If you have a physical problem and your doctor has referred you to physical therapy, you may find they recommend electrical stimulation for pain. It is often used along with other rehabilitation techniques to help you recover. E-stim can help with many ailments, including:
· Post-surgical pain
· Low back pain
· Muscle weakness
· Poor muscle control
· Bursitis
· Tendonitis
It is a physical therapy modality that may be used if you are experiencing muscle weakness, spasms, pain, or inflammation. It helps contract muscles that are not working well. It can also be used to deliver medication for muscle inflammation. It is a passive treatment compared to the typical active treatments used in physical therapy.
What to Expect during Electrical Stimulation
Your PT doctor should explain the procedure, but there are certain things you can expect. Your therapist will expose the area being treated and attach electrodes that are also attached to the e-stim machine. You will feel a minor tingling sensation, which gradually increases, but it shouldn’t be uncomfortable. Different types of E-stim perform different functions. Here are some of the types of E-stem:
· Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (TENS)
· Iontophoresis
· Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
· Russian Stimulation
· Interferential Current (IFC)
· High Voltage Galvanic Current (HVGC)
Be sure to talk to your physical therapist to see if electrical stimulation for painis right for you. Advanced Therapy also offers gait training physical therapy. Contact us today to see how we can help you.