Technical Clarification:
NMES, FES, and TENs are all transcutaneous (across the skin). The only
difference is the parameters.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) AKA Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)  – is a trusted, clinically-proven, noninvasive therapy for muscle rehabilitation post injury, surgery or disease.

FES units have the advantage in that you can control more parameters of the on/off phasing and as well as packing accessories like foot switches and hand controlled switches so you can better get the muscle contraction when you want.

– Muscle conditioning through either strength or endurance training
– Maintenance or increase in range of motion, including contracture reduction
– Facilitation and re-education of voluntary motor function
– Orthotic training, including substitution for traditional orthoses
– Management of acute and chronic edema
– Reduces spasticity and muscle spasms
– Reduces disuse atrophy
– Increases local blood flow

TENS – Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a trusted, clinically-proven, noninvasive therapy used for the management of, and relief from, chronic (long-term) intractable pain and post-surgical and post-trauma acute pain.

You can use TENS units to deliver a stimulation to the motor nerve. You just have to select the right frequency to optimise muscle stimulation. Some cheaper units may not offer the optimal frequency needed to stimulate the motor nerve.

– Relief of chronic (long-term) intractable pain
– Reduce Muscle Guarding
– Relief of post-surgical acute pain
– Relief of post-trauma acute pain

 

More can be read about the types of E-Stim at Criterion Inc’s Website.