{"title":"Electrotherapy in physiotherapy in Bascharage","seoTitle":"Electrotherapy in physiotherapy in Bascharage | PES Luxembourg","metaDescription":"TENS and neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) integrated into active rehabilitation at Pôle Équilibre & Santé in Bascharage.","content":"**Electrotherapy covers two distinct uses: TENS, which is analgesic, and muscle electrostimulation (EMS), which produces a contraction. At Pôle Equilibre & Santé, in Bascharage, both remain adjunct techniques, integrated into an exercise session. They do not constitute the main treatment of a rehabilitation.**\n\n## TENS and gate-control theory\n\nSkin electrodes send a current that interferes with the transmission of pain. Gate-control theory (*gate control*, Melzack and Wall, 1965) describes a non-painful sensory message that occupies part of the pathway, so that the pain message passes less. We look for clear tingling, never a burn or a cramp. Typical duration: **20 to 30 minutes**. Common indications: neck pain, low-back pain, sciatica, femoral neuralgia, cervicobrachial neuralgia, joint pain after a sprain or an operation.\n\nTENS does not repair a disc, a ligament or osteoarthritis. It opens an analgesic window during which we mobilise and strengthen. Without that work, relief often fades within a few hours.\n\n## EMS: recruiting a muscle that responds poorly\n\nEMS imitates the nerve impulse and produces a **contraction**. Useful after immobilisation or knee surgery, when voluntary recruitment is still insufficient. Frequency, pulse width, work and rest times, electrode placement are set case by case.\n\nKim et al. (*JOSPT*, 2010): added to strengthening after ACL reconstruction, EMS can help the quadriceps. This is not a shortcut.\n\n## TENS evidence (Johnson, 2022)\n\nThe meta-analysis by Johnson et al. (*BMJ Open*, 2022; 381 trials) concludes, with **moderate** certainty, that pain intensity is lower **during or just after** well-dosed TENS, compared with placebo. The effect is real and transient. It facilitates active work; it does not treat the cause. At the practice: a few dozen minutes within a session that mainly contains exercises and, if needed, [manual therapy](/bascharage/competence/therapie-manuelle).\n\n## Preparation\n\nClean skin, without thick cream. Shorts or a vest according to the area. Local jewellery removed if asked. Mention a pacemaker, a defibrillator, epilepsy, pregnancy, a recent thrombosis, a wound, a sensory disorder, progressing cancer on the area. Osteosynthesis metal does not always forbid current; placement is chosen.\n\n## How it goes and afterwards\n\nTENS: intensity raised to useful tingling, checked after a few minutes. EMS: rhythmic contractions of the targeted muscle. The application occupies part of the session. We stop it when pain is managed otherwise, or when the muscle recruits without help.\n\nActivities of the day are generally possible. Fatigue of the stimulated muscle is possible. Avoid intense sport in the hour after heavy EMS on a still-fragile quadriceps. TENS does not forbid driving.\n\n## Contraindications\n\nA pacemaker or a defibrillator (especially near the chest), poorly controlled epilepsy, pregnancy (abdomen and lower back), a recent thrombosis, an infection or a wound under the electrodes, damaged skin, a sensory disorder, progressing cancer on the area.\n\nElectrotherapy is added to the exercises, sometimes to [ultrasound](/bascharage/equipement/ultrasonotherapie) or to the [Phenix Neo](/bascharage/equipement/phenix-neo). It does not treat chronic low-back pain on its own.\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n\n\nIs it painful?
\n\nNo. We aim for clear tingling or well-tolerated contractions, set with you. Sharp pain, burning or a cramp indicate that we should lower or move. Report any discomfort immediately.\n\n \n\n\nHow long does the application last, and how many sessions?
\n\nTENS most often lasts 20 to 30 minutes. EMS, a few sets of contractions in the session. The rhythm (often two to three times a week at the start of a programme) depends on the prescription and your response. We do not chain weeks of current without reassessing.\n\n \n\n\nI have a pacemaker or metal: can I benefit?
\n\nA pacemaker or a defibrillator contraindicates in usual practice. Osteosynthesis hardware is discussed case by case, away from the electrodes if needed. Say so when you book: the assessment checks before any application.\n\n \n\n\nHow should I prepare?
\n\nClean skin, clothing that uncovers the area, no greasy cream. Mention pregnancy, epilepsy, a wound, a sensory disorder. You do not need to be fasting.\n\n \n\n\nCan I resume sport just afterwards?
\n\nAfter TENS, yes in general, within the limits of your programme. After EMS on a still-weak muscle, we avoid a sprint or maximal strength training the same day. Your physiotherapist specifies the instruction according to the muscle and the stage.\n\n \n\n\nIs a prescription required?
\n\nPhysiotherapy is provided on medical prescription so that it can be reimbursed by the [CNS](https://cns.public.lu/fr/assure/remboursements/prestations-remboursees/prestations-paramedicales/kinesitherapeutes.html). The practice handles the paperwork. Details: [The Consultation](/bascharage/kinesitherapie/consultation-kine).\n\n \n\n\nHow can I book an appointment?
\n\nVia [Doctena](https://fr.doctena.lu/cabinet/Pole_Equilibre_Sante-281318) or on +352 26 65 28 42. Practice at 20B Rue du Bois, 4912 Bascharage — see [Contact & access](/contact).\n\n \n\n## Find out more\n\n- [The Phenix Neo](/bascharage/equipement/phenix-neo)\n- [Ultrasound therapy](/bascharage/equipement/ultrasonotherapie)\n- [The technical platform](/bascharage/equipement)\n\n","image":"https://pes-luxembourg.lu/bascharage/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Electrotherapie-1-1024x341.png"}