What is TASES and how can it help my child?
By: Scott Harvey, MPT
Does your child face challenges with their mobility, strength, balance, or coordination? If so you may be wondering – what treatments are available beyond traditional exercises or bracing? One such exciting intervention is Task Specific Electrical Stimulation – better known as TASES!
TASES is a therapy that uses gentle electrical currents to activate specific muscles while your child is participating in functional tasks such as sitting, reaching, grasping, standing or walking. It’s not just about stimulating muscles – it’s about building strength and function through movement that is task oriented and meaningful to your child. The electric current makes it easier for the muscles to contract while a child performs a task with repetitive movements and proper alignment, which in turns promotes learning new motor skills.
How does it work? A therapist trained in TASES applies electrode stickers over specific muscles of the body and a small unit applies low level electric currents, to stimulate the muscles to activate and strengthen over time. Trained therapists will know which specific muscles need strengthening to increase their control, improve range of motion and even to reduce spasticity. The sensation is not painful, but rather a light tingling. We closely monitor how your child is responding and adjust the intensity so that it is comfortable for them. What makes TASES especially powerful is that it’s completely individualized. Therapists design each program based on your child’s needs and goals, using precise electrode placement, timing, and specific tasks to maximize results.
Children with conditions like cerebral palsy, hypotonia, spina bifida, or toe walking often deal with muscle tone abnormalities, and have difficulty with the timing of muscle contraction leading to poor motor control. TASES addresses these issues by facilitating the proper muscle activation and timing, teaching the child how to hold better posture and to move their body effectively during a task. We see greater results and faster progress with the addition of using TASES during a functional task. For example, we often use TASES to help a child who is working on sitting independently while reaching for toys; we may also use it for a child who is toe-walking and we are working to re-train their gait pattern.
In summary, TASES is an evidence-based modality that works to strengthen targeted muscles, improve alignment and postural control, decrease spasticity, aide in motor learning, and increase independence with fine and gross motor movements.
If you are interested to learn more about TASES and how it can help your child, please contact our office to request a free phone call consultation with one of our therapists certified in TASES. Our team offers complimentary phone screenings for parents who have questions about their child’s development.
Further reading:
Effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in improving mobility in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (2023). Yu-Hsuan Chen
At Child and Family Development, we proudly offer advanced pediatric therapies like TASES to support your child’s developmental goals. Conveniently located in the Greater Charlotte area, our experienced pediatric physical therapy team is committed to evidence-based care tailored to each child’s needs. We are in-network with a variety of major insurance providers, making high-quality care more accessible for your family. Contact us today to learn how TASES and our specialized therapies can benefit your child’s progress!
