Educational Resources
Axelgaard is proud to offer free educational resources via our video series and our interactive visual guide. The guide is viewable both on desktop and mobile and all of our videos can be watched online or downloaded for offline viewing.
Interactive NMES Electrode Placement Guide
In collaboration with Dr. Lucinda Baker of the University of Southern California’s Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, Axelgaard’s Electrode Placement Guide is a free, interactive resource for electrode placement. This informative guide features 41 instructional videos, illustration-enhanced electrode placement photos, and relevant information on muscular and neurological anatomy.
OT Course on Electrical Stimulation
In collaboration with Salia Rehab, this course guides learners through the general considerations and specific applications and treatment techniques for electrotherapeutic interventions. Learners will review best practices for safe, effective, and efficient application of electrical stimulation modality treatments to a variety of clinical presentations. In addition, concepts associated with use of electrical stimulation in occupational performance will also be reviewed.
The online class is intended for medical professionals (e.g. OT/OTA, PT/PTA, Physicians, etc.) directly related to the rehabilitation of a patient or client.
NMES Electrode Placement Videos
We are pleased to sponsor the Electrode Placement and Functional Movement series presented by Dr. Lucinda Baker, Associate Professor at USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy. These videos provide comprehensive information on the preparation and use of electrodes for effective neurostimulation treatment. All electrodes used in the video presentations are PALS® neurostimulation electrodes.
Individual chapters and the full DVD ISO file are available for free download alongside each video for offline viewing.
Chapter 2
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Before electrodes are placed you need to inspect the skin thoroughly to be certain that there are no small abrasions or openings. These openings would serve as pathway of current and will become very uncomfortable for your subject. If the skin is very hairy it may need to be shaved, but this should the day before the first stimulation session as shaving will cause points of irritation and this will cause your patient to be uncomfortable during the first stimulation session. An alternative to shaving the day before would be to use scissors to clip the hair as close to the skin as possible, being careful not to abrade the skin. Preparing the skin is a very important first step in preparation for electrical stimulation. You want to thoroughly clean the skin of any lotion, oils, makeup, and dead skin.
You're going to do that with water for most patients just using a towel, a wet towel, and cleaning the skin. Make sure the skin is dry before the electrodes are placed. Some individuals will require alcohol to properly clean the skin's surface, in which case make sure that the alcohol is thoroughly dried before the electrodes are placed. Place the electrodes in the predetermined location, making sure that your lead wires move away from the joint angles, and that your electrodes are smooth on the skin with no wrinkles. Then place your lead wires into your electrodes, being certain of your polarity. Once the system is set, turn the stimulator on and slowly advance the amplitude according to your patient's tolerance.