There are so many questions and ignorance on the topic of Interactive Neuromuscular stimulation (INS) and Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation (NMES). The synergy between technology and human physiology offers a tantalizing glimpse into a future where healing knows no bounds.
We’re going to go back in time, back before NeuX created the NxPro and its INS technology in 2020 (the upgraded version of NMES), back before Neufit came out with the Neubie in 2013. Even before ARP Wave came out in the late 90s/ early 2000s.
History and Controversy Surrounding Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy has been used since the mid-1700s to treat a wide range of injuries and illnesses, but its mechanisms were not fully understood. In 1910, the Carnegie Foundation disapproved of its clinical use. It's worth noting that this decision was made by Andrew Carnegie, who monopolized the steel industry and later collaborated with John D. Rockefeller to establish the pharmaceutical and medical industry as we know it today. This information is well-documented and publicly available.
Going back in time
In 1791, the brilliant Luigi Galvini, an anatomy professor from Bologna, made the groundbreaking discovery that electricity could flow through nerves. His findings paved the way for incredible advancements in science and medicine.
In 1830, Carlo Matteucci, an Italian physicist and neurophysiologist, made a significant discovery by demonstrating the existence of electrical currents within the human body. He also established that the magnitude of these currents correlates with the extent of an injury.
Julius Bernstein's hypothesis (1861) introduces Bernstein's pioneering concept of the action potential, serving as a foundational pillar for understanding neural communication.
Cold War: USA vs USSR
Going to go back to the Cold War. Where the United States was facing off with Russia, aka the Soviet Union at the time. There was a space race, and the US was putting all its efforts into creating a pen that could write without any gravity; meanwhile, the Soviets decided it just made sense to use a pencil instead and put their efforts into other research instead. So, they developed a type of NMES that allowed the Spetsnaz soldiers to sleep faster. Yes, you read that correctly; these elite warfighters only needed 2-3 hours of sleep with this technology, and it was equivalent to 6-8 hours of sleep; they confirmed this by measuring brainwaves. The Spetsnaz also used the technology to recover faster and rapidly improve performance. This is one of the key indicators of why Russian athletes have had such an advantage over the world since the 1950s; recovery was also embedded into their training.
Revolutionizing Healing in the US
Dr. Robert Becker, an orthopedic surgeon and the “godfather of electromagnetism” influenced Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) and Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation (NMES) in the US. He discussed how his colleagues approached the body like a mere collection of tissues, and how they would typically immobilize orthopedic injuries, similar to how a carpenter would handle wood, and this approach is still widely used in the United States. However, Dr. Becker viewed the nervous system as an electrical grid that plays a crucial role in the healing process. In 1952, he discovered direct current potentials in the nervous system and realized that small external electrical currents could impact brain function.
Today
Fast forward to the present, we have 3 main NMES companies in the United States providing life-changing technology when in the right hands. ARP Wave is the OG and reminds me of a Nokia phone: thick, durable, clunky, but reliable. Neufit reminds me of Apple; their technology is clearly better than Nokia's, but it is not at the top of the game, where they lack portability and innovation; they make up with marketing and social influence from celebrity athletes. NeuX reminds me of Microsoft because it created its own NMES with the NxPro; the upgraded version is called INS. Each of these technologies provides a better mind-body connection, putting the body in a rest and digest state (parasympathetic); this enhanced signal allows the body to heal itself at exponential rates that sound too good to be true. The technology, the protocols of how to use it and even the benefits are kept a secret. So typically, only high-level athletes and certain medical professionals are exposed to the technology, but experiences may vary depending on the practitioners using the machines.
In my experience, I've found that using the ARP (Accelerated Recovery Performance) method can be quite uncomfortable and requires a considerable amount of time to achieve a restful state, which ultimately hampers the speed of recovery. Although Neubie by Neufit shows promise with noticeable improvements and offers a wide range of possibilities with its technology, their approach feels quite intense, and the current seems to have a choppy quality. In contrast, the NxPro by NeuX delivers a smooth and consistent signal, providing a pain-free experience while maximizing the benefits of the treatment.
Embracing the Journey Ahead
As we reflect on the intricate tapestry of Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation healing, one thing becomes abundantly clear – the journey is far from over. With each discovery, each breakthrough, we inch closer to unraveling the mysteries that have long eluded us.
So, to all the adventurers and pioneers in the realm of healthcare technology, let's embrace the unknown, lean into the unexplored, and dare to dream of a world where healing is not just a concept but a tangible reality.
In closing, may the spark of curiosity ignite a flame of discovery, guiding us towards a future where Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation healing transcends boundaries and transforms lives.
Let the allure of Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation healing beckon you into a world of infinite possibilities. Join us on this captivating journey through time and innovation, where healing is not just a destination but a transformative experience.
Leave a comment and share your thoughts and questions; this is a great place to discuss what you would like to learn about next or what you would like us to expand on!
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