repair injured muscles.
Muscles treated by electrostimulation improve their strength through repeated cycles of contraction and relaxation. The EMS system can also train the muscles to respond to the body’s natural signals in contraction.
Physiotherapy Electrodes
Electrical stimulation is used in physical therapy to perform various tasks. If your patient has an injury or illness that causes pain or limited functional mobility, the physical therapist may use electrical stimulation as part of the rehabilitation program.
Conditions for the use of the EMS system may include lower back pain, post-surgical pain, muscle weakness or poor motor control, tendinitis and bursitis, among others.
If your patient is experiencing muscle pain, spasm, inflammation, or weakness, electrostimulation may be part of their treatment.
TENS System in Physiotherapy
TENS is a physiotherapeutic modality that allows the control of acute pain and chronic pain in physiotherapy. If your patient is undergoing TENS, it will allow you to decrease pain by applying electrodes to the painful areas of the body. The intensity of the electricity is adjusted to block pain signals traveling from the body to the brain.
Benefits of Electrotherapy in Physiotherapy
Wiemspro’s electrostimulation system can address injuries and pain in rehabilitation patients; but, in addition, it helps prevent future problems for patients. Some of the benefits of electrostimulation that your patient can obtain with the Wiemspro system.
- Relief of all types of chronic pain.
- Work on weakened muscles.
- Athletic recovery.
- Muscle retraining after surgery.
- Reduces swelling.
- Prevention of atrophy.
- Relief of discomfort and stress.
- Improved blood circulation.
- Increased range of motion.
- Useful in muscle strengthening.
EMS System in Physiotherapy
The EMS system uses a slightly stronger current than TENS to make the muscles contract. The unit’s electrodes (also placed on the skin near the affected muscles) cause rhythmic contractions. This allows the user to improve muscle strength if the user tries to contract the muscle simultaneously.
How to use the Wiemspro System in Physiotherapy
If the physical therapist chooses to use electrical stimulation during the rehabilitation of a patient, he should explain the procedure and expected benefits. A real application of the Wiemspro EMS system for physiotherapy can be as follows:
- The patient exposes the area of the body being treated.
- The physiotherapist puts on our electrostimulation suit. Wiemspro technology is wireless, which makes its use more comfortable and easy.
- Once connected, the patient will feel tingling, and it will increase until the sensation is intense, but comfortable.
- If the purpose of using the EMS system is to relieve spasms or muscle pain, the patient will relax during treatment.
- If electrostimulation is used to improve muscle strength or function, you may need to contract the muscle while the machine is running.
Conclusion on electrostimulation in physiotherapy
The use of electrostimulation is becoming widespread for clinical uses due to advances that are giving greater benefits to EMS systems. At Wiemspro, we work to increase the efficiency and comfort of our electrostimulation equipment.
If you want more information, do not hesitate to contact us, we will answer your questions and increase your information. Thank you and hope you have a nice day.
Frequently asked questions about physical therapy
How effective is electrostimulation in physiotherapy?
The effectiveness of electrostimulation in physical therapy can vary depending on various factors, including the patient’s medical condition, the type of electrostimulation used, and the skill of the physical therapist administering it. Electrostimulation is used in physiotherapy for various purposes, and its effectiveness may be different for each of them. Here are some common applications of electrostimulation in physical therapy:
- Pain reduction: Electrostimulation can help reduce pain by stimulating muscles and releasing endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. This can be beneficial in treating chronic pain, such as back pain or joint pain.
- Muscle strengthening: Electrostimulation can be used to strengthen muscles, especially in patients who have difficulty performing conventional exercises due to injuries or muscle weaknesses.
- Rehabilitation after injuries: In some cases, electrostimulation is used as part of rehabilitation after an injury, such as a fracture or surgery, to help restore muscle strength and function.
- Reducing muscle spasms: Electrostimulation can help reduce muscle spasms and improve circulation in affected areas, which may be helpful in conditions such as spasticity after a stroke or in people with spinal cord injuries.
