Electrical muscle stimulation, or E-stim, is a highly effective physical therapy treatment modality used to improve muscle function, decrease pain, and promote healing.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation Recovery
Many forms of electrotherapy are used to serve a variety of purposes that range from decreasing inflammation and pain to an overall improvement in strength. Electrical stimulation has been shown to be an effective therapeutic option for individuals suffering from pain and weakness. Below are some of the benefits clients may experience:
- Decrease inflammation, pain, spasticity
- Increase circulation, overall function, range of motion, muscle strengthening
- Reduce edema
Electric stimulation can be muscular, general and Transcutaneous (through the skin) Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS or TNS). The muscular type of electric stimulation seeks to strengthen the muscles by reducing muscle spasms. It is a non-invasive, non-addictive modality without side effects. TENS works to decrease the muscles which can create bothersome back or neck pain and has been shown to help patients control acute and chronic pain. The treatment is believed to stimulate the body’s production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.