Whenever you are recovering from an injury, stroke, fibromyalgia pain, or any soft tissue conditions, one of the most beneficial treatments recommended is a physical therapy procedure known as Electrical Stimulation (ESTIM). The painless procedure of ESTIM accelerates recovery and relieves pain from several symptoms, and is widely used by physical therapists in every rehabilitation program.
ESTIM stimulates electric pulses into the body to mimic the action of signals coming from your nervous system. Muscles and nerves are the main targets of these electric pulses. These mild electrical pulses help train your muscles to respond to natural signals of the body.
Types of Electrical Stimulation
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): Electrodes are placed on the skin targeting the sources of pain. When the electrodes stimulate the pulses to nerve fibers, they block or reduce pain signals reaching the brain. TENS therapy is useful in treating both chronic and acute pain.
- EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation): Similar to TENS, but uses rhythmic contractions to aid in building muscle strength. EMS uses a slightly stronger current than TENS to contract muscles.
- ESTR (Electrical Stimulation of Tissue Repair): Used to relieve pain by reducing swelling and increasing blood circulation.
- IFC (Interferential Current): Pulses beneficial in reducing pain.
- NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation): Useful in increasing strength and restoring muscle functions.
- FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation): Aims at providing long-term stimulation to preserve muscle and motor skills.
- SCS (Spinal Cord Stimulation): Relieves spine-related pain and discomfort.
How Does ESTIM Work?
ESTIM uses small electrodes — sticky pads placed on the skin of the affected area with wires attached to the ESTIM device. A stream of electric pulses reaches the muscles causing them to contract. The pulses aimed at the nervous system stop the pain signals from reaching the spinal cord and brain. Natural pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins are also stimulated by these electric pulses. The process typically takes around 5 to 15 minutes.
Conditions Treated by ESTIM
- Back pain and joint pain
- Arthritis
- Muscle conditioning and weakness
- Nerve inflammation
- Urinary incontinence
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Post-surgery rehabilitation
- Fibromyalgia
- Dysphagia
- Muscle injuries
- Cancer pain
Benefits
- Relief from chronic pain
- Strengthening of weakened muscles
- Athletic recovery
- Retraining muscles post-surgery
- Reduces swelling and atrophy prevention
- Improved blood circulation
- Increased range of motion