- Improved blood and lymphatic circulation: Electrostimulation can improve blood and lymphatic circulation, which can be beneficial in recovery from injuries or surgeries.
The effectiveness of electrostimulation in physiotherapy is based on a careful evaluation of the patient and the selection of the appropriate technique. Additionally, it is important that electrostimulation be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and other physical therapy modalities. The success of the therapy also depends on the patient’s consistency in following the recommended treatment plan.
In general, electrostimulation can be an effective tool in physiotherapy, but its use and effectiveness depend on the individual situation of each patient and the physiotherapist’s experience in its application. It is important that electrostimulation be used under the supervision of a trained and licensed health professional.
When should electrostimulation not be used in physiotherapy?
Electrostimulation in physiotherapy can be beneficial in many cases, but there are also situations in which its use is not recommended or in which it should be applied with caution. Here are some circumstances in which electrostimulation should not be used or should be used carefully:
- Pregnancy: Electrostimulation is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in areas near the uterus, as there could be risks to the fetus. The use of electrostimulation on the abdomen and lower back in pregnant women should be avoided unless supervised by a healthcare professional with experience in obstetrics.
- People with pacemakers: Electrostimulation should not be used in people with pacemakers or similar implanted medical devices, unless supervised by a healthcare professional and using equipment specifically designed for patients with these devices.
- Open wounds or infections: Electrostimulation should not be applied to areas with open wounds, skin infections or ulcers, as it may increase the risk of spreading the infection or causing additional damage.
- Areas of lack of sensitivity: Electrostimulation should not be used on areas of the body with lack of sensitivity, as the patient may not feel the level of intensity and this could result in injury.
- People with epilepsy: Electrostimulation can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy, so its use should be avoided in these patients.
- Serious heart disease: In people with serious heart disease, electrostimulation can increase stress on the heart and trigger arrhythmias. It should be used with caution in these cases and under medical supervision.
- Malignant tumors: Electrostimulation should not be applied directly to a malignant tumor. This could increase the risk of cancer cells spreading.
- In people with sensitive skin disorders: In patients with sensitive skin disorders or conditions such as dermatitis, electrostimulation could worsen the skin condition.
In general, before using electrostimulation in physical therapy, it is important to perform a complete evaluation of the patient and consider any existing medical conditions or safety concerns. A physiotherapist or trained healthcare professional should make informed decisions about the appropriateness of electrostimulation in each individual case. Additionally, the electrostimulation equipment manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines should be followed to ensure safe and effective use.
How long does an electrostimulation session last in physiotherapy?
The duration of an electrostimulation session in physical therapy can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the patient’s medical condition, the goal of the therapy, the type of equipment used, and the physical therapist’s recommendation. In general, electrostimulation sessions usually last 20 to 60 minutes, although some may be shorter or longer. Here are some factors that can influence the length of an electrostimulation session:
- Treatment Goal: The goal of the treatment will largely determine the length of the session. For example, if the goal is to reduce pain and relax muscles, a shorter session may be sufficient. On the other hand, if muscle strengthening or rehabilitation after an injury is sought, the session could be longer.
- Type of equipment and settings: The type of electrostimulation equipment used and its settings will also affect the length of the session. Some devices allow the intensity, frequency and duration of muscle contractions to be adjusted, which can influence the time needed to achieve therapeutic goals.
- Patient condition: The patient’s condition, tolerance and response to electrostimulation will also influence the duration of the session. It is important that the patient feels comfortable and safe during therapy.
- Treatment plan: Electrostimulation sessions are usually part of a broader treatment plan that may include other therapeutic approaches, such as therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and education about the condition. The duration of the electrostimulation session will be planned based on how it fits into the overall treatment plan.
- Physiotherapist Recommendation: The physiotherapist, in consultation with the patient, will determine the duration of the session based on the therapeutic objectives and individual needs.
