You may already be familiar with electrical stimulation as most physical therapy facilities utilize this type of modality for its ability to prepare soft tissue for manual therapy and manipulation.
Electrical stimulation, also called E-stim, is combined with either a moist hot pack or cold pack to the affected area prior to beginning any soft tissue massage.
Electrical stimulation has many physiological effects including reaching the sensory system prior to pain therefore eliminating pain while on the area, stimulating nerves to create muscle contractions which can help reduce atrophy of muscle fibers and increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients needed to the affected areas to facilitate healing. Electrical stimulation can feel like a tingling sensation at first and then as it becomes stronger it feels like a muscular contraction. There is no correlation between higher stimulation and increased benefits therefore when receiving the treatment, you should aim to feel the contractions strongly yet be comfortable for the entire duration.
Electrical stimulation is an effective modality for a variety of conditions such as:
- Chronic/acute muscle spasms
- Inflammation
- Muscle strains
- Joint sprains
- Trigger points
- Tennis or Golfer’s elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Delayed onset muscle soreness
- Low back pain
- Chronic pain
- Achilles tendonitis
- Various knee pathologies including ligament sprains and osteoarthritis
- Joint replacements
- Post-surgical interventions
- Sciatica
- Piriformis syndrome
- Non-specific neck/ shoulder pain
- Cervicogenic headaches
When our thermal modalities are combined with electrical stimulation the affected and surrounding tissues are prepared to receive the soft tissue massage that follows. When muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments are prepped the treating therapist can penetrate the soft tissue deeper and with more efficacy when compared to muscles that have not been prepared. Electrical stimulation is not only relaxing and comforting but can help decrease your pain and increase your muscle tone.
Call us today for your complimentary consultation!
Miller Physical Therapy - Where Fitness and Wellness Meet
(561) 278-6055 info@miller-pt.com
247 SE 6th Avenue. Unit Two
Delray Beach, FL 33483
