Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
Restore Muscle Function. Reclaim Comfort.
Spinal pain is often caused by a combination of overuse, strain, or injury to the muscles, joints, discs, and ligaments supporting the spine. If left untreated, muscle injury can lead to atrophy (muscle wasting), which increases discomfort and reduces mobility. Over time, this cycle of pain, disuse, and fear of re-injury (kinesiophobia) can significantly impact your quality of life.
What is a Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)?
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a technique that delivers electrical impulses to specific muscle groups to trigger controlled contractions. This helps strengthen weakened muscles, improve function, and restore stability—especially after periods of disuse or chronic pain.
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Can be non-invasive (TENS-like device) or minimally invasive (needle-based under ultrasound guidance)
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Often used in combination with targeted physiotherapy for best results
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Typically recommended over 10–12 sessions for noticeable clinical improvement
Why NMES Works?
Accelerates Muscle Activation
Stimulates deeper muscles like the multifidus, which play a critical role in core stability and spinal health
Complements Rehab Programs
Pairs effectively with guided physiotherapy, yoga, Pilates, and core-strengthening exercises
Addresses Pain at the Source
Helps reduce pain and restore balance in the spine by improving posture, strength, and neuromuscular control
How the Procedure Works
At Silver Pain Centre, NMES therapy is performed in-office by experienced clinicians as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. The goal is to activate weakened muscles using safe, targeted electrical stimulation—helping restore strength, coordination, and mobility.
Step-by-Step Process:
Initial Assessment
We begin with a detailed consultation and physical assessment to identify weakened or inactive muscle groups and determine if NMES is appropriate for your condition.
Electrode Placement
For non-invasive therapy, small electrodes are applied to your skin over the targeted muscle group. For deeper muscle activation, a fine EMG-guided needle may be used under ultrasound imaging.
Muscle Stimulation
Gentle electrical impulses are delivered to the muscles to cause controlled contractions—mimicking the body’s natural signals. This process helps retrain the muscles to activate properly.
Integrated Physiotherapy
NMES is typically combined with guided physiotherapy exercises to maximize outcomes. Our team will work with you to develop a tailored rehab routine that strengthens the spine and core.
Ongoing Sessions
Treatment plans typically include 10–12 sessions, with progress monitored closely to adjust intensity and protocols as needed.
Why Choose NMES Therapy at Silver Pain Centre?
Targeted Muscle Activation
Reactivates deep or hard-to-engage muscles such as the multifidus or core stabilizers, which are critical for spinal support and recovery.
Custom Rehabilitation Plans
Each therapy plan is personalized and paired with physiotherapy to support long-term functional recovery.
Non-Invasive & Safe
Surface electrode therapy is completely non-invasive and pain-free. For more complex cases, ultrasound-guided needle stimulation is safely performed.
Expertly Delivered
Our clinicians specialize in pain management and neuromuscular therapy, using evidence-based methods to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Restores Mind-Muscle Connection
Helps rebuild the neuromuscular link and overcome mental barriers like kinesiophobia (fear of movement) that often prevent full recovery.
Convenient & OHIP-Covered
Most NMES therapy sessions are quick, outpatient-based, and can be OHIP-covered when medically indicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Relief Last?
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Relief from NMES therapy can vary depending on the individual’s condition and response to treatment.
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Many patients experience noticeable improvement within a few sessions, especially when combined with physiotherapy.
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Results often continue to build with consistent use, and long-term benefits may include improved strength, stability, and pain reduction.
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A full course may involve 10–12 sessions, with maintenance sessions as needed.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
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NMES therapy is ideal for individuals with muscle atrophy, spinal pain, or limited mobility due to injury, surgery, or neurological conditions.
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If you’ve struggled to activate deep core or stabilizer muscles, or face barriers like kinesiophobia (fear of movement), NMES may help accelerate your recovery.
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A consultation with our team will help determine if NMES is an appropriate part of your treatment plan.
Why Choose Silver Pain Centre?
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We offer expert-guided NMES therapy in a supportive clinical setting with protocols tailored to your needs.
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Most NMES sessions are quick, outpatient-based, highly effective, and OHIP-covered when medically indicated.
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Our integrated care model ensures that NMES is part of a broader rehabilitation strategy, supported by physiotherapy and specialist follow-up.
What to Expect at Silver Pain Centre?
At Silver Pain Centre, we make the NMES therapy process comfortable, personalized, and focused on helping you regain strength, reduce pain, and rebuild muscle function.
Complete Your Self-Referral: Begin by submitting your information through our secure online form. Our team will review it within 72 hours and contact you to schedule a consultation. No referral is required, and visits are often OHIP-covered when medically indicated.
Consult With a Specialist: During your virtual or in-person consultation, we’ll assess your symptoms, mobility concerns, and treatment history to determine if NMES therapy is the right fit for your rehabilitation plan.
Begin Treatment: If appropriate, you’ll begin a series of NMES sessions—typically 10–12—where targeted electrical impulses help activate weakened or atrophied muscles. Treatment is customized to your needs and may be paired with physiotherapy for optimal outcomes.
Resume Your Routine: Each session is quick, outpatient-based, and non-invasive. Most patients return to normal activities right after, with minimal to no discomfort. Over time, NMES helps retrain your body to activate the right muscles, rebuild stability, and reduce pain.
Is this treatment right for you or your patient?
Our Medical Director is here to help. If you have a question about whether this treatment is appropriate for yourself or someone in your care, submit it below and our team will review your inquiry.
Your Partner in Pain Management
At Silver Pain Centre, we understand the challenges of chronic pain. We offer comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions, including joint and back pain, chronic headaches, nerve pain, muscle injuries, post-surgical pain, sports injuries, and more.
Located in North Toronto, our modern 20,000 sq. ft. facility offers shorter wait times and free parking, making access to care easier. With a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach, we create tailored treatment plans to deliver long-lasting relief when traditional methods have not succeeded.
Explore Silver Pain Centre Difference
Take the First Step Toward Strength & Recovery—Start Your Self-Referral Today!
If chronic back, neck, or joint pain is impacting your mobility or muscle strength, NMES therapy may help restore function and reduce discomfort. Our specialists at Silver Pain Centre will review your self-referral within 72 hours and guide you through an OHIP-covered consultation—available virtually or in person.