E-Stim?

[anniehine]

Following my trochleoplasty 5 weeks ago my quads have become extremely weak and no matter how much exercise I do I can't seem to get them strong enough to weight bear.  I mentioned using an E-Stim to my PT and she said that unfortunately because of the cost my hospital doesn't have one (Im in the U.K. and the NHS funding runs out for some things I guess)! 

I really want to buy or rent one because from what I've read that they can really help.  I've looked on the internet but really have no idea what I'm looking for.  Has anyone bought one independently that they could recommend to me?  Alternatively if anyone has bought one they no longer use I can buy it off them (U.K.)?

Thanks, Annie. 

[RugbyGal]

Huh...They dont have e stim machines...how odd   You can try Compex Sport muscle stim...Its compact but pretty good. I dont have one myself even though i would like one! I used it quite a bit it in physio.   Im sure you can get a second hand one.  http://www.compexsport.com/musclestimulators/compexsport.html

[anniehine]

I know, i thought the same, but then I found one online for £69 (which had been recommended by another kneegeek) and figured I would have it forever then so have ordered one in and very excited..might finally start making some progress yay!! Thanks for your help though!

[Redwing]

Any updates on this Annie?  Is it helping?  Can you put up a link?  Rugbygals link doesn't work for me.

[anniehine]

Hi Redwing,

I believe this really helped me get my quads firing again, the link was given to me by Lottiefox. It has loads of different functions although I only used one but it's pretty easy to figure out.  I had my PT find the best program for me though.  I used it while doing my quad sets 3 times a day and slowly but surely I built them up and finally did an SLR last month!  I definitely feel like this helped and am going to start using it for other exercises too.

Let me know if you need any other info or if the link doesn't work.

http://www.neurotracsportsxl.co.uk/?gclid=CLSMvevuvKACFQIslAodQVTNLw

Annie 

[Redwing]

Thanks Annie.  I see my physio tomorrow so I will ask her if she thinks I would benefit from one.

[Potosi]

You want to get an EMPI PV300 portable ems. Let me know if you need help finding one. You might also consider getting a biofeedback device

[anniehine]

Hi Potosi,

My Physio has a Biofeedback and it's helped me so much with finding out what muscles I use for what exercise. My quads weren't engaging at all when I was walking which was a problem and i'd never have known if I hadn't used it.

Have thought about using one but not sure how much I'd use it. Definitely recommend them though.

[Alba66peach]

Yup Biofeedback machine really works well. It also works against anxiety disorders, tension etc.