Electrical Stimulation: A Vital Tool in Effective Physical Therapy

How Electrical Stimulation Works for Pain Relief & Muscle Activation: Why Your Therapist Recommends It for Rehab

Physical therapy relies on various techniques to promote healing, reduce discomfort, and help patients regain motor function. One such technique is electrical stimulation, which delivers controlled electrical currents to targeted tissues. This method is used to relieve pain, activate muscles, and support rehabilitation. While not suitable for every case, it’s a highly effective option for many. Here’s how electrical stimulation works and why your therapist in Rosedale may include it in your treatment plan.

How Electrical Stimulation is Used in Physical Therapy

Electrical stimulation, or e-stim, is a tool used by physical therapists in Rosedale to treat a wide range of conditions. It’s essential that it is only administered by a trained professional, such as a licensed physical, occupational, or speech therapist. These professionals use electrical stimulation to achieve various therapeutic outcomes:

 

  • Occupational therapists may use it to re-educate upper body muscles.
  • Speech therapists might apply it for muscle control in swallowing.
  • Physical therapists employ it to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, or promote healing.

 

A typical electrical stimulation session involves the placement of adhesive electrodes on the skin, which conduct the current to the muscles or tissues. In some cases, fine needles may be used to penetrate deeper tissues. Portable devices are available for home use, but larger units in clinics can treat multiple patients simultaneously.

Different types of electrical stimulation vary in intensity, waveform, pulse width, and duration. The therapist will tailor the settings to your specific treatment goals, ensuring the therapy is effective for your condition.

Top Benefits of Electrical Stimulation in Physical Therapy

Electrical stimulation serves many purposes, depending on the patient’s needs:

 

  1. Pain Relief: Electrical stimulation can help alleviate chronic pain, post-surgical discomfort, or pain following an injury. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is commonly used for managing chronic pain by interfering with pain signals transmitted to the brain.
  2. Neuromuscular Re-education: Techniques like Russian protocol stimulation, NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation), and FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) stimulate muscles to re-establish brain-to-muscle connections, aiding recovery for patients relearning motor functions.
  3. Medication Delivery: A specialized form of electrical stimulation called Iontophoresis can deliver medications directly through the skin to reduce inflammation, manage pain, or soften scar tissue.
  4. Improved Healing & Circulation: Electrical stimulation also encourages healing, increases range of motion, boosts circulation, and reduces inflammation, spasticity, and edema (swelling).

What to Expect During an Electrical Stimulation Session

Many patients describe the sensation of electrical stimulation as a light tingling, like “ants crawling on the skin.” During a session, your therapist will place electrodes or needles on the treatment area and adjust the device’s settings. The intensity will gradually increase until you feel a tingling or mild contraction in the muscle. This sensation may remain steady or change depending on the treatment goal.

 

For muscle stimulation, the therapist may increase the current until a muscle contraction is achieved. The process is designed to be comfortable, and the therapist will adjust the parameters if you experience any discomfort.

Is Electrical Stimulation Right for You?

While electrical stimulation offers a wide range of benefits, it’s not suitable for every patient. It may not be recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions or those with implanted devices. Always provide your therapist with your full medical history to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you.

Consult the Experts at Phoenix Physical Therapy & Rehab

At Phoenix Physical Therapy Rehabilitation, PLLC, our team of licensed therapists in Rosedale is committed to helping each patient achieve optimal recovery. If you think electrical stimulation therapy in Rosedale could enhance your rehab journey, or if you have any questions, contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation.

 

Phoenix Physical Therapy

23520 147th Avenue, Suite 1
Rosedale, NY, 11422
Phone: 718-481-3392
Mail: [email protected]

 

Brooklyn Location
7510 4th Ave., Suite 3
Brooklyn, NY, 11209
Phone: 347-733-1916
Mail: [email protected]

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