Multiple studies have demonstrated that low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (LF-TENS) provides relief for SCI patients.6,7
Hertz (Hz) measures the frequency of stimulation pulses. A low frequency leads to weak muscle twitches or flutters; increasing frequency leads to stronger contraction up to 70Hz.
Most patients surveyed reported not using their remote to adjust the 10kHz SCS device settings individually and were also satisfied with its ease of recharging their IPG device.
Activation of Nerves
Low frequency therapy devices work by stimulating nerves by sending pulses of electricity across the skin. These pulses can be used to relieve pain and relax muscle spasms and tension. Electrical stimulation devices also speed healing times for wounds as well as help alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms. Many individuals suffering from depression and anxiety turn to small EMS (electronic stimulation) devices at home in order to manage symptoms; such devices consist of electrodes attached to batteries which deliver pulses over the skin – providing a safer, less expensive alternative than implanted devices.
Small EMS devices usually feature settings that allow users to select different waveforms, and some allow you to alter the intensity of stimulation. You can control amplitude by changing number of pulses per second while frequency controls how strongly muscle contractions are generated – increasing frequency will cause stronger contractions while decreasing it will weaken contractions.
Studies have demonstrated the power of specific frequencies of pulses to have an immediate and dramatic impact on neuronal firing rates, potentially providing relief for conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, low frequency pulses could block spinal cord pain from occurring; this research could offer potential applications in treating chronic pain management or conditions involving inflammation or damage to neurons.
Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of using an external transcutaneous nerve electrical stimulation therapeutic instrument with low frequency electric pulses to deliver to Neiguan acupoints can prevent and reduce nausea and vomiting during cancer treatments, providing convenient care by nurses without prior acupuncture or TEM expertise after simple training.
We explored the roles played by signal amplitude, duration and carrier frequency on activating nerve fibers using a model. Model activation was measured by determining the stimulus offset or amplitude necessary to activate 50% of nerve fiber population. Our observations show that both TAMS and rectangular pulse pulses had similar amplitude/duration characteristics while their carrier frequency had different recruitment curves.
Stimulation of Muscles
Pulsed electrical current applied across the skin through electrodes (typically adhesion or rubber), activates motor efferent nerve fibers to produce muscle contractions ranging from weak twitches to physiological joint movement at joints. The frequency of stimulation, which can vary between 0-70Hz, determines muscle strength produced. An increase in frequency will increase intensity while decreasing frequency will decrease it; starting off slowly and gradually increasing stimulation levels is advised for optimal recovery results.
Adjusting both amplitude and waveform allows users to tailor EMS therapy sessions according to individual muscle/nerve responses, with adjustments including changing impulse shape. Achieving desired results through high quality muscle activity requires having tight control over electrical parameters.
Some EMS devices allow the user to select which area of their body needs treatment, making this feature useful for patients who lack sufficient space or time for therapy sessions. Another key characteristic is being able to stimulate multiple muscles simultaneously with one device, and finally offering a manual mode so patients can control electric stimulation independently rather than depending on therapists for therapy sessions.
One added advantage of an effective EMS device is its ability to combine pain relief and muscle stimulation in one session. This is possible thanks to some EMS devices utilizing two medium frequency currents that don’t stimulate either nerves or muscles directly – instead creating interferential current that aids both pain relief and muscular conditioning simultaneously.
Choose the appropriate TENS device can be difficult as prices and performance vary widely. A useful approach is to outline which treatment goals are desired before selecting a device which meets them.
Stimulation of Tissues
Low frequency therapy devices are used to stimulate tissues by producing vibrations within the body and transmitting them through skin to cause muscle contractions and improve blood circulation. They can also reduce pain and swelling as well as aid in better sleep quality.
These devices use low-frequency signals to transmit energy throughout the skin and target subcutaneous nerves in an effort to interrupt pain signals using Gate Control Theory. Due to skin’s natural resistance, however, these devices only provide limited pain relief; continuous wear may be required in order for their effects to take full effect. Devices using higher frequency signals are better at penetrating deeper tissues for long-lasting relief.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) employs small current delivered via adhesive electrodes placed close to muscles being stimulated, to depolarise intact motor neurons and trigger synaptic transmission to muscle end plates causing contraction of that particular muscle tissue. EMS may help restore normal function to injured muscles as well as aid rehabilitation processes following injury.
Low-frequency energy, such as ultrasound, can also be used to treat chronic wounds. One particular advantage is its ability to promote healing by encouraging granulation and stimulating the vascular system; continuous wave low-frequency ultrasound has proven its efficacy on leg ulcers for instance and studies have proven its ability to promote better oxygenation of wounds as well.
Ultrasound can also assist in pain management by stimulating endogenous opiates to provide temporary pain relief, stimulating new cell formation and aiding absorption of wound dressings.
Omron Low-Frequency Therapy Machine Pad MU is one such device, which provides relief for stiff shoulders and helps prevent atrophy of paralyzed muscles. Intended for home use with medical device certification number 302AABZX00011000. Furthermore, its dual pole application method offers maximum patient comfort and safety.
Pain Relief
Pain relief capabilities of low frequency therapy devices depend on stimulation frequencies and modes. One study discovered that stimulating small-diameter nerve fibers released inhibitory neurotransmitters that reduced transmission of noxious signals from peripheral nerve endings to higher centres is significantly enhanced when done at frequencies between 90-13oHz or pps for sensory fibre stimulation HF (in this instance in the range 90-13 Hz or pps), thus increasing activation threshold threshold for Ab receptors and decreasing brain sensitivity to painful stimuli leading to decreased sensation of pain sensation.
An impulse may also help ease muscular spasms by tiring out and relaxing muscle fibers – a technique known as non-muscle invasive electrical stimulation or NMES. Signals penetrate skin to target nerves within muscle tissue, stimulating them in much the same way normal muscles would — by contracting and relaxing.
NMES also helps increase blood flow to the muscle or tissue being targeted, which is essential for healing and flushing out toxins from your system. Physical therapists rely on NMES therapy to increase muscle function while decreasing pain and spasms.
There are various ways that pulse generators can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Some devices, like BioWaveGO, feature only intensity settings while other models like the RS-4i Plus provide multiple pre-programmed sessions designed specifically to target areas like back, legs and shoulders while offering modes such as constant and burst.
Your doctor can adjust certain settings at follow-up appointments, including frequency (rate), pulse width and amplitude. Doing this may cause some discomfort but should always be performed under their guidance.
NMES has been shown to have a beneficial effect on neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injuries, indicating its use as an effective treatment option. Further investigation should be undertaken to establish its optimal use as well as determine its synergy with other forms of pain management therapy.
