FES

[gpbullock]

I have a few questions on FES that I hope someone can answer. I bought an EMS4000, and am uncertain about the settings. Does anyone know anything about EMS. Also, I have partial feeling in my thighs which, when I have used the EMS, it hurts alot. It's a little more bearable on Wave setting, but I can't turn it up high enough to contract the muscle. Even at a low setting it's painful. I am on Medical so I can't afford a physical therapist but still would like to do what I can to stay healthy. Any info. is appreciated.

[etexley]

I'll ask my girlfriend. But I think the trick is high voltage, low current. Is there a way to control the voltage setting?

Dude, i don't know if there IS a way to make it not hurt. I tried my FES unit on my arm, and it sucked...look inside and find the masaquist within you...!

Eric Texley

[Wise Young]

The pain from electrical stimulation comes from current passing through the skin. If the resistance is high and the current is high, it will cause a higher voltage at the skin which may cause pain. One way to reduce the voltage across the skin is to improve the electrical contact and therefore the resistance. Thisi can be done by making sure that the electrode contact with skin is good and putting conductive jelly between the electrode and skin.

Alternatively, you can reduce the current density across the skin. The way to reduce current density is to have more contact area between your electrode and the skin. It is current per area of skin contacted that determined current density. Total current that penetrates the skin is the important factor in activating the muscle or nerve below the skin.

Please note that while reducing the resistance and increasing electrode surface may not eliminate pain completely, depending on the reason for your pain. Many people with spinal cord injury have a condition called allodynia which is hypersensitivity to touch. If you have allodynia, even if the current density is very low, it may cause pain.

I am sorry that I don't remember whether EMS4000 has a current meter on it, indicating the amount of current that is passing through the electrodes. It should be on the order of milliamperes (mA). Most such machines have a limit of 40 mA. What is the level of stimulation that is causing pain for you? If it is above 20 mA, you probably don't have allodynia because that amount of current would be uncomfortable for most people.

Wise.

[SCI-Nurse]

gpbullock - I am not familiar with the system you have but have worked with the ERGYS 2 Home Rehabilitation System, (CFES) or cycle ergometer. The software design of the current ERGYS model offers a choice of 6 different waveforms, some of which are less pain producing for the SCI person who has some sensation. I will try to find out if you have a system that can be adjusted for your needs and provide some guidance. CRF

[SCI-Nurse]

gpbullock - Do you have the specifications and the manufacturer name of the EMS system that you purchased? I have contacted James Schorey, President of Therapeutics Alliances, Inc, and the software engineer of their ERGYS 2 Home Rehabilitation System (CFES stationary ergometer). If you can fax the above information to him at 937-879-5211, he will be glad to give you some advice.

When we start someone, for whom pain sensation is a problem, on the ERGYS 2 System, generally we begin with a low level of amplitude. The stimulus is applied within protocol guidelines. Over time, the stimulus amplitude is gradually increased; the body begins to adapt in its response to the electrical stimulus. Gradually, the patient develops increased tolerance and reduced painful response to the stimulus. CRF