Is electrical stimulation beneficial to facilitate quadriceps contraction early on post-op?
Answer
Yes, it definitely is. There been a number of studies that have looked at the benefits of stim, TENS, as far as looking at TENS for pain control, and then NMES for helping to fire the quads. NMES is something that we use fairly regularly in our practice as far as using it to try to facilitate the quads to work. I think the sooner you get quads firing and get rid of the lag, the sooner you can get rid of bracing, crutches, and the quicker the people will progress. Very often we will get home NMES units for patients to use at home and they can typically use a trigger where they are doing their quad sets or other exercises with the facilitation of the unit. I think having them do it on the opposite side can be helpful as well.
David Nolan, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, SCS, CSCS
Dr. Nolan is an Associate Clinical Professor at Northeastern University in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences as well as a Graduate Lecturer in the College of Professional Studies in the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Northeastern University. David is also a Clinical Specialist at the Mass General Sports Physical Therapy Service and the Director of the MGH / Northeastern University Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program.
Dr. Nolan is a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Sports Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is a past recipient of the “Excellence in Clinical Teaching” award from the New England Consortium of Academic Coordinators of Clinical Education as well as the award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Practice by the Massachusetts Chapter of the APTA. Dr. Nolan was also presented with the 2019 Lynn Wallace Clinical Educator award from the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy.
Related Courses
1https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/management-upper-extremity-pathology-in-3125Management of Upper Extremity Pathology in the Overhead AthleteUpper extremity pathology is common in the general population and even more frequent with overhead athletes. To be successful in this specialized population it is important to understand the rehabilitation progression for a safe return to the demands of overhead activity. The purpose of this presentation is to present an evidence-based review of current physical therapy practice for the management and treatment of shoulder and elbow pathology in the overhead athlete. The principles of dynamic stabilization as it relates to an overhead athlete population will be discussed. Criteria for a safe progression to overhead sport following injury will also be included. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and therefore appropriate for the PT, PTA and AT.auditory, textual, visual
Upper extremity pathology is common in the general population and even more frequent with overhead athletes. To be successful in this specialized population it is important to understand the rehabilitation progression for a safe return to the demands of overhead activity. The purpose of this presentation is to present an evidence-based review of current physical therapy practice for the management and treatment of shoulder and elbow pathology in the overhead athlete. The principles of dynamic stabilization as it relates to an overhead athlete population will be discussed. Criteria for a safe progression to overhead sport following injury will also be included. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and therefore appropriate for the PT, PTA and AT.
2https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/managing-foot-and-ankle-pathology-4455Managing Foot and Ankle Pathology in the Distance RunnerRunning related injury is a common presentation in physical therapy practice. Some studies report over 50% of runners will experience an injury that limits participation at some point. The majority of injuries specific to distance runners will occur in the lower quarter and many of these will involve the lower leg and foot and ankle complex. This course will review the epidemiology of selected running related injuries and provide evidence-based recommendations for examination and treatment.auditory, textual, visual
Running related injury is a common presentation in physical therapy practice. Some studies report over 50% of runners will experience an injury that limits participation at some point. The majority of injuries specific to distance runners will occur in the lower quarter and many of these will involve the lower leg and foot and ankle complex. This course will review the epidemiology of selected running related injuries and provide evidence-based recommendations for examination and treatment.
3https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/rotator-cuff-lesions-conservative-and-3441Rotator Cuff Lesions: Conservative and Post-Operative TreatmentRotator cuff pathology is common in the general population and even more frequent with overhead athletes and workers. The purpose of this presentation is to present an evidence-based review of current physical therapy practice for the conservative and post-operative management of rotator cuff pathology. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.auditory, textual, visual
Rotator cuff pathology is common in the general population and even more frequent with overhead athletes and workers. The purpose of this presentation is to present an evidence-based review of current physical therapy practice for the conservative and post-operative management of rotator cuff pathology. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.
4https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/running-related-injury-getting-runner-3203Running Related Injury: Getting the Runner Back on the RoadRunning related injuries are common in physical therapy practice. This course will review the epidemiology of selected running-related injuries and review evidence-based treatment interventions to maximize function. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.auditory, textual, visual
Running related injuries are common in physical therapy practice. This course will review the epidemiology of selected running-related injuries and review evidence-based treatment interventions to maximize function. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.
5https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/management-of-patellofemoral-pain-syndrome-3475Management of Patellofemoral Pain SyndromePatellofemoral Pain Syndrome is a common diagnosis for patients presenting to physical therapy with anterior knee pain. The purpose of this presentation is to present an evidence-based review of current physical therapy practice for the management of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Evidence-Based therapeutic exercise interventions will also be reviewed. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and ATauditory, textual, visual
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is a common diagnosis for patients presenting to physical therapy with anterior knee pain. The purpose of this presentation is to present an evidence-based review of current physical therapy practice for the management of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Evidence-Based therapeutic exercise interventions will also be reviewed. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT