How Electrical Stimulation Works For Pain Relief & Muscle Activation: Why Your Therapist Recommends It For Rehab
Physical therapy clinics and therapists use various tools for objectives like healing, reducing symptoms, or assisting patients with relearning motor functions. Electrical stimulation sends controlled current into tissues for pain modulation or muscle activation. This is not always indicated, but here’s information on how it works and why your therapist might use it. Brooklyn Physical Therapy & Rehab professionals may consider it necessary for your rehab treatment.
How Electrical Stimulation Works In Physical Therapy Treatments
Therapists use electrical stimulation for different rehabilitation needs. It should only be administered by a trained professional. Occupational therapists often use it to re-educate upper extremity muscles. Speech therapists may use it for swallowing muscles, and physical therapists to achieve various therapeutic outcomes.
One common method is using sticky electrodes on the skin. It can also be delivered through thin needles inserted into the target muscle or tissue, allowing deeper tissue treatment. The needles create a circuit that allows the electrical current to flow.
Clinics use both portable devices and larger ones that can stimulate multiple patients.
Different types of electrical stimulation target nerves and tissues differently, with varying amplitude, waveform, pulse width, and duration. Understanding treatment goals helps in choosing the correct type and device.
Top Benefits & Uses Of Electrical Stimulation In Physical Therapy
Electrical stimulation has various uses. It can reduce pain, and manage chronic, post-surgical, and post-traumatic pain. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is used for general pain management, including chronic pain. Neuromuscular re-education and neuroplasticity for motor recovery use Russian protocol stimulation, NMES (neuromuscular and muscular electrical stimulation), and FES (functional electrical stimulation). These stimulate muscles externally and aim to restore brain-to-muscle connection, effective when patients actively participate.
Iontophoresis, a specialized type, transports medications through the skin to decrease inflammation, and pain, manage scar tissue, or reduce calcium deposits.
Electrical stimulation can also promote healing, increase the range of motion, improve circulation, and reduce edema, inflammation, and spasticity.
What To Expect During Electrical Stimulation: Sensations & Comfort
Patients often describe electrical stimulation as “ants crawling on the skin.” After applying electrodes or needles, the therapist sets the desired parameters. Stimulation is gradually increased until tingling is felt. Depending on the type, tingling might be the goal, and patients should relax until treatment ends. The stimulation may change or remain continuous.
If used to stimulate muscles, the therapist may increase it until muscle contraction occurs. It shouldn’t be painful, and parameters can be adjusted for comfort.
Is Electrical Stimulation Recommended For Every Patient?
Electrical stimulation is beneficial but not a stand-alone treatment. It’s contraindicated for some medical conditions, implants, or devices. Always inform your therapist of your medical history.
Get Expert Guidance On Electrical Stimulation At Phoenix Physical Therapy & Rehab
Our Rosedale physical therapists at Phoenix Physical Therapy Rehabilitation, PLLC, aim to heal every patient through our physical therapy services. If you have questions about electrical stimulation or think it might suit your case, contact us for an assessment. Schedule an appointment today!
Phoenix Physical Therapy
Rosedale Location
23520 147th Avenue, Suite 1,
Rosedale, NY, 11422
Brooklyn Location
7510 4th Ave., Suite 3,
Brooklyn, NY, 11209
Phone: (347) 733-1916
