Selective stimulation current treatment
Krisztina Tatai
Physiotherapist
What is Selective Current Management?
Electrical muscle stimulation can also be called selective stimulation current therapy , a form of electrotherapy based on muscle stimulation. An electrical current is used to stimulate a specific muscle or muscle group, which is why the therapy is “selective”.
What is selective stimulation for?
This form of treatment is suitable for stimulating the striated muscles, which are mainly the supporting skeletal muscles. If you have damaged your innervation for some reason and have paralysis or weakened muscles, it can be a very effective therapy. Depending on the machine used and the complaint or problem, it can also be used to relax muscles and improve circulation.
To what areas is the stimulus current applied?
There are many uses for this therapy. Without being exhaustive; for paralysed facial muscles (Bell's palsy), muscle regeneration after musculoskeletal surgery, pain relief, release of spastic-spastic muscles, regeneration after nerve injury.
When is selective stimulation current treatment not recommended?
However, there are several cases where electrical muscle stimulation is not recommended:
- Open wound
- Fever
- Fresh fracture
- Malignant tumour
- Untreated high blood pressure
- In case of thrombosis or other vascular changes
- Pregnancy
- Conditions associated with bleeding
The latter two, however, are worth considering, because if you want to treat an area away from the sub-basin, it is possible.
What is the selective current flow?
The first step is to define the aim of the treatment and identify the area to be treated. Here we choose the direction of the current, position the electrodes accordingly, then we set the shape of the current, its strength, etc. and start the treatment. You will feel a tingling sensation, but no burning or stabbing pain. A side effect can be reddening of the skin, but this is easily remedied with a little cream. If the skin becomes blistered or you experience signs of burning, then change the parameters!
This type of treatment can also be done at home, mainly with a so-called TENS machine. This is simple to use and does not require a deep background, but can be an effective complement to therapy at home.