Non Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation NISE-Stim
What is NISE-Stim?
It is a specialized electrical stimulation protocol developed in 2017 by Gerti Motavalli, PT, MPT, in collaboration with Dr. Gad Alon, PT, PhD, a world-renowned researcher in electrical stimulation.
This innovative approach uses safe, low-level electrical currents delivered through electrodes placed over the spinal cord and specific muscle groups. The stimulation improves the connection between the nerves and muscles which helps activate muscle movement, improve coordination, and enhance motor, sensory, and autonomic functions.
Who Is It For?
NISE-Stim is designed for children and teens (ages 0–18) with:
Spina bifida and Mielomeningocele
Cerebral palsy
High muscle tone and spasticity
Hypotonia or low muscle tone
Genetic conditions such as SMA
Brachial plexus paralysis
Scoliosis
Hip dysplasia
It offers opportunities for children who face movement challenges to learn new skills, build strength, and experience more independence.
Initial Assessment
Every child begins with a comprehensive evaluation. During this session, the therapist measures both sensory and motor responses in specific muscles. This allows for clear, objective tracking of progress over time.
What to Expect?
During sessions, children receive NISE-Stim in combination with other innovative techniques and functional activities. This helps the nervous system respond in new ways, leading to:
Improved coordination and balance
Stronger muscles
Development of new motor skills
Better sensory integration and body awareness
Greater confidence in everyday movement
Parents often notice meaningful progress, such as better posture, improved coordination, and new motor abilities that were previously difficult.
Empowering Families
Parents and caregivers are at the heart of every child’s journey. Therapy becomes most powerful when families are involved, which is why each session includes teaching and guidance on how to support progress at home. By learning a personalized home exercise program, families can turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth, helping results appear more quickly and last longer.
These exercises are simple, practical, and can be incorporated into daily routines, making it easier for children to practice new skills in familiar environments. By reinforcing what was done during the individualized sessions, parents help their child’s nervous system strengthen the new connections and motor patterns more quickly.
Beyond exercises, caregivers also gain knowledge about positioning, movement strategies, and ways to encourage independence in everyday activities. This not only accelerates results but also empowers families, giving them the confidence to actively support their child’s progress.
Why Families Choose This Program?
Grounded in clinical expertise and incredible outcomes, with more than 400 children directly treated by Gerti Motavalli and trained therapists around the world.
Personalized, one-on-one care.
Empowers both children and families.
Available at our Colorado clinic and online.
This therapy goes beyond strengthening muscles—it opens the door to new movements, greater independence, and more possibilities that it is not possible with conventional therapy.
“My baby has a diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1. We met Lorena from Sol Shine Physical Therapy in Cali, Colombia when Mathi was 15 months old. At that time, Mathi could not hold his trunk or sit up by himself, he did not roll, and he had a scoliosis that was quite noticeable. We have been working with Lorena for almost 5 months using Non Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation (NISE-Stim) and Mathi can roll now, his core is stronger and his spine curve has improved noticeably. I highly recommend Lorena not only as a professional but because from the first moment she received Mathi with much love. Lorena is always ready to help us resolve any doubts and above all she has helped us discover new therapeutic alternatives that allows us to make improvements and see progress 🙏🏻” December, 2024
Camila, Mom