Electrical Stimulation
What is electrical stimulation?
While it may sound a bit intimidating, electrical stimulation really isn’t at all! When used correctly and provided under the guidance of a licensed and skilled physical therapist, electrical stimulation is a safe and effective modality that can be used to treat a variety of conditions.
While individual units and modes of delivery can vary, the standard electrical stimulation device utilizes self-adhesive electrodes placed around the target treatment area on the body. These electrodes are connected via wire leads to the unit, through which electricity can pass and ultimately interact with sensory and/or motor nerves (depending on the type of current utilized).
What is this treatment used for in physical therapy?
There are several electrical stimulation modes that use different types of currents intended to stimulate different nerves in a variety of specific ways. These include modes such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), interferential, pre-modulated, Russian, and symmetrical or asymmetrical bi-phasic. Don’t let the words confuse you, though. Your physical therapist will decide the right one to meet your unique needs.
Our clinic frequently utilizes electrical stimulation in order to provide a variety of beneficial healing effects, including:
- Reduce, eliminate, and/or control pain (both acute and chronic)
- Increase local circulation
- Decrease swelling
- Improve range of motion
- Reduce muscle spasm
- Provide biofeedback (aka improve body awareness)
- Improve motor coordination
- Provide neuromuscular re-education
- Prevent or reverse muscle atrophy (especially after prolonged immobilization, such as a limb being casted as a fracture heals)
Does it hurt?
The answer is — No!
The intensity of the electrical muscle stimulation, or sensory nerve stimulation, is easily modifiable and ultimately will only be as much as you, the patient, can tolerate.
Typically, electrical stimulation will feel tingly or prickly (some patients describe it as a comforting “pins and needles” sensation).
Sometimes, as in the case when used for muscle strengthening, the intensity level can be high and somewhat uncomfortable, but it should never cause pain.
Pain control and reduction is probably the most frequent indication of electrical stimulation usage. Specifically, this modality can trigger an innate and completely natural analgesic effect by stimulating specific sensory nerve fibers (including A-beta, A-delta, and C fibers) which both disrupt or decrease the sensation of pain and elicit the release of certain neurotransmitters which can prolong the pain-relieving effects.
It can be used for a wide variety of conditions as indicated, including acute sports-related or auto accident-related injuries, repetitive stress injuries, muscle strains, ligament sprains, and even neurological conditions including stroke.
It should not be performed on people with: deep vein thrombosis, pacemakers, impaired cognition, or who are pregnant. E-Stim is not safe to use on every region of the body including, the front of the neck, eyes, or areas with damaged skin or decreased sensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Stimulation
Your expert physical therapist at Bay State Physical Therapy may include electrical stimulation when it has a specific purpose within your treatment plan. For example, e-stim may help activate weakened thigh muscle during early knee rehabilitation. Your physical therapist can pair stimulation with exercise and progress active strengthening as your ability to control the muscle improves.
Your Bay State Physical Therapy provider can adjust the settings and intensity based on both the treatment goal and how you respond. Electrical stimulation should not cause burning or unexpected discomfort. Tell your physical therapist what you feel so adjustments can be made when necessary. Your feedback helps your expert physical therapist keep the treatment comfortable and appropriate for you.
Your physical therapist may use NMES as part of your care plan when muscle activation limits your progress. As muscle control returns, your physical therapist can gradually place greater emphasis on active strengthening and functional exercise so you perform more of the work independently. The goal is to build the strength you need for activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting, working, or returning to sports.
Symptom relief may make movement easier, but at Bay State Physical Therapy your physical therapist will also assess the strength, mobility, endurance, and movement limitations that may be affecting your function. These findings help shape a broader treatment plan rather than relying on symptom relief alone.
Be sure to tell your Bay State Physical Therapy expert about your medical history, implanted devices, pregnancy, changes in sensation, and other health concerns before treatment begins. Your physical therapist can determine whether electrical stimulation belongs in your care plan. If it is not appropriate, another treatment option can be selected to support the same rehabilitation goals.
At Bay State Physical Therapy your physical therapist may initially use e-stim together with active exercise when muscle activation is limited. Over time, your program can advance toward more challenging strengthening and functional activities. If you want to return to stairs, lifting, running, or sports, later rehabilitation can prepare you for those specific demands without relying on electrical stimulation alone.
What should I expect during an electrical stimulation session?
Our patients’ comfort and safety, and dignity are the number one priority. For this reason, we will ask you to come in comfortable loose-fitting clothes and sturdy shoes when you come to see us for an appointment.
At your initial evaluation, expect to be taken through a thorough patient history and physical examination. Your physical therapist will be able to diagnose your condition and then devise an appropriate treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
If your physical therapist decides that electrical stimulation is an appropriate part of your plan of care, he or she will first educate you about the specific modality. You will be asked to sit or lie in a comfortable position, your skin in the target treatment area will be cleaned and prepped, and your physical therapist will guide you step-by-step through the entire treatment.
Expect great results!
Are you interested in trying electrical stimulation? Wondering if it can help your pain or dysfunction? Our physical therapy services, including electrical stimulation and other modalities, are evidenced-based, state-of-the-art, effective, and have minimal to no risk of side effects. Come experience the difference and call your closest Bay State Physical Therapy location today to schedule an initial appointment.