Muscle Stimulator (EMS) for Calf after foot fracture

[bglines]

I've been recovering from an ankle sprain (standard lateral roll) for several months. Doctors finally got the okay to run a bone scan and MRI and diagnosed it as a cuboid fracture. So, I've been off the leg for nearly 5 months.

I've seen electronic muscle stimulation used for muscle atrophy on the quad during ACL rehab but can't find any research or documentation for using EMS on the calf. I started with a calf diameter of 16.5" and am now below 13".

Does anyone have experience on using EMS on the calf and local support muscles (peroneus longus, tibialis anterior)? I was put off by my physical therapist who reported that EMS use wasn't productive without accompanying rehab exercise. I have a research background and can say he is probably right because there is little to no published research on EMS on calf muscle atrophy.

I am now into rehab'ing the ankle and foot. Basic strengthening and ROM exercises and want to include EMS. I've had much success so far using in on my quad.

I have a quad channel EMS/TENS unit that I want to use in my rehab and future workouts

Any experience or advice would be appreciated. Websites, clinical studies?
Information on placement of electrodes?

Has anyone used TENS for ankle and foot pain?

Any feedback or advice?

Brett

[Heidi]

Hi
I haven't used EMS on the calf or lower leg area and I think you are right that there hasn't been much research into it.
However, it can't do any harm so if you have had good effects from using it on your quads for ACL injury, then yes, try it on the lower leg with accompanying rehab exercises.

[bglines]

Can anyone recommend a valid source of info regarding use of EMS on calf muscles, peroneus longus, etc. Settings? Electrode locations?

[jacobstyn]

A TENS machine consists of a small box, with a clip on the back that you can attach to your clothing. The machine gives out little pulses of electrical energy. Leading out of the box are four wires connected to sticky pads.
www.tenspainrelief.com/tens-unit