I have been prescribed a muscle stimulator. I am not sure that insurance is going to cover it, but my doctor said that he would go to bat for me with an appeal if they do not cover it.

It is not a TENS unit, but is like one. Has anyone here ever tried one and did they find it helpful? It is suppossed to stimulate the muscles, at a comfortable level, twenty minutes, two times a day. This builds muscle tone and is supposed to stop the constant tension in the SI muscles.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

:angel:

Hi,
Is it a rectangular shaped w/wires and a battery...sticky pads that you place one your back and replace after 3 days. If so, then I had one, but I had to wear mine for 12 weeks straight. I hated it, but I think it helped in my recovery.

If may not be the same kind of thing.

Judy

Sounds like the same one :)

I am 4 months post op and I really think the stimulator helped my back. I couldn't feel it, but it must of done what it was intended to do. I went back to work 5 weeks ago. I started at 4 hours a day for 3 weeks and now I am at 6 hours a day. I have a desk job, so he let me go back early. I still wear my brace when I feel like I need it. I can lift up to 15 lbs.

What kind of surgery did you have?

Good luck in your progress and keep me posted on how you are doing.
Remember that everyone heals differently and take it easy for as long as you need to.

Judy

Jacritch is referring to a bone stimulator. A muscle stimulator introduces transdermal electrical impulses into the muscle groups causing involuntary muscle contractions. The goal during treatment is to elevate the intensity level as high as possible. The effect of treatment is to fatigue the muscles so that, upon completion, the muscles are relaxed and constriction or impingement on nerve roots etc. is alieviated.

motmcd: You right, that is exactly what it is, now I just need to know if anyone here has had one and if it worked for them?????? :confused:

Sorry moonlight. I should have mentioned that I've been using a muscle stimulator for six years....generally at night following a day with pain. I find it to be useful. I hook up for a 30 minute zap session right before going to sleep. I find it helps relax the pain. Here's the trick: jack up the stimulator to the hightest level you can tolerate. You'll start at zero and manually increase the impulses to that hightest level. Moist heat following the zapping works well. FYI: I use stim on my neck.