How to Use a Muscle Stimulator After Knee Surgery

Electronic muscle stimulators are devices commonly used in the rehab process following surgery or injury. An electronic muscle stimulator acts by passing electronic current through the target muscle, triggering a mild to moderate contraction that can help to activate muscle tissue, potentially increasing its overall strength. A relatively benign way to exercise a previously injured knee, the use of muscle stimulators still requires caution to avoid overdoing things following surgery.

Things You'll Need

• FDA-approved electronic muscle stimulator

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Instructions

• 1

  Consult with your doctor following knee surgery to determine the proper timetable for beginning your rehab protocol, informing him that you intend to utilize a muscle stimulator in the process. Follow his advice explicitly, lest you inadvertently increase the amount of time it will take for recovery by being too overzealous with your use of EMS.

• 2

  Follow the specific directions accompanying your EMS device to attach it to the target muscles on and surrounding the knee.

• 3

  Begin tentatively. Use your muscle stimulator only for short durations at a mild intensity, gradually increasing both the scope and power of treatment to avoid overloading your already weakened knee. Aim to increase the duration of treatment by five to 10 minutes weekly, increasing the intensity as well when you feel that your knee is up to the challenge.

• 4

  Stop using the muscle stimulator immediately if you notice any unexplainable pain or any other side effects. Remember that the temporary advantages that can be gained through EMS therapy are not worth the long term health of your knee. Consult your doctor if anything goes amiss to schedule a complete checkup.