Advanced neuromuscular therapy to strengthen muscles and improve function

Electrical stimulation is a therapy technique that uses gentle electrical signals to activate muscles and improve neurological function in children. At Kids' Therapy Works, our experienced physiotherapists use this safe, effective treatment to help children with various conditions strengthen muscles, increase limb awareness, and develop better functional abilities.

What is electrical stimulation?

Electrical stimulation works by sending electrical signals to the targeted muscles to switch them on or off. We can determine the level of the stimulation based on what we want to achieve and your child's tolerance to the sensation.

It is not painful, but we often describe it as a tickle! This gentle approach helps children feel comfortable during treatment whilst receiving the therapeutic benefits of muscle activation and neurological stimulation.

Why do we use electrical stimulation?

Our physiotherapists use electrical stimulation for several important therapeutic reasons:

To help strengthen muscles

Electrical stimulation can activate weak or underused muscles, helping them contract more effectively and build strength over time. This is particularly beneficial for children who have difficulty activating certain muscle groups voluntarily.

To increase awareness of a limb

For children with reduced sensation or body awareness, electrical stimulation provides sensory input that helps them become more aware of their affected limbs and how to use them in functional activities.

For functional task practice

We use electrical stimulation during functional activities such as grasping, reaching, or walking to help children practice movements with improved muscle activation and coordination.

To reduce high muscle tone

In children with spasticity or high muscle tone, specific electrical stimulation techniques can help relax overactive muscles and improve movement quality.

To help encourage neuroplasticity

Electrical stimulation supports the body's natural way of making new signals from the brain to the muscle, promoting neuroplasticity and helping establish better movement patterns.

Types of electrical stimulation we use

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

NMES targets specific muscles to improve strength, endurance, and functional capacity. This technique is particularly effective for children with muscle weakness following injury or those with conditions affecting muscle activation.

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)

FES is applied during functional activities to assist with movement patterns such as walking, reaching, or grasping. This approach helps children practice functional skills with improved muscle support.

Sensory Electrical Stimulation (SES)

SES is a low-level electrical stimulation that targets sensory neurons rather than muscles. This gentle technique aims to improve sensation and body awareness whilst providing sensory feedback to enhance motor function. SES is delivered through specialist mesh garments, and we have specialist socks and gloves available as part of our service.

Our electrical stimulation approach

Comprehensive assessment

Our physiotherapists conduct thorough evaluations to determine whether electrical stimulation is appropriate for your child and which techniques would be most beneficial for their specific needs and goals. We explain how electrical stimulation works and demonstrate the gentle sensations your child will experience.

Individualised treatment programmes

Each electrical stimulation programme is tailored to your child's condition, tolerance, and therapeutic objectives. We carefully adjust stimulation parameters to ensure optimal benefit whilst maintaining comfort. Electrical stimulation sessions involve placing electrodes on the skin over targeted muscles. The treatment feels like a gentle tickling sensation and can be combined with exercises or functional activities.

Integration with other therapies

Electrical stimulation is often used alongside other physiotherapy techniques, exercise programmes, and functional activities to maximise therapeutic outcomes.

Why choose Kids' Therapy Works for electrical stimulation?

Specialist expertise

Our physiotherapists have extensive experience in electrical stimulation techniques for children with various conditions.

Child-centred approach

We adapt electrical stimulation treatments to each child's needs, comfort level, and developmental stage, ensuring positive therapy experiences. The treatment is always explained in child-friendly terms.

Integrated treatment

Electrical stimulation is seamlessly integrated with other physiotherapy techniques and your child's broader therapy programme for comprehensive care.

Safe parameters

Our physiotherapists are trained in safe electrical stimulation protocols and carefully monitor treatment parameters to ensure appropriate and comfortable stimulation levels.

Common questions about electrical stimulation

Does electrical stimulation hurt?

No, electrical stimulation should not be painful. Most children describe the sensation as a gentle tickle. We always start with very low levels and adjust based on your child's comfort.

Can all children use electrical stimulation?

Most children can safely use electrical stimulation, but we conduct thorough assessments to ensure it's appropriate. Some medical conditions may require special precautions.

Ready to explore electrical stimulation for your child?

Contact Kids' Therapy Works on 01206 212 849 to discuss whether electrical stimulation could support your child's muscle strength, function, and development. Our experienced physiotherapists are here to explain this gentle, effective treatment approach.