Electrical stimulation of muscles

Electrical stimulation of muscles - pain relief
Features procedures

electrostimulation of muscles Electrical stimulation of the muscles, which is also often referred to myostimulation Myostimulation - A type of procedure that is often used in physical therapy or other rehabilitation techniques. The two main objectives of electrostimulation of muscles - pain relief and muscle rehabilitation.

Electrical stimulation is carried out using a special electrical device fitted with wires to which electrodes are attached. These electrodes are placed on the skin over certain muscles. Then the device sends the current to these electrodes, which passes to the muscle tissue, causing motor or sensory response.

Story

In 1783 the Italian scientist Luigi Galvani dissected a frog on the table where he had previously conducted experiments with static electricity. Galvani's assistant took a metal knife and accidentally touched the sciatic nerve of the frog. The leg twitched as if the frog was alive. This case led Galvani to believe that muscles act in accordance with electrical pulses. Research conducted over the past two centuries have shown that electrical stimulation of the muscles may cause long-term changes in the muscles.

Methods for electrode placement

There are two common ways of using electrical stimulation for the treatment of muscle injuries. The first method involves placing one electrode so as to be in direct contact with the wound, and the other electrode - in contact with healthy, intact skin. The second method - placing two electrodes on opposite sides of the wound. It promotes healing of negative polarity surrounding the wound which promotes formation of tissue over the wound, thus accelerating the healing process.

Electrical stimulation for pain relief

Electrical stimulation of the muscles can be used to relieve pain. There are two theories about why it eases the pain. The so-called "gate theory" says that the pain signals sent to the brain through the nerves, but most of them goes through the "gate". Sensation of stimulation by electrical stimulation of muscles passes through the gate, thus blocking the nerves that conduct pain.

Another theory is that stimulation causes the brain to release natural painkillers - endorphins and enkephalins, whereby pain is reduced. Studies have shown that the amount of these substances increases after low-frequency electrical stimulation.

Electrical stimulation in muscular atrophy

Muscle atrophy - a symptom characterized by a decrease in muscle mass. This can occur as a result of different diseases. Electrical stimulation of muscles may be used to slow or prevent muscular atrophy, maintaining activity weakened muscles.

Electrical stimulation of muscles in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis - a painful and sometimes debilitating disease caused by degradation of joint tissue. According to clinical studies, it has been found that electrical stimulation of muscles is an effective component of physiotherapy for elderly patients who develop hip osteoarthritis after surgery for total hip replacement. Electrical stimulation can strengthen muscles extensor muscles of the knee, which is also important for the mobility and independence.

Electrical stimulation for preventing bedsores

Electrical muscle stimulation can effectively reduce the risk of pressure ulcers in patients who are prone to their formation. Bedsores - a common problem for patients who are confined to wheelchairs, beds and other equipment, resulting in a constant pressure on certain parts of the body. Electrical muscle stimulation can be applied to the gluteus maximus in patients confined to a wheelchair. This treatment can bring significant results, including the maintenance of the normal shape of the buttocks and the prevention of deformities that can effectively prevent the development of pressure ulcers.

Electrical stimulation for muscle rehabilitation

Electrical stimulation of muscles is also used for the rehabilitation of the muscles that are difficult to cut. Although it is used in a variety of conditions, such stimulation is usually used in people who have had a stroke or orthopedic surgery. Often these patients have difficulty trying to move the muscles or joints. When using electrical stimulation of muscles in the muscle sends an electrical impulse at the correct location of the electrodes, the muscle can be reduced without the aid of the patient. When this happens, and if the patient is actively trying to cut the muscle, sometimes the brain can learn to cut back muscles alone.

Questions and Research

Although there are numerous studies on the use of electrical stimulation of muscles, its clinical effectiveness is questionable. Many studies have found little benefit from electrical stimulation, or it does not find, compared with placebo. Often electrostimulation Electrical stimulation in cosmetology - Methods Twenty-first Century muscles are classified as alternative medicine, due to lack of evidence of its usefulness. However, other studies suggest the opposite. For example, one study of 2014, which was attended by people with moderate or severe acute pain, showed that electrical stimulation of muscles resulted in a significant reduction in pain intensity. Research on the effectiveness of electrical stimulation of muscles in relieving pain is still ongoing.

Advantages and disadvantages

Electrical stimulation of the muscles has a lot of advantages, which speak of its effectiveness in reducing pain and muscle rehabilitation after injury or illness. Electrical stimulation is not addictive. The devices are usually compact and easy to handle. They are reasonably priced and for many an alternative to painkillers.

There are some risks associated with the use of electrical stimulation. The main disadvantage of using electrical stimulation of muscles is that it does not treat the main diseases that cause pain. For the rehabilitation of the muscles main drawback is that, although electrical stimulation causes them to shrink, the function will not be restored if serious neurological damage. Electrical stimulation of muscles and will not lead to a significant increase in strength, but sometimes it's advertising promises.