NISE-Stim (Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation) is an innovative therapeutic method developed to support the recovery of the spinal cord and development of neuromuscular function. By using targeted electrical stimulation, NISE-Stim enhances the communication between the brain, spinal cord, and muscles, promoting neuromodulation to help improve overall movement and function! NISE-Stim is non-invasive, evidence based and safe to use with children under guidance of trained physical therapists.
Who Can Benefit from NISE-Stim?
Children with the following conditions impacting their strength, posture and muscle activation:
- Spina Bifida
- Hypotonia
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Genetic Disorders
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Plexus Paralysis
- Scoliosis
- Muscle imbalances
How NISE-Stim Works
- Electrode Placement: Electrodes are placed on the spinal cord and specific areas of the body to help stimulate nerves to activate muscles.
- Neuromuscular Activation: The therapy sends gentle electrical impulses to the nerves and muscles, helping them contract as they would naturally, which builds strength and sensation to aide in creating movement!
- Nervous System Support: NISE-Stim also helps improve communication within the nervous system, which can boost breathing, circulation, and digestion.
- Home Use: After our testing session, families will learn how to use the therapy at home, and purchase their own device. Sessions begin with 20 minutes and can increase to 1-3 sessions of 30 minutes each day. Parents supervise the process, which is simple to incorporate into daily routines. A complete program will be developed for you by our trained Physiotherapists and monitored / progressed regularly.
- Child-Friendly Activities: During the session, children can relax, play, or even watch TV while the therapy works. Parents only need to place the electrodes and start the unit—minimal effort is required.
The Development of NISE-Stim
NISE-Stim was created in 2017 by Gerti Motavalli, PT, MPT, and Dr. Gad Alon, PT, Ph.D., an internationally recognized expert in electrical stimulation. Their collaboration led to the development of this cutting-edge therapy that has revolutionized the treatment for individuals with spinal and neuromuscular conditions.
Our Introduction to NISE Stim at Ocean Kids Health
In 2023, we were looking for alternative treatments to support the development of strength for one of our amazing little clients – Aleah, who has spina bifida impacting her legs. Aleah’s mother introduced us to a new method that was being used overseas – Spinal Stimulation. We started working with the creator of Spinal Stimulation – Gerti doing digital sessions to support Aleah to do 2 x daily NISE-stimulation at home.
Aleah started making incredible progress and standing for longer periods by herself. Aleah’s family then travelled to USA to have an intensive block of therapy with Gerti in Florida, which we joined on ZOOM to learn more about NISE-Stim. Within several months of starting NISE-Stim, Aleah was walking by herself without a walker – something her family was told she would not be able to achieve based on her sensory and motor loss in her legs! We are so proud of Aleah and her family’s dedication, which has opened up her world and NISE-Stim opportunities for Australian families.
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NISE-Stim Training at Ocean Kids Health
At Ocean Kids Health, our mission is to help more children and families achieve positive outcomes for their children. In 2023, our Senior Physiotherapist, Katie Cleary, completed specialized online training in Spinal Stimulation and introduced this innovative method to our clinic. We then had the opportunity to collaborate with Gerti Motavalli to bring her expertise to Australia in January 2025. During her visit, Gerti spent valuable one-on-one time with some of our incredible kids and families, while also hosting a 2 day NISE-Stim course in Melbourne. Three of our Physiotherapists – Katie, Sylvia, and Emily – attended this course and are now fully qualified in this transformative therapy.
Get Started Today!
Contact our amazing team to book your child’s trial session – where we will assess your child’s function (muscle activation, movement, sensation and posture) and trial NISE-STIM with you, then discuss all your questions and set up your plan for home!
For More information on NISE-STIM, please click here (https://spinalstim.net/information/) or head to our socials
