Electrical stimulation therapy (e-stim) is a standard part of physical therapy. In this method, gentle electrical pulses enter the body through the skin. Electrical stimulation therapy is used to mimic the performance of signals coming from neurons by using weak or strong electrical pulses. Therapists use electric muscle stimulators to send these electrical currents to target muscles and nerves.
Electrical stimulation therapy for targeted muscle recovery causes repeated muscle contractions and improved blood flow to repair injured muscles.
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Why is electrical stimulation used?
Electrical stimulation or electric therapy is used in physical therapy to:
- Provide treatment for the swelling
- Improve the strength of weak muscles that disfunction
- Relive patients by decreasing pain or spasms
In addition, electric therapy help therapists treat stubborn wounds. Many wound care specialists use EMS stimulators to provide this treatment to their patients. So, If you are experience pain or muscle weakness, electric therapy might be the answer to your problem.
Types of Electrical Stimulation
The two main types of electrical stimulation are:
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, also known as TENS therapy, is performed to manage acute and chronic pain in physical therapy. In TENS therapy, electrodes are placed near the pain source. In transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, therapists use low voltage electrical currents to treat pain or decrease pain. Signals are sent within nerve fibers to reduce the pain signals traveling to the brain.
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)
In this method, therapists use electric muscle stimulators, also known as EMS stimulators, to send strong signals to lead to muscle contraction and improve muscle strength. Many athletes use electric muscle stimulators for muscle growth and spasm.
Other types include:
- Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
- Interferential current (IFC)
- Functional electrical stimulation (FES)
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
In all these methods, muscle or nerve is stimulated to reduce pain, swelling, and spasm. Simply put, this treatment imitates the function of signals from neurons. It should be noted that this treatment approach, although not suitable for everyone, helps reduce painful symptoms in many people.
Functional electrical stimulation (FES)
Functional electrical stimulation is a type of electrical stimulation. It helps patients produce functional movements after paralysis. Electrical currents are sent to the patient’s muscles to make them contracted. These muscle contractions allow performing tasks such as reaching for a key, holding a toothbrush in hands, standing and walking.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation uses a type of EMS stimulator that sends electrical currents to nerves. These currents cause muscle contractions. In addition, neuromuscular electrical stimulation leads to increased strength and range of motion.
Is Electrical Stimulation Only Useful for Pain Relief?
Pain management has been one of the most prevalent electrical stimulation applications throughout history. Electrical stimulation is widely accepted to help reduce pain by preventing pain impulses from reaching the brain, where they are detected and perceived as pain. It is now possible to implant stimulators directly into the spinal cord and peripheral nerves to block pain, and these devices have been incredibly successful in blocking pain. However, because this use of stimulation has the longest history, many individuals mistakenly believe that it is the sole proven application of stimulation.
It also helps build and recover muscles through electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), restores functional abilities in paralyzed people by functional electrical stimulation (FES), and treats neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and epilepsy with deep brain stimulation (DBS).
Electrical Stimulation Misconception
Some people believe that electrical stimulation is a hoax and that it serves no use. People who believe this have either never encountered electrical stimulation or have never experienced a successful application of stimulation.
Electrical stimulation can be used in a variety of ways. Some electrical stimulation applications, such as electrical muscle stimulation, need greater degrees of stimulation, and the results are frequently visible and easily felt. Other electrical stimulation applications involve very low amounts of stimulation. The stimulation levels are sometimes so low that the stimulation cannot be felt or witnessed immediately. When you can’t feel the stimulus and can’t see its results, it’s simple to conclude, “This isn’t working,” and go on.
The effects of some low-level electrical stimulation may be placebo effects – no solid evidence is available to back their efficacy. On the other hand, some low-level applications, such as brain and spinal cord stimulation, have decades of research demonstrating their effectiveness.
The essential principles here are that you don’t have to be able to feel or directly watch the stimulation for it to work, and if you think all stimulation is a farce, try electrical muscle stimulation, and you’ll rapidly alter your view.
How to do electrical stimulation
Tell your doctor before starting treatment:
- Any allergies you have
- Medications you take
- If you have implanted devices such as a pacemaker
First, sticky pads are placed on your body. Then, these pads are connected to the electrical stimulation device through the wire. Electric current gradually increases during the treatment session. Also, depending on the device, your muscles may contract repeatedly. Depending on the patient’s condition, each treatment session will last between 5 and 15 minutes.
Contact your physician if you have any of the following problems:
- Redness and swelling at the site of the pads
- Increase in heart rate
What are the possible side effects of electrical stimulation?
You will only feel tingly or warm during the treatment session. Note that this treatment can be dangerous for you if you use implanted devices such as pacemakers. Also, this method should not be used during pregnancy.
Electrical stimulation near me
If you live in Las Vegas and need physical therapy services, you can contact our center. We provide complete services to improve the rehabilitation of you and your loved ones at your home. For more information, you can call (702) 871-9917.
You can get information about other Home Health services
FAQs
What is the use of Electrical Stimulation?
Help stimulate injured muscles or manipulate nerves to reduce pain.
Who offers the best Electrical Stimulation in Las Vegas?
Health and Care Professional Network provides the best services in Las Vegas.
Are there side effects with the Electrical Stimulation?
No, there are no side effects. You just feel tingly or warm during the treatment session
Can Electrical Stimulation cause nerve damage?
No, they cause no damage to your nerve.
After the heart surgery, my grandpa was feeling pain in his back. One of my friends recommended the center. Since using the electrical stimulation, he is feeling much better. Thank you all