What Is Electrical Stimulation?
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is a type of electrotherapy that stimulates a muscle contraction using electrical impulses in order to strengthen weak muscles, reduce swelling, relieve pain and help with wound healing. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) uses high intensities that cause excitation of peripheral nerves to produce a muscle contraction.
The impulses are generated by a device and delivered through electrodes (pads that stick to the skin or secured by a strap) over the middle of the muscles that require stimulating. The impulses from EMS mimic the action potential (stimulus required to make the muscle contract) coming from the central nervous system. This causes the muscles to contract resulting in tension in the muscles or movement of the limb controlled by that muscle.
When Do We Use Electrical Stimulation?
There are several uses for electrical stimulation which includes:
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Pain Relief
EMS can be used at low levels to reduce the amount of pain you are feeling. This can be done by modulating the amount of pain signals to the brain or releasing natural pain-killers called endorphins.
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Muscle Contraction
EMS can be used at different intensities to stimulate a muscle or help maintain the tone of muscles. Examples of this type of therapy include:
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EMS can be used to maintain some muscle tone in the shoulder to improve function and reduce pain following a stroke.
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EMS may be used to contract the pelvic floor muscles to treat urinary incontinence.
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EMS can be used to stimulate the muscles in the such as the ones in the thigh to increase strength after surgery.
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EMS can be used to help restore muscle function allow movement in a joint, for example in the treatment of foot drop caused by a stroke, spinal cord injury or other conditions that cause muscle dysfunction.
How Does Electrical Stimulation Work?
Electrical stimulation contains different types of modes that can be used to stimulate nerves in different ways. These modes all consist of different currents, and the type of current recommended is dependent on the nature and severity of your condition. Some of the common currents include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), interferential current, pre-modulated current, Russian current, and symmetrical or asymmetrical bi-phasic currents.
What Are The Benefits of Electrical Stimulation?
Electrical stimulation is used in the treatment of conditions such as acute sports injuries, motor-vehicle accident related injuries, muscle strains, ligaments and neurological conditions such as a stroke due to the varied benefits that includes:
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Reduce, eliminate and/or control acute or chronic pain
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Improve range of motion
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Increase local circulation
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Reduce swelling
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Reduce muscle spasm
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Improve motor coordination
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Provide neuromuscular re-education
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Prevent or reverse muscle (disuse) atrophy commonly experienced after prolonged bed rest or use of a cast for fracture repair
Is Electrical Stimulation Painful?
Typically, electrical stimulation is not painful! The intensity of the electrical muscle stimulation or sensory nerve stimulation used can be easily modified to the tolerance of each patient. Patients report feeling a small sensation that is "tingly," "prickly," or "pins and needle-like," in nature. The only exception is when used for muscle strengthening, when the current can become a bit uncomfortable but does not lead to pain.
Still have Questions About Electrical Stimulation?
If you are interested in learning more about electrical stimulation, or if you think it could benefit you, contact Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center today to schedule an appointment.
We will get you started on the path toward pain relief and recovery!