GENERAL DESCRIPTION
NeuroMuscular Stimulation is a type of electro-stimulation unit known by many names in the industry such as N.M.E.S., N.M.S., E.M.S.(electrical muscle stimulator), etc. all of these words correspond to a unit providing electro stimulation used for the prevention or retardation of muscle spasm; muscle reeducation; maintaining and increasing the range of motion; increasing local blood circulation or as immediate post-surgical stimulation of calf muscles to prevent venous thrombosis.
Principle: Take the advantage of electricity to stimulate the hypodermic motor system (the nerves and muscles) transcutaneously to increase spontaneous muscle contraction. This is a passive exercise that can reduce the most degeneration caused by local nerve atrophy or paralysis.
Electric myostimulation has proven its high value as a method of pain therapy and is a great help to the experienced therapist.
With some indications, physicians can prescribe unit to patients for the use at home.
The unit is a dual-Channel electric stimulator for active treatment application, which is equipped with a Liquid Crystal Display indicating operation modes and output as well as an 8-bit micro computer for controlling the system.
The electronics of the unit create electric impulses: the intensity, duration, frequency per second and modulation of these impulses can be adjusted through the button or knob.
INDICATIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS
Read the operation manual before using the device.
Federal law ( USA ) restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. Observe your physician's precise instructions and let him show you where to apply the electrodes. For a successful therapy, the correct application of the electrodes is an important factor. Carefully write down the settings your physician recommended.
Indications for use
- Relaxation of muscle spasms.
- Prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy.
- Increasing local blood circulation.
- Muscle re-education.
- Maintaining or increasing range of motion.
- Immediate post-surgical stimulation of calf muscles to prevent venous thrombosis..
Contraindications
Powered muscle stimulators should not be used on patients with cardiac demand pacemakers.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
Warnings
- The long-term of chronic electrical stimulation are unknown.
- Stimulation should not be applied over the carotid sinus nerves, particularly in patients with a known sensitivity to the carotid sinus reflex.
- Stimulation should not be applied over the neck or mouth. Severe spasm of the laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles may occur and the contractions may be strong enough to close the airway or cause difficulty in breathing.
- Stimulation should not be applied transthoracically in that the introduction of electrical current into the heart may cause cardiac arrhythmias.
- Stimulation should not be applied over swollen, infected, or inflamed areas or skin eruptions, e.g. phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, etc.
- Stimulation should not be applied over, or in proximity to, cancerous lesions.
- Stimulation should not be applied transcerebrally (across the head).
Precautions/adverse Reactions
- Safety of powered muscle stimulators for use during pregnancy has not been established.
- Caution should be used for patients with suspected or diagnosed heart problems.
- Caution should be used for patients with suspected or diagnosed epilepsy.
- Caution should be used in the presence of the following:
- When there is a tendency to hemorrhage following acute trauma of fracture;
- Following recent surgical procedures when muscle contraction may disrupt the healing process;
- Over the menstruating or pregnant uterus; and
- Over areas of the skin which lack normal sensation.
- Some patients may experience skin irritation or hypersensitivity due to the electrical stimulation or electrical conductive medium. The irritation can usually be reduced by using an alternate conductive medium, or alternate electrode placement.
- Electrode placement and stimulation settings should be based on the guidance of the prescribing practitioner.
- Powered muscle stimulators should be kept out of the reach of children.
- Power muscle stimulators should be used only with the leads and electrodes recommended for use by the manufacturer.
- FOR PORTABLE DEVICES ONLY Portable powered muscle stimulators should not be used while driving, operating machinery, or during any activity in which involuntary muscle contractions may put the user at undue risk of injury.
Skin irritation and burns beneath the electrodes have been reported with the use of powered muscle stimulators.
