Neuromuscular Stimulation
This type of stimulation is characterized by a low volt stimulation targeted to stimulate motor nerves to cause a muscle contraction. NMS differs from TENS in that it is designed to stimulate muscle motor nerves, while TENS is designed to stimulate sensory nerve endings to help decrease pain. NMS is predominately used to prevent, or reduce, muscle atrophy. Doctors also see NMS as a means of increasing blood flow to muscles, increasing range of motion, increasing muscle strength, as well as enhancing muscle endurance.
NMS will have pain management attributes in regards to muscle related pain, such as a spastic muscle, sore muscles, or tight muscles. NMS uses electrical impulses to stimulate the nerve axons. These impulses reach the nerve axons, signaling the muscles to contract and relax rhythmically. Studies have shown that NMS stimulates large nerve axons (long outgrowths of a nerve cell body), some of which you cannot stimulate voluntarily. A rhythmic pumping of the muscles helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the muscles. Concurrently, waste products such as lactic acid are pumped out of the muscles. This increased blood flow to the muscles cuts down on recovery time and promotes healthy muscle activity.