Physiotherapy treatments in Milton Keynes

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is being used more and more alongside physiotherapy to promote recovery from surgery or injury and increase muscle strength. It is an excellent way of getting weakened or dysfunctional muscles back to work.

Ask us how we can help you recover with NMES.

Man having electrical neuro muscular stimulation on both legs at physiotherapist in Milton Keynes

NMES at our Milton Keynes clinic

What is NMES?

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a specialised treatment that uses electrical impulses to strengthen or re-train weak or dysfunctional muscles and get them functioning properly again.

The impulses make your muscles contract and relax, even if the muscles or nerves are damaged, so is very useful following an injury or surgery. NMES is like a gentle form of exercise for your muscles, helping them get bigger and stronger and preventing muscle atrophy.

We offer NMES as an ‘add on’ to our highly successful physiotherapy or sports rehab programmes.

What to expect

Your physiotherapist places small pads (electrodes) on the surface of your skin, directly over the muscles to be treated. These pads are connected to a NMES machine.

When the machine is switched on, electrical impulses stimulate your muscles to contract and relax, reminding muscles how to work, improving muscle strength and boosting circulation.

The strength and frequency of the impulses can be adjusted based on your tolerance and recovery goals.

If you’ve had surgery or are struggling with an injury, ask us how you could benefit from one of our personalised and integrated ‘physiotherapy with NMES’ or ‘sports rehab with NMES’ treatment plans.

Woman having electrical neuro muscular stimulation on both legs at physiotherapist in Milton Keynes
Electrical neuro muscular stimulation on one leg at physiotherapist in Milton Keynes
NMES electrical neuro stimulation machine at Milton Keynes physiotherapist

Answering your NMES questions

We’ve written answers, below, to some commonly asked questions about neuromuscular electrical stimulation. However, if you have any other questions please do contact us. We’re always happy to talk.

Why do you combine NMES with physio or sports rehab?

We believe that physiotherapy and sports rehab are very important, highly effective foundations for successful recovery and longer-term wellbeing.

NMES is complementary to both and is a very effective add-on technique for getting muscles to work properly again.

Is Neuromuscular electrical stimulation safe?

NMES is generally safe. However, the treatment involves sending electrical impulses through your body so it’s not suitable for everyone.

Your therapist will assess your individual circumstances, such as your presenting problem and medical history, to ensure it’s safe for you. If it’s not appropriate for you, we will tell you.

What does NMES feel like?

Patients typically feel a tingling sensation from the electrical impulses, alongside muscle twitching or contractions.

Most people tolerate these sensations very well. In the rare event you are unable to tolerate the sensations the treatment will be stopped.

Does NMES hurt?

Depending on the intensity of the stimulation, NMES can sometimes feel a little uncomfortable, but your physiotherapist can adjust the intensity to suit your tolerance levels.

Your muscles may feel mildly fatigued afterwards, similar to how they might feel after exercise.

Related physiotherapy services and treatments

Post-op rehab is a very important part of recovery from surgery. If you’ve just had surgery, contact us.

If you’re living with chronic pain, such as from arthritis, acupuncture offers a useful form of pain relief.

A highly effective form of strength training which strengthens without overloading weak or damaged muscles.

We’re highly experienced physiotherapists. Learn more about what we treat and how we do it.

Why choose us for NMES

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    We’re qualified physiotherapists

    We understand the mechanics behind how your muscles should be working, so we can provide you with the most appropriate treatment.

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    Committed to your long-term health

    As well as getting you better in the short term, we also focus on your long-term wellbeing and reducing your risk of re-injury.

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    Here to help wherever we can

    We truly want you to get better. If NMES is required over the longer term, we may be able to lend you a NMES machines for at-home use.

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    We’re cost effective

    You pay only for the cost of the physio or sports rehab session. There’s no additional charge for NMES.

Need to build your strength?

Get in touch
01908 952019

We’re here to help.