Electrical Stimulation

Intervention through the application of electricity. Electrical stimulation of individual muscles is a means of providing exercise to muscles that the patient is unable to contract voluntarily. If the muscle has lost its physical connection with its nerve supply (is denervated), electrical stimulation can maintain nutrition of the muscle through promoting blood flow, decrease fibrotic changes and retard denervation atrophy. Electric stimulation used on muscles that have a nerve supply (are innervated) can strengthen healthy muscle, prevent or reverse disuse atrophy, maintain or improve mobility, promote peripheral circulation and prevent fibrotic changes. There are various types of electrical stimulation in use today and the type used and its specific application depends on the goals of treatment.