First there was transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) – a form of electrical stimulation for relieving pain. Now, the broad category of electrical stimulation also involves stimulating muscle tissue, to strengthen muscle tissue that supports a joint in addition to relieving pain in and around the joint. This newer category is called neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), and a number of studies in recent years have shown the effectiveness of NMES in electrical knee treatment, specifically on the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA).
In a recent study published the journal Clinical Rheumatology, Turkish researchers found that a four-week program of electrical stimulation was just as effective as a four-week exercise program in relieving pain and stiffness and improving physical function (including walking time and ability to go up and down stairs) in a group of 50 women diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee.
The researchers concluded that electrical stimulation is a useful option for treating knee osteoarthritis, particularly in patients who are unable to perform an exercise program.
Two earlier studies by researchers in Baltimore also documented the effectiveness of electrical stimulation: knee pain reduced and quadriceps muscle strength increased in older people with osteoarthritis of the knee.
In the first of the two studies, 34 adults over age 60 with confirmed knee osteoarthritis were randomized to either NMES three days a week for 12 weeks plus education or education only. The group receiving NMES plus education showed a nine- to 11-percent increase in quadriceps strength by a number of measures, while the group who received only education saw, by some measures, a seven-percent reduction in strength over the 12-week study.
In the second study, researchers examined the short- and long-term effects of a home-based, 12-week program of NMES on knee OA pain in older adults. In this study, 38 people were assigned to one of two groups: one receiving NMES plus education, the other receiving education only. The researchers measured pain in both groups at baseline and at weeks 4, 8 and 12. Participants receiving NMES also completed a pain diary 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after each treatment.
While no significant difference in pain was seen between the groups over the course of the study, people in the NMES group did experience immediate, short-term relief, reporting There was a significant 22 percent decline in pain 15 minutes after as compared with immediately before each NMES treatment an average 22 percent decline in pain 15 minutes after treatment compared to 15 minutes before.
Electrical stimulation may ease pain and strengthen the quadriceps muscles supporting the knee. It also may delay total knee replacement.
In a recent clinical study conducted at 23 centers across the U.S., 48 men and 109 women, ranging in age from 31 to 88, with moderate-to-severe knee OA wore an FDA-approved electrical stimulation device for six to 10 hours daily (usually while sleeping). Compared to a control group of 101 patients who did not use the device, results showed that 62 percent of the people who used the electrical stimulation device postponed replacement of their knee joint for four years. Only seven percent in the control group did so.
If the OA is already in process, the above-mentioned treatments can be helpful. However, if the joint mechanics are not addressed, the problem will either recur or never fully go away. Also, if the cartilage is deteriorated severely, ie. bone on bone, options may be somewhat limited. Other treatment options are cold laser therapy, knee decompression, physical therapy etc. Although some devices are available to the public, it is important to know proper application or results can be disappointing.
I am not very familiar with Bionicare, though it's basic premise seems very logical and appears to be worthwhile to investigate. I hope this information is helpful.
thank you
josephine
Anyone who need NMES can contact me. It is an FDA approved machine.
I would like to ask where can i find NMES? I want to purchase the device.
Thanks
The Doctors tv show was on today 5/19 re the brace they discussed for the knee...please tell me the name of the brace.
While searching for an alternative treatment, she learned of BioniCare which is from VQ OrthoCare. Her treatment is two part: 1) She got an unloading brace called OActive from VQ OrthoCare that provided immediate relief and 2) she started using the BioniCare system which sends a signal through the knee joint that reduces pains and has shown long term gains. Users have been able to return to full function and no longer require the brace or BioniCare after about 9 months. After two months, my mother-in-law has cut the pain medications by 75% and is able to shop, take her dog on long walks and do things she has not done in years. With BioniCare there is no going backwards to go forwards (no surgery), no serious adverse reactions and since this is medication free, she is safe to drive.
Everything you need to know is on www.bionicare.com
The second type of stimulation mentioned, which has been shown to defer a total knee replacement, is called BioniCare. This is a different type of stimulation that improves the overall health of the joint rather than stimulating the muscles for strengthening. Four clinical studies show that this stimulation, which you do not feel, improves pain, range of motion and morning stiffness, as well as decreases medications and can improve the overall health of the knee. More information can be found at www.bionicare.com.
"Electrical stimulation for knee osteoarthritis." Thank you.
I have RA, and I refuse medication, so I'm always looking for alternatives. One such thing is a MIGUN bed. It's a massage bed, with infra red lights, acupuncture, oxygenation and detoxification benefits. It takes time to see the results but it's well worth it. In most cases you will not have to have any surgeries or take any medications. It relieves all kinds of pain. I had injections done to my knees because I had hard time walking and standing. I have been going for the massages 5 times a week for the last 5 months and my knees are doing great. Go under www, migun.com.
Also In the last month I tries another therapy called FSM, microcurrents, it also seems like a winner. But since I just had it done I do not want to sound overly confidant.
Like all therapies - not everything thing woeks for everybody, but it's worth trying.
info.@csiofmi.com or www.csiofmi.com
I also heard that oxygenation therapy is also a winner. I haven't tried it yet, but that would be my next step if needed. My RA doctor said she heard of it and to go for it.
Good luck!!
Please advise me for medicines and other activities to be performed in order to get rid of this suffering.
Please email me at cbadebayo@yahoo.com
Good luck!
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