What to Expect When Using the NEUBIE for a PT Patient’s First Session

Are you or your patients wondering what to expect when using the NEUBIE device for physical therapy? Consider this user-friendly guide for using the NEUBIE e-stim for the first time.

The NEUBIE device can deliver extraordinary outcomes, but only if your patients actually adopt the treatment plan. Once you get your first NEUBIE, it’s important for you and your physical therapy staff to be able to explain how it works in an easy-to-understand way. 

To help you incorporate more NEUBIE treatments at your PT clinic, we’re providing you with an accessible guide to the NEUBIE device. Learn more about how to communicate the benefits and inner workings of the NEUBIE, empowering your patients to achieve accelerated recovery.

Simplifying the Benefits of the NEUBIE for Physical Therapy

So you bought your first NEUBIE, but now you’re wondering how to educate your patients about it without using jargon or overly complicated terms. The NEUBIE stands for Neurobiological Electrical Stimulation, but this doesn’t exactly explain much to the patient.

Instead of using complex language, emphasize the device’s purpose to your patients. In simple terms, the purpose of NEUBIE is to help people recover from injuries faster and improve their physical abilities. 

The NEUBIE is like a supercharger for traditional physical therapy. It expedites the recovery process, making the treatment the patient is already receiving more effective and efficient.

Explaining the NEUBIE to Patients Ahead of Their First Treatment

Besides improving muscle and movement function, here are some other benefits of the NEUBIE that you can easily relay to your patients:

• Produces results after just one session
• Assists with pain relief
• Increases strength gains
• Enhances local blood circulation
• Improves overall recovery
• Reduces inflammation

Generally speaking, you can let the patient know that they will soon be feeling better. 

By utilizing the NEUBIE, your clinic can help patients achieve extraordinary results in a fraction of the time, even those who struggle with joint loading during exercise. 

Determining if the NEUBIE is Right for Your Patient

Rest assured, the NEUBIE system is a safe, FDA cleared treatment that is suitable for a wide range of conditions. Here are a few common use cases:

• Relaxation of muscle spasms
• Prevention of muscle atrophy  
• Enhanced range of motion 
• Immediate post-surgical stimulation
• Muscle re-education 

However, there are certain contraindications to the NEUBIE, such as:

• Cardiac pacemakers or patients with cardiac problems
• Other implanted medical devices
• Malignancy in the treated area
• Pregnant women

Explaining How the NEUBIE Works in 2 Easy Parts

Part 1: Electrical Stimulation 

First, we examine how the NEUBIE works in the Diagnostic Process. If the patient has experienced traditional e stim before in PT, such as a TENS unit, let them know it will feel similar but works in a much more effective manner. The NEUBIE device utilizes electrical stimulation, which involves sending small electrical pulses to targeted muscles. These pulses mimic the signals that the brain normally sends to the muscles, but they are delivered externally through the device. The NEUBIE helps activate muscles to promote their strength, flexibility and coordination. 

Part 2: Active Range of Motion & Therapeutic Exercises 

Next, we see how the NEUBIE works in the Therapeutic Process. In conjunction with the electrical stimulation, patients perform active range of motion and other therapeutic exercises while using the NEUBIE device. These exercises involve moving the affected body parts through their full range of motion while a physical therapist supervises the treatment to correct form while exercising to enforce proper movement patterns. The combination of electrical stimulation and movement helps improve the communication between the brain, nerves and muscles, enhancing overall movement patterns and functional abilities.

Physical therapists employ specific exercise techniques to challenge muscles and improve coordination. The NEUBIE, combined with prescribed exercises, provides effective pain relief, muscle activity restoration and functional improvement. With its innovative approach, NEUBIE is transforming the landscape of physical therapy, helping patients regain their quality of life.

Preparing Your Patient For Their First NEUBIE Session

The NEUBIE, like any medical device, can initially be a little intimidating for patients. Watch this video to get an idea of what to expect when using the NEUBIE for the first time:

The NEUBIE Field Guide for a Successful Treatment with Patients

1. Initial Assessment

Prior to the patient’s NEUBIE treatment, conduct a detailed physical exam, assessing strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Through hands-on examination, evaluate the mobility of their joints, muscles and other tissues. At NeuPTtech, we also like to assess heart-rate variability (HRV) before and after NEUBIE treatments to measure the patient's overall health. These assessments and diagnostics will help you develop goals and a comprehensive treatment plan.

2. Recommend Proper Clothing

Before their visit, recommend they wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to facilitate easy access to the treatment area. Loose athletic shorts and tops are ideal.

3. Ensure Patient Comfort

During your patient’s initial NEUBIE session, remind them that their comfort and well-being are your top priorities. The NEUBIE is similar in feel to other electrical stimulation methods, like the TENS units, yet considerably more effective. If your patient is familiar with other e-stim devices, the sensation of NEUBIE will be familiar. However, NEUBIE offers a more profound impact on recovery. 

4. Outline the Mapping Process

The mapping process involves scanning your body using the NEUBIE and its electrode attachments to identify areas where there is a disconnect between your nervous system and your muscles. This precise targeting allows for finding the dysfunction with 100% accuracy to ensure optimal treatment. Simple range of motion movements during the mapping process assist your nervous system in learning correct movement patterns.

Recovery Tips to Maximize Your Patient’s Outcomes

To accelerate your patient’s recovery following a NEUBIE session, we recommend taking at least one day between treatments and avoiding excessive activities. Remind your patients to stay hydrated and to consume enough protein for optimal recovery. 

Patients commonly report less pain, increased mobility and improved stability after NEUBIE sessions. Combined with the Master Reset Program, some patients even experience other health benefits such as improved sleep, focus and overall mood.

Following Up with Your Patients Post-Treatment 

Remind patients that it’s normal to experience some soreness, muscle fatigue or even buzzing sensations post-session. However, if your patient experiences discomfort beyond expected soreness, it’s crucial that you modify future treatments. Remember to give your patient complete control over each treatment session.

After your patient’s initial session, we recommend continuing the mapping process for the first three sessions. This ongoing evaluation allows you to identify any secondary areas requiring attention. You can learn more about the mapping process in our NEUBIE virtual training programs.

Empower Your PT Clinic with Virtual NEUBIE Training Programs

At NeuPTtech, we understand the importance of effective communication and patient engagement when it comes to incorporating the NEUBIE device into your physical therapy practice. 

To learn more about how to educate your patients about the NEUBIE and maximize its benefits, we invite you to explore our comprehensive NEUBIE training programs for physical therapists. We are currently offering two NEUBIE virtual training courses that will take your practitioners from “comfortable” to “expert” with the NEUBIE quickly.

Our training programs provide you with the tools and resources to confidently explain the benefits and inner workings of the NEUBIE to your patients in an easy-to-understand manner. Learn more about how to incorporate PT technology into your clinic, so you can help your patients achieve accelerated recovery and exceptional outcomes.