3S Sequential Stimulation

Primarily important for movement and lymph therapists, as well as neurorehabilitation specialists, are the 3S sequential stimulation programs offered by Globus electrotherapy devices. This article discusses these programs, their significance, and how to use them.

About muscle stimulators in general

Muscle stimulators provide treatment for muscles. Devices intended for home use typically operate on 2 or 4 channels. Their characteristic is that they deliver the pulse on all channels at the same time and therefore the muscle contractions also occur simultaneously.

During natural movement, however, muscles activate one after another, and this is what allows, for example, us to grasp a glass, raise it to our mouth, tilt it and drink from it.

In some conditions it would be advantageous and more effective if the stimulator did not operate the channels simultaneously but instead allowed setting a delay between channels.

3S sequential programs

Globus 3S sequential stimulation programs are revolutionizing the fields of medicine and physiotherapy. These programs allow the delayed (sequential) stimulation of multiple muscles relative to each other.

Muscles involved in a movement can be activated one after another — similar to natural movement — with a delay.

The Globus electrostimulator's 4 channels do not activate all at once but in pairs at different times. After the contraction produced by channels 1-2, channels 3-4 begin to operate with a delay.

The delay time between the two channel pairs can vary between 0.1 and 11 seconds (may differ depending on the device).

Delay times under 1 second are primarily intended for medical and rehabilitation use, while 2, 3, 4 and 11 second delays are ideal for beauty care and sports applications.

Advantages of sequential stimulation

Functional stimulation is performed to recover a lost function. Sequential stimulation can provide better results than traditional (simultaneous) stimulation in several conditions. Examples include limb paralysis rehabilitation, edema reduction, or accelerating muscle regeneration. Because muscle groups are activated with staggered timing, the stimulation resembles the normal kinetic chain operation.

Rhythmic (rather than simultaneous) stimulation of muscles increases venous and lymphatic circulation velocity. Peripheral circulation, tissue oxygenation and metabolism also improve.

In beauty care, it can be used to reduce cellulite and fat deposits. It alleviates the consequences of slowed blood flow due to poor posture (sitting or standing work). It reduces muscle fatigue after intense training and improves muscle regeneration.

Edema (i.e., limb swelling) can arise from many causes. It is most often due to heart or kidney disease, venous or lymphatic circulation disorders. The sequential contractions of different muscle groups generate a deep pressure wave in the muscles of the treated limb. This helps move interstitial fluid and thereby assists venous blood return to the heart.

Mode of operation

The operation of 3S sequential programs is fully identical to that of conventional muscle stimulation programs, the only difference being that the channels are activated with a delay.

The table below illustrates the "3S" operation

The cycle then repeats for the duration of the program.

In this example, stimulation of channels 3 and 4 starts with a 3-second delay relative to channels 1 and 2.

Thus, if the electrodes of channels 1-2 are placed on the calves and the electrodes of channels 3-4 on the thighs, the effect corresponds to an upward (from the feet toward the heart) decongestive massage on the limbs. Due to increased circulation, a slight itching sensation may be felt during the treatment.

Sequential programs

You can find the 3S Sequential programs in the device menu under the PROGRAM LIST group. The names of the 3S programs are based on the delay time of channels 3 and 4.

The most capable devices also allow selecting the treated area and the frequency (Hertz). For beauty and decongestive treatments, it is advisable to choose lower frequency values.

When using 3S for beauty purposes there is one rule to follow: first place the electrodes of channels 1 and 2 on the body part to be stimulated first — that is, on the part located farther from the heart.

Accessories for sequential programs

Sequential programs can be performed with the normal electrodes supplied with the device.

A separately purchasable flexible band-electrode accessory simplifies the treatment. Compared to self-adhesive electrodes, these bands provide a much larger, extended stimulation surface. They can be reused many times and are quick and easy to apply.

The flexible bands are ideal for cosmetological treatment of upper and lower limbs because electrostimulation can affect the body across the entire (circumferential) surface of the bands.

For the thigh this is especially useful as it allows treating the front and back together, offering a significant cosmetic advantage. The bands can be used for toning and shaping programs, but they are not suitable for specific strengthening programs because they cannot act directly on the motor point.

Which devices include this?

The Globus manufacturer provides 3S sequential stimulation programs in numerous devices