𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐒) is helpful after surgery, particularly for the quadriceps after knee surgery (but depending on the procedure, you may not be allowed to contract your quad initially).⠀

The very first post-op goal should be to achieve a 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐭, which in turn helps with stability, particularly with standing and walking (or else you get that 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐭-𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐭). The sooner we regain quad activation, the sooner we regain strength and function.⠀

Don’t skip this basic requirement. Too many times I have met clients who started rehab elsewhere, where the quad set has been overlooked and they have been given exercises that are too difficult. ⠀

NMES is very comfortable. Contracting along with it gives the best results and I find that clients progress very quickly after just a few sessions. This may be the only old school modality that I stand by. Some of the newer devices can be used for warm up and recovery as well. But 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒/𝐈𝐅𝐂 - you know how I feel about those!

November 18 2020