What is NISE-Stim?

NISE-Stim, short for Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation, is a therapy developed in 2017 by Gerti Motavalli, PT, MPT, along with Dr. Gad Alon, PT, Ph.D., an internationally recognized researcher in electrical stimulation. It uses safe electrical currents delivered through electrodes placed over the spinal cord and specific areas of the body to stimulate muscle movement, enhance neuromuscular coordination, and improve motor, sensory and autonomic functions.

Research has been published in the online research journal Child Neurology Open in 2019 and our List of Resources can be accessed here.

 

Key Features of NISE-Stim:

  • Non-Invasive and Safe:
    • Uses surface electrodes to deliver safe electrical currents for spinal and muscle stimulation.
  • Neuromodulation and Neuroplasticity:
    • Stimulates the spinal cord, nerves, brain, and autonomic nervous system to enhance communication within the nervous system, support neural regeneration, and improve motor function.
  • Personalized Treatment:
    • Tailored to each child’s specific needs for optimal results.

How NISE-Stim Works:

  1. Electrode Placement:
    • Electrodes are placed over the spinal cord and specific areas of the body to stimulate muscle movement.
  2. Neuromuscular Activation:
    • The e-stim unit delivers electrical impulses from the spinal cord to the nerves and muscles, mimicking the nerve signals to activate muscles, causing them to contract.
  3. Autonomic Nervous System Stimulation:
    • Supports better communication within the nervous system, leading to improvements in respiration, circulation, and digestive function.
  4. Home Use:
    • Families are trained to use the therapy at home, starting with 20 minutes and progressing to 1-3 sessions of 30 minutes daily. Parents supervise the process, which is easy to integrate into daily routines.
  5. Child-Friendly Activities:
    • During NISE-Stim, the child can sit, play, lie down to read books, watch TV, or stand in a stander. Minimal effort is required from parents beyond placing electrodes and starting the unit.

Who Can Benefit from NISE-Stim?

  • Children with conditions such as Spina Bifida, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and other motor impairments.
  • Progress has been observed in children aged 3 months to 18 years, with no established upper age limit for benefits.
  • Effective for most spinal cysts, programmable VP shunts, and metal implants from surgeries.

Contraindications:

NISE-Stim is not recommended for individuals with:

  • Pacemakers, VNS, or other implanted electronically controlled devices.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Cancer.

Proven Results:

  • Significant Improvements: Over 350 children have been directly treated by Gerti Motavalli, and most showed significant improvements in motor and sensory functions.
  • Supports Autonomic Functions: Improvements have been observed in breathing, digestion, bowel and bladder control, and circulation.

Family and Therapist Involvement:

  • Parental Training: Parents learn to apply the stimulation and integrate the program into daily routines.
  • Therapist Training: Gerti Motavalli has developed an online course and offers two-day in-person training programs globally for therapists to learn and implement NISE-Stim.

Ms. Motavalli has treated over 350 children with NISE-Stim so far. She has developed an online course for practitioners to get trained in spinal stimulation. Gerti Motavalli is teaching two day NISE-Stim courses to therapists around the world.

Key Features of NISE-Stim:

  • Non-Invasive and Safe:
    • Uses surface electrodes to deliver safe electrical currents, avoiding invasive methods.
  • Personalized Treatment:
    • Programs are tailored to the unique needs of each child, ensuring customized care for optimal results.
  • Neuromodulation and Neuroplasticity:
    • Stimulates the spinal cord, nerves, and brain to improve communication within the nervous system and support the development of new neural pathways, fostering recovery and long-term improvements.

How NISE-Stim Works:

Child Face Down with Electrodes

  • Electrode Placement:
    Electrodes are placed over the spinal cord and muscles to deliver safe electrical currents.
  • Neuromuscular Activation:
    Activates motor and sensory pathways to improve muscle coordination, strength, and motor control.
  • Autonomic Nervous System Stimulation:
    Stimulates the autonomic nervous system, which can lead to better respiration, circulation, and digestive function.
  • Combination with Therapy:
    Complements physical or occupational therapy to reinforce skill development and maximize functional outcomes.

Who Can Benefit from NISE-Stim?

NISE-Stim is ideal for children experiencing:

  • Neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy or spinal cord injuries.
  • Motor impairments, including challenges with strength, coordination, and balance.

Why Choose NISE-Stim?

  • Backed by Expertise:
    • Developed and refined over seven years by Gerti Motavalli, utilizing clinical knowledge and innovative techniques.
  • Family and Child-Friendly:
    • Does not hurt and is suitable for children of all ages.
    • Stimulation can occur while the child plays, making it a stress-free experience.
    • Parents will learn how to apply the stimulation, empowering them to support their child effectively.
    • The home exercise program is easy to follow and does not require much extra time.
  • Family and Therapist Support:
    • Includes comprehensive training for parents and professionals, ensuring consistent and effective implementation at home or in therapy sessions.
  • Proven Results:
    • Has helped many children gain significant motor and sensory improvements.
    • Can support autonomic functions, such as breathing, digestion, bowel and bladder control, and circulation.

NISE-Stim is an advanced and effective therapy that empowers families and therapists to work together, helping children unlock their potential and achieve their goals through innovative, personalized care.