Neuropathy

Using Electrical Muscle Stimulation for Neuropathy

Studies into the use of electrical muscle stimulation for neuropathy show promising results.  It appears that applying electrical current to the surface of the skin which causes the muscle to contract improves muscle control.  It may even slow the decline of the muscle (atrophy) during while helping with restoration of nerve function after it has been lost (reinnervation).

In one test using electrical muscle stimulation for neuropathy improved the sensation of tingling, burning, some pain and numbness in 73% of the people in the trial.  They also had a reduction in sleep disturbances. This trial had subjects using EMS 1 hour per day for 12 weeks (Klassen et al 2008).

Another study in a series reviewed here evaluated the effect of electrical muscle stimulation for patients who have neuropathy because of type type 2 diabetes.  Of 92 patients who used EMS on their thighs for 60 minutes twice a week for 4 weeks up to 70% has some benefit. It appears that they had benefit especially relating to burning sensations and sleep disorders (Humpert et al).

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Following is a Neuropathy testimonial from Jerry in Menomonee Falls, WI :

“Once again thank you for your detailed help on the phone today that fixed my unit. I think that both the battery freshness and contact springs on the + side was the problem. It is nice to know that Service is not a dead issue as far as this product is concerned.

I would hate to go on my cruise without the unit. Now I don’t have to.

Let me explain my experience with my Neuropathy helping it by giving you a short history that you may use to post on your website since there is not link to it at present.
I am a 63 year old male and in good physical condition for my ag. Ie am active in sports (golf, tennis, swimming, walking) and work out every other day doing cardio (recumbent bike about 16 miles per day) and weights. About 4-5 years ago, I started to notice a problem with coldness in the bottom of my right foot. It would come and go so I thought that the cold winter and too thin of soles on the bottom of my shoes was the problem. When it continued in the summer months in a very random cycle, I pretty much ignored it.

Progressively it got worse and began to extend further up my feet. What started on the right foot, soon extended to now both the right and left foot which extended almost up to the ankle. After taking a trip to Hawaii and remember laying on the beach and having cold feet, I knew, that I had to search for something to help, what I thought at the time to be, my circulation. At this time, I had still not been to a doctor. Shortly after my return from Hawaii, I attended a Trade fair show in Wisconsin at the State Fair Grounds. There I saw a booth for the Rhythm Touch Q2 Way (Red Beat Light) and after a short demo, purchased one and all the accessories but did not consider using it for my cold feet. I used it mainly for head aches, sports injuries, and stiff necks but very, very, intermittently and only for these or similar conditions.

By now the discomfort in my feet was actually painful. I tried magnets. I purchased some fairly expensive ones to be worn around the ankles and wrists, and, even though they helped or appeared to do good, I still had problems and my condition was getting worse with frequent episodes of cold feet.

After reading an article in the newspaper that gave the symptoms for PAD (peripheral arterial disease), I decided to really get checked out by my doctor. He did some blood work and ruled out diabetes and thyroid. Upon going to a specialist, I was told that I did not have PAD and my circulation was fine. Next stop a neurologist. He did a test with electrodes to check nerve damage and found that I had neuropathy. There appears to be no cure for neuropathy which he told me would get worse. I asked about medication.

Two actions came out of my diagnosis and his response…. He said that some people get relief from a homeopathic that can be purchased at Walgreens or other heath stores. I immediately went out and tried Alpha Lipoic Acid (200mg) and began taking 1 a day. It really helped.

I also thought about the Neurologist test using electrodes and electrical shock to check for nerve damage. It reminded me about my Rhythm Touch Q2 Way that I had purchased but never used for my neuropathy.

I wondered if it to would also help. About 3 months ago, I started using it and have noticed a dramatic improvement using both treatments. Now after talking to you about application and the frequency, I will try it. I will keep in touch and let you know how if my condition continues to improve.

Compared to what it was before, my life is much more manageable with nowhere the degree of discomfort that I had which was actually affecting my quality of life. Thank you for the Rhythm Touch and helping me getting my unit working again.”

Following is a Peripheral Neuropathy testimonial from Horace in Vero Beach, FL.:

“Kevin: Thank you for shipping my replacement subject item.

I purchased my first Rhythm Touch 2 way about twenty years ago for treatment of neck pain. It not only solved my neck problems, but over the years my family has used the device for various physical ailments with great success. However, my greatest benefit has been derived from use of the Acu-Feet therapy for my peripheral neuropathy. Frequent use has effectively massaged my feet and reduced my foot nerve pain. I praise your product and customer support at the highest level. Please pass on my comments.”

Electrical Muscle Stimulation for Neuropathy Reference:

1. “Neuromuscular electrical stimulation applies electrical current to the skin surface or intramuscularly to induce a muscle contraction and improve muscular control during stance and ambulation. It may retard muscle atrophy during gradual reinnervation. In a prospective, nonrandomized trial of high-tone external muscle stimulation, 73% of subjects with diabetic and uremic neuropathy had improved tingling, burning, pain, and numbness, and reduction in sleep disturbances (Klassen et al 2008). After 12 weeks of 1-hour external muscle stimulation, general well-being, physical capacity, and ulnar motor conduction velocity were improved in uremic neuropathy patients (Strempska et al 2013).” – medmerits.com , By Yi Pan MD and Florian P Thomas MD PhD MA

[PDF]  Electrotherapy for the Treatment of Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy – A Review – medicaljournals.se/jrm/content/download.php?doi=10.2340/…0554 by K Pieber – ‎2010

Venous Blood Flow Velocity: Electrical Foot Stimulation Compared  to Intermittent Pneumatic Compression of the Foot – June, 2005
– Verified by University at Buffalo School of Medicine June 2005