What is the difference between NMES and TENS ?
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) both target nerves via a small electrical current applied through pads. They differ as TENS is primarily used for pain and is suitable for chronic pain and arthritis, back pain and muscular pain. NMES is used to stimulate muscle contraction and so is used for muscle weakness and neurological conditions.
What can NMES help with ?
NMES is useful for rebuilding muscle after disuse or injury. This can be used specifically in cases such as spinal surgery, nerve damage or in cases where animals are not using certain muscle groups.
What can TENS help with ?
TENS is much better in cases where pain relief is needed, this can be great in palliative care (making animals comfortable in their last months). It can also be used when animals are painful with arthritis, muscle spasming or neurological pain. IT is a great tool to use in addition to pain relief and is natural.
Will it hurt my animal if it is electrical ?
Both NMES and TENS are designed to be used on a very low setting and so it will initially feel like very mild pins and needles. The fuzzy felling this provides hides the pain from injury and can allow up to 4 hours of pain relief following treatment. As with all physiotherapy treatments they are tailored and in some cases no hands-on treatments will be used and everything can be done with equal levels of success through exercise and environmental adaptation.