United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

We tried estim a few years ago and she could not tolerate it. she recently started back up and can take some BUT insists on us holding the pads down so TIGHT while the contraction is going on the I fear we will bruise her arm. The OT has no clue why she wants us to hold it like that.

Do any of your children (or you adults if you have gone through it) experienced this. She just wants extreme pressue on the pads.

Thanks

Not sure why she would want it with the NMES on, but I know when I hurt (neuro pain) putting pressure on the spot feels good. Makes it hurt less.
Marieke (31, LOBPI)

Not sure what muscle groups you are using the electrodes on but when I do mine on my forearm and apply pressure the e-stim goes through the muscles we are trying to work and gets the deeper ones. Sometimes it feels "cool" for lack of a better word. The sensation I get with pressure is much different than the sensation I get without pressure. When I apply the pressure, I am going through the muscle I need to work so I can apply the pressure. I just do it for fun once in a while. Maybe the e-stim is still uncomfortable for her. How old is your daughter?

Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN
(have used e-stim for about 3 years)

How do you find this helps you?? I haven't really looked into this for my daughter and wonder what it can do for her...

For me, I am able to feel the muscle that are being stimulated and I let the machine passively stim for 15 seconds then when it is on break for 15 seconds I hold to movement for about 10 seconds. That way the muscle that is supposed to be used is already firing and I can actively hold the mevement. I have used it to strengthen my wrist and finger extensors. It has helped me to go from no wrist extension to reasonable and from a fisted hand to one I can now open on my own!
I also have used it on deltiods and triceps but not very long before my surgery and I am not back to doing those exercises yet since I am only 9 weeks out of surgery.

Good luck!
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN

I wonder if this is a sensory issue. I don't recall Juliana asking us to do this, but my guess is that she would if we estimmed now!

claudia

Thanks everyone. I think it is more along the lines Hope says--she likes to feel it deep in the muscle. Our hope is to build strength in her wrist and fingers extensors. Guess we'll see!

thanks and I will keep you posted.