Electrical muscle stimulation (ESTIM) works in very similar way to TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.)

Electrodes are placed at specific points on a muscle and a current is applied causing the muscle to contract. The strength and duration of the contraction is controled by settings selected by the therapist.

ESTIM helps prevent muscle wasting and causes pain relief.

ESTIM also provides provides

- Muscle strengthening of individual muscles or muscle groups

- Pain Relief

- Increased enzyme metabolism and capillary permeability

ESTIM

- Can be used before animal is weight bearing if painful or neurologically unable to control muscles

- Can be done while standing for increased muscle contraction

- Can be done while walking for re-education

Settings and parameters –

- Pulsed alternating current (biphasic)

Determines comfort

- Frequency – 25-50Hz

- Pulse duration – 200-400 micro sec

- Cycle time –

Atrophy 1:2 – 1:3 (10 sec on: 20-30 secs off)

Prevent atrophy 1:1 (15 sec:15 sec\0

- Ramp of 2-8 seconds