Matt Haase, MSOT, OTR/L, ATC
At Virginian Rehabilitation & Wellness, we seek innovative technology to give our clients the best care possible and expedite their return to everyday activity. The Neubie (pronounced “New-Be”) is one of our newest pieces of technology that delivers direct current electrical stimulation to clients with a wide variety of symptoms and conditions to enhance therapy outcomes! We often have clients enter our clinic for the first time having never heard of the Neubie before, or unsure if the Neubie is appropriate for them. The Neubie can be used for a wide variety of conditions and symptoms, the list below discusses the issues/conditions that can benefit from the Neubie:
Chronic pain (fibromyalgia, arthritis, tendonitis, etc.):
Many people find themselves in physical or occupational therapy due to pain. For some people, their pain is chronic, rather than temporary. In these situations, the Neubie can be particularly effective to help bring the body out of a sympathetic (fight or flight) state, where the body is in a heightened state and more likely to perceive pain, into a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state, where the body is less hyperaware of a potential pain response. This is often accomplished through a “Master Reset” which helps bring the nervous system to a state of relaxation. Often, a “Master Reset” can help break the anticipatory pain cycle, to reduce overall pain levels and the body’s response to pain.
Post-operative care:
Following surgery, individuals are often temporarily immobilized at the surgical site, to allow for tissue healing and recovery. While it is critical to allow for healing, the Neubie has proven effective to expedite recovery timelines following joint replacement, muscle repair, and other musculoskeletal procedures. The Neubie’s unique ability to strengthen muscles, reduce pain, and promote improved usage of the affected muscles without loading them with weight and stress, expedites the recovery process, helping muscles relax and move sooner than with traditional mobility exercises. Our clients often find themselves ahead of post-surgical recovery timelines due to the unique advantages offered by the Neubie!
Neurological conditions (stroke, multiple sclerosis, ALS, etc.):
One of the most unique ways the Neubie is utilized is through rehabilitating extremities impacted by stroke, or for neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These conditions affect neural pathways, which send messages to and from the brain regarding sensation and movement. Neubie is uniquely able to deliver direct current electrical stimulation directly addressing the nervous system, which serves as the command center for movement and pain. This strengthens or prevents the decline of the messenger pathways in the body that carry signals to and from the extremities for movement. While the Neubie does not guarantee 100% recovery or prevent ultimate progression of conditions, our clients have seen a positive response and delay in the progression of symptoms, improved movement quality and function resulting in improved quality of life.
Sensory deficits (neuropathy, phantom pain, nerve entrapment):
Individuals who have sensory deficits due to conditions such as neuropathy or amputation can experience reduced or altered sensation to regions of the body. Because of the Neubie’s ability to deliver direct, rapid electrical stimulation, the body’s sensory pathways can be aroused to interpret and process incoming sensory information through touch by strengthening the pathways that deliver sensory information to the brain. In some instances, where individuals experience hypersensitivity to touch, the Neubie can help promote de-sensitization for increased tolerance to textures and sensations.
Enhancing physical strength and performance:
As mentioned in a previous blog post, the Neubie is the athlete’s greatest secret weapon! A cheat code for enhancing physical performance, the Neubie can stimulate muscles to promote strength without our clients even having to pick up a weight. We do this by combining the clinician’s skilled understanding of the human body and muscle function for optimal performance and pair that knowledge with strategic manipulation of the machine to force muscles to engage at levels beyond what the brain can produce. Best of all, the Neubie can be used in combination with dynamic exercises to allow for sport-specific strengthening for optimal muscular performance relative to your intended goals.
As you can see, the Neubie is relevant to use for a wide array of conditions and symptoms. This list is not exhaustive. If you have questions about whether you may be an appropriate candidate for the Neubie, schedule a consultation with one of our trained clinicians today!