Thread: muscle stimulator ..

Hey guys

I have a bit of a problem. i broke my tibia (shinbone ) last July 3 . I have not been able to use that leg and as a consequence my calf has deteriorated in size by about 30%. I need some way to exercise the calf muscle to help build it back up but I cannot perform any of the standard calf exercises and it looks like another 3 months before this thing heals.

I am thinking of some sort of muscle stimulator. Any suggestions?

I spent 3 months in a leg cast once. Take a look at isometric contractions. They help.

https://www.verywell.com/isometric-m...action-3120354

I don't know but send a PM to Kees. He's a physician and can probably point you in the right direction.

I got this a few years ago when I had something similar, still use it occasionally, and it is great for circulation and contracts all the muscles in your legs. Your legs feel thoroughly energized and all the muscle's feel well used afterwards.

It's called the Circulation Booster from High Tech:



It feels great to use, and with the wife and kids, great game as to who can stand it at the highest setting....here's a video I just found of others playing the game...LOL.

If its an issue of placing weight on your lower leg, such as standing to do common "calf raises"; then how about using elastic resistance/ stretch bands. You can stay seated & attach the bands to the pads of your feet,,,hold the bands in your hands,,, the up/down movement of the ankle will provide the exercise without the weight of the body on the leg.

Different color bands have different resistance levels. This will be a very high repetition exercise.

I spent five months in a full size leg cast and another six weeks in a half cast. The half cast was to support my knee because I had lost so much muscle they did not believe I could walk without ruining my knee, and it was pre many of the great braces available. The short answer for my therapy was when they went to the short cast, it was waterproof and I had to swim, a lot.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

If its an issue of placing weight on your lower leg, such as standing to do common "calf raises"; then how about using elastic resistance/ stretch bands. You can stay seated & attach the bands to the pads of your feet,,,hold the bands in your hands,,, the up/down movement of the ankle will provide the exercise without the weight of the body on the leg.

Different color bands have different resistance levels. This will be a very high repetition exercise.

Thats a problem, I cannot flex my ankle. The fracture is at the bottom of my tibia which rests in the ankle joint. They are all connected.

Originally Posted by Phrank

I got this a few years ago when I had something similar, still use it occasionally, and it is great for circulation and contracts all the muscles in your legs. Your legs feel thoroughly energized and all the muscle's feel well used afterwards.

It's called the Circulation Booster from High Tech:



It feels great to use, and with the wife and kids, great game as to who can stand it at the highest setting....here's a video I just found of others playing the game...LOL.

Thanks for the reply .
It seems this is a Tens unit. I checked and it looks like Walmart has a $150 version. The major question is will the Dr. agree ?

Originally Posted by randydance062449

Hey guys

I have a bit of a problem. i broke my tibia (shinbone ) last July 3 . I have not been able to use that leg and as a consequence my calf has deteriorated in size by about 30%. I need some way to exercise the calf muscle to help build it back up but I cannot perform any of the standard calf exercises and it looks like another 3 months before this thing heals.

I am thinking of some sort of muscle stimulator. Any suggestions?

If you use a TENS unit it will cause the ankle to flex, simply because that's what that group of muscles do but you can adjust the stimulation down pretty low so you don't overdo it.

Have you seen a Physical Therapist? That would be the way to go but, it may be too early per the Doc. Electrical Stimulation only 'builds' muscle when accompanied by an active contraction. Without the active contraction it will just keep you about where you are so, it may work very minimally if at all for your stated purpose.

Pool is definitely the better way as you can enter the water without standing on it then get to deeper water where you can swim, bike, etc... Just the motion of your leg being drug through the water will create enough force to cause a contraction.

But, all that is moot if the Doc says it is too early or otherwise has limiting restrictions for you. Is your Doc an Orthopedic Surgeon? If not, ask for a referral to a PT Clinic that has Aquatic Therapy available... They have every electronic device you could want as well as the skill and knowledge on how to use it.

Further, regarding Aquatic Therapy... Even just floating in the water increases blood flow, metabolism and reduces swelling. So, even if you are limited from any motion whatsoever, you can accelerate healing simply by being in the water.

Not sure if resumés are necessary but, I spent 24 years in PT working in different States and with every type patient imaginable. I often found patients with multiple trauma or fragile orthopedic issues benefitted best and were comfortable and protected in the water.

But, again, the stop-gap is the Doc and their Restrictions... If you are facing a potential 6 months of functional limitations, that is no, no, no joke... Listen to the Doc and ask about PT.

Shawn
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