Physical therapies
StimaWELL: electrotherapy and warmth for the back
If your back hurts and the muscles are tense, an additional physical therapy may be an option. StimaWELL combines electrical stimulation through a back mat with warmth. Before starting, we clarify with you whether it suits your symptoms and treatment goal.
How the back mat works
You lie on your back on a mat with built-in electrodes. Electrical impulses are delivered to nerves and muscles in the back through skin contact. The impulses are applied externally; no needles or injections are required.
The system uses amplitude-modulated medium-frequency current: the strength of an alternating current is varied in a controlled way within the treatment programme. Depending on the settings, the focus is on influencing pain perception through nerve stimulation (TENS), or contracting and relaxing muscles through electrical muscle stimulation (EMS).
The changing stimulation patterns may feel like a tapping, kneading or stroking massage and aim to target the muscles. The massage sensation is produced by electrical stimulation. The StimaWELL pad can also be warmed. The programme, intensity and warmth are adjusted to the treatment and how it feels to you.
What treatment may aim to achieve
StimaWELL was developed for back symptoms and stimulation of the back muscles. After the examination, its possible use is considered within the treatment plan. For example, the aim may be to influence muscle tension and pain and support suitable active treatment.
How the technology works does not, on its own, tell us how much your symptoms may improve or how long any improvement may last. A particular effect cannot be promised. Together, we set a goal relevant to everyday life and review whether the treatment helps you work towards it. Your own movement and appropriately adapted exercises remain part of treatment when they suit your situation.
How treatment is prepared
Beforehand, we discuss your symptoms, existing conditions, implants, medicines and previous treatments. At the start, our staff help you find a suitable position on the mat and establish the necessary skin contact. Staff check on you at intervals during treatment and assist you afterwards too. The intensity is adjusted carefully. Report pain, burning or feeling unwell immediately; you should not endure painful stimulation.
The muscles need time to adjust, particularly at the start. We choose a programme that suits your situation. Duration, intervals and further treatments depend on that programme, the manufacturer’s instructions, your ability to tolerate treatment and your progress. There is therefore no fixed number of sessions for every patient.
What needs particular attention beforehand
Electrical nerve stimulation must not be used on skin areas where sensation is completely absent. Other conditions or implants may also make StimaWELL unsuitable. In particular, tell us beforehand about pacemakers or other electronic implants, heart rhythm disorders, vascular stents, pregnancy, epilepsy, skin wounds and altered sensation in your back. Recent disc herniations or instability, advanced osteoporosis, inflammation or tumours in the treatment area, and increased bleeding risk must also be considered. The medical assessment may conclude that treatment must not be given.
Possible unwanted effects include skin irritation, increased pain or muscle overload. Rarely, severe muscle overload can lead to serious muscle damage. Significant or persistent symptoms after treatment should therefore be assessed by a doctor. The individual information and consent discussion takes your health situation and the settings used into account.
Treatment decision and costs
If you would like to know whether StimaWELL could be a useful addition to your treatment, please ask us. Bring existing results and information about previous therapies. Before treatment, we discuss the goal, possible alternatives, the planned scope and costs.
If you wish to pay for a service not covered by your health insurance, we clarify the scope of the service and expected costs beforehand and record the agreement in writing. You can arrange treatment that has already been recommended during a consultation with us through the online reception or by telephone. An enquiry is not yet an appointment confirmation; please wait for our reply.
