The human musculoskeletal system comprises 280 striated muscles. If muscular activity is compromised in some way or if our movements are constrained, significant problems may occur. For example, research shows that the muscles of a limb placed in a plaster cast, can lose approximately 20 percent of their strength within one week and almost 30 percent within two weeks.

Early rehabilitation with movement and physical training is particularly important for the rebuilding and strengthening of the atrophied muscles, and this needs to be done as quickly as possible.

As part of physical therapy, targeted muscular training is essential. Most experts agree, NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) can be an effective solution. This clinically validated therapy can be used by the patient in the clinic or at home even when mobility is greatly constrained. NMES re-educates the muscle by sending gentle electrical pulses through electrodes placed on the surface of the skin. This electrical stimulation applied to the motor nerve causes the muscle to contract, helping to strengthen and build up the muscle over time.

NMES devices like neurotech’s MediStim XP™ can play a significant role in promoting patient mobility by accelerating the rehabilitation of atrophied muscles.