Compex NMES - Active EP | Exercise Physiology

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Table Of Contents

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Our Approach at Active EP

What is NMES?

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is an evidence-based therapy that uses electrical impulses to activate your muscle fibres. These impulses mimic the natural signals sent from your brain, causing the targeted muscles to contract and work — even if you can’t activate them effectively yourself.

Benefits of NMES

Improves muscle strength and endurance

Reduces muscle wasting during recovery

Enhances blood flow and circulation

Supports joint stability and mobility

Allows safe rehabilitation when traditional exercise isn’t yet possible

Who Can Benefit from NMES?

NMES can beneficial for a wide range of people, including those who:

Are recovering from surgery or injury and need to maintain or regain muscle strength

Have muscle weakness or atrophy due to reduced activity or immobilisation

Are undergoing neurological rehabilitation (e.g., stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis)

Need early-stage rehabilitation before they can safely perform traditional exercises

Want to enhance strength, mobility, and functional movement as part of a structured program

For Referrers

Our clinic provides advanced NMES as part of personalised, evidence-based rehabilitation programs delivered by Accredited Exercise Physiologists.

NMES enables safe and effective muscle activation when voluntary movement is limited, helping prevent atrophy, restore strength, and re-educate movement patterns in post-surgical, musculoskeletal, and neurological patients.

Integrated with functional exercise, our tailored NMES protocols can accelerate recovery and improve long-term outcomes for your patients.

Our Approach at Active EP

We use NMES to help activate and strengthen muscles safely, even when movement or activation is limited. Our process is simple:

Assessment – We identify the muscles that need support.

Targeted Stimulation – Gentle electrical impulses help those muscles contract.

Combined Exercise – NMES is used alongside guided exercises for best results.

Progress Monitoring – We adjust the program as you get stronger and regain function.

This personalised approach helps improve strength, maintain muscle health, and speed up recovery in a safe, comfortable way.

At Active EP, we offer flexible options for using NMES to suit your rehabilitation needs:

Supervised In-Clinic NMES

Receive NMES sessions under the guidance of our Accredited Exercise Physiologists. This ensures safe, effective, and personalised stimulation while combining it with exercises to maximise recovery and strength gains.

NMES Rental for Home Use

For clients who prefer convenience, we offer NMES devices for home use. You’ll receive a personalised program and training on how to use the device safely. Our team monitors progress and adjusts your program as needed, so you continue to achieve results outside the clinic.

Both options are tailored to your goals, helping you maintain muscle health, speed up recovery, and safely regain strength whether in the clinic or at home.

FAQs

Is NMES painful?

No — you may feel tingling and muscle tightening, but it should not be painful. Your Exercise Physiologist will adjust settings for your comfort.

Is NMES safe?

Yes, NMES is safe for most people when supervised by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. It is not suitable for people with certain heart conditions, pacemakers, or open wounds where electrodes are placed. Your clinician will check this before starting.

How long does a session take?

NMES can be used in 10–30 minute blocks, often alongside your exercise program.

Can anyone use NMES?

Most people can safely use NMES, but it may not be suitable for those with certain heart conditions, pacemakers, or skin sensitivities. Your Exercise Physiologist will assess your suitability.

How soon will I see results?

Some people notice improvements in muscle activation and endurance within a few sessions, but results depend on your condition, goals, and program.

Can NMES be combined with exercise?

Yes — in fact, combining NMES with functional exercises often gives the best outcomes.

Do I need a referral?

You do not require a referral for NMES. Although you are able to use an EPC (if eligible) from your GP or private health for these sessions.

Unsure if Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation would help you?

Ask your EP or ring our reception team today!