Electrical Muscle Stimulation Physiotherapy Treatment

Muscle stimulation uses a type of electrical current that can cause a single muscle or a group of muscles to contract. This can be useful to assist in muscle strengthening, as well as maintenance of muscle mass and strength during periods of prolonged immobilization, for example after being in a cast due to a fracture.

By placing electrodes on the skin in various locations, the physiotherapist can recruit the appropriate muscle fibers. Along with increasing muscle strength, the contraction of the muscle also helps to promote blood supply to the area, which assists in the healing process. This modality can prove to be especially useful in early stage rehabilitation, making it possible to contract a specific muscle that is unable to do so on it’s own.