EMG Triggered Muscle Stimulation

Why is EMG stimulation valuable to us?

EMG Triggered Muscle Stimulation is referred to as ETS. As biokineticists, we complete specfic evaluations of our patients before starting with rehabilitation. If we are able to evaluate with the EMG, we are also able to implement rehabilitation with the EMG referred to as ETS. The objective information that we have from the EMG test is used to set parameters during the rehabilitation process. The prescribed exercise program is implemented along with the ETS during one on one exercise therapy sessions at the practice. Additionally, we are also be able to monitor patient improvement over time.

ETS is a very versatile rehabilitation tool and does not provide any pain to the patient during exercise therapy sessions. We can assist the patient to learn how to activate the right muscles during specific exercises to enhance rehabilitation. This is done within the patient’s subjective pain limits and abilities to perform certain movements. ETS is implemeted during seated, standing or lying down exercises. The possibilities are endless as the EMG device can be worn by the patient even while they run.

Ofcourse the ETS is specifically used to assist very weak patients and especially if they have a condition affecting their muscles or nerves. However, the ETS can be implemented to various patients with different injuries, conditions and reasons for attending exercise therapy. ETS is not limited to only specific injuries or conditions. There are in fact many reasons and advatages to implementing ETS during your exercise therapy.

What is ETS? EMG test on elliptical

EMG triggered muscle stimulation is provided by a surface EMG device. It detects electrical (EMG) signals that are still measurable in very weak or paralyzed muscles after injury or stroke or due to another condition. The devide uses these signals to initiate electrical stimulation impulses to the same muscles that are very weak, resulting in actual muscle activation and movement.

What do we achieve by using ETS?

The EMG device assists us in neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Stimulating the nerves in muscles to restore function and strength, prevent muscle atrophy, and reduce muscle spasms. In plain terms, we help the muscles to activate even more that they can at that moment during the treatment session. The more activation, the stronger the muscles become and the goal is for the patient to return to their activieties of daily living, work or sport. We help them in a manner that they cannot do by themselves and in a shorter time frame. Although we normally use EMG triggered muscle stimulation / ETS in very weak individuals, it can also be applied to a multitude of individuals for various reasons including athletes that want to get back to their sport as quick as possible.

Is it painful?

No. The stimulation in the form of small electrical impulses received during rehabilitation is not painful at all. You can guide the biokineticist if the stimulation frequency is too high for you and the stimulation can be reduced, should you have some discomfort.

Patients we may provide ETS treatment for

Nerve injuries i.e. foot drop, sciatica etc
Post stroke weakness and spasticity
Weakness in muscles due to chronic conditions
Weakness in elderly, athletes etc.
Chronic back pain
Shoulder pathology / pain, rotator cuff injury, shoulder replacements / reverse shoulder replacements
Neck, shoulder, back, hip, knee, ankle instability and immobility
Hip replacements, knee replacments

Advantages

EMG triggered muscle stimulation (ETS) is more effective than non-triggered muscle stimulation (NMES / EMS). Especially when it comes to improvements in motor control. Which is just a fancy word of describing how well your brain controls your muscle actions. Why is it more effective that normal rehabilitation or exercise therapy as well as non-triggered muscle stimulation?

Because it requires you to actively take part in the exercise movement by cognitive intent. When you actively think of using a specific muscle, the intention triggeres the electrical stimulation and activates the muscle activation = contraction. The biokineticist adjusts the sensitivity of the EMG feedback – so it is possible for you to activate the electrical stimulation yourself. The colour screen will light up in addition to the sensory feedback that you receive. This way your biokineticist can monitor the session. The difficulty of achieving the stimulation can be changed according to your progress and feedback.

Contraindications for using ETS

There are only one major contraindication for ETS and that includes having a pacemaker or any other electrical medical device such as an ICD (Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator).

Please click here to read more about EMG vs TENS vs EMS.

Why is EMG stimulation valuable to us?

What is ETS?

What do we achieve by using ETS?

Is it painful?

Patients we may provide ETS treatment for

Advantages

Contraindications for using ETS

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