Electrical Stimulation Therapy

How Can Electrical Stimulation Benefit You?

Electrical stimulation may seem daunting, but it is actually a very beneficial way to help your body.

Electrical stimulation is a safe and effective method of treatment that can provide developmental progress for several conditions.

A standard electrical stimulation device utilizes self-adhesive electrodes placed around the target treatment area on the body. The electrodes are then connected via wire leads to the unit, through which electricity can pass and ultimately interact with sensory and/or motor nerves.

Are you suffering from a an injury or condition? If so, electrical stimulation may be the answer. Request an appointment with Therapy Care in Batavia, IL today to learn more.

What can I expect from an electrical stimulation session?

This modality can trigger an innate and completely natural analgesic effect by stimulating specific sensory nerve fibers (including A-beta, A-delta, and C fibers), which both decrease any discomfort and release neurotransmitters that help make your body feel healthier.

Electrical stimulation has a variety of other benefits, including:

• Improve motor coordination
• Increase local circulation
• Improve range of motion
• Reduce muscle spasm
• Prevent or reverse muscle atrophy (especially after prolonged immobilization, such as a limb being cast as a fracture heals)
• Provide biofeedback (aka improve body awareness)
• Provide neuromuscular re-education
• Decrease swelling

Electrical stimulation is also safe to use on every area of the body – even the anterior neck, eyes, or over areas with damaged skin or decreased sensation.

However, electrical stimulation is not for everyone. Those with deep vein thrombosis, those who are pregnant, those with pacemakers, and those with impaired cognition would likely be advised against electrical stimulation.

Some of the most common conditions treated with electrical stimulation include:

• Neurological conditions, such as a stroke
• Acute sports-related or auto accident-related injuries
• Muscle strains
• Ligament sprains
• Repetitive stress injuries

What does electrical stimulation fell like?

To put it simply – no! In fact, the intensity of the electrical muscle stimulation or sensory nerve stimulation can be easily modified to the tolerance of each patient.

Electrical stimulation contains a variety of different modes to stimulate the nerves in different ways.

These modes all consist of different currents, and the current you are prescribed will be dependent upon the nature of your condition and the severity of it.

The different types of modes include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), interferential, pre-modulated, Russian, and symmetrical or asymmetrical bi-phasic.

Some patients report feeling a small sensation, such as a “tingly,” “prickly,” or “pins and needles” feeling.

When used for muscle strengthening, electrical stimulation can sometimes become a bit uncomfortable, but that’s it.

How can I benefit from electrical stimulation?

At our Batavia, IL physical, speech, and occupational therapy practice, our main priorities are your comfort, safety, and dignity.

You will undergo a physical examination at your initial appointment, in addition to being asked questions about your current condition and medical history.

From there, one of our licensed employees will create an individualized treatment plan, based on your specific needs.

If our team believes electrical stimulation will be beneficial to you, he or she will explain it in depth, and it will be incorporated into your treatment plan.

During an electrical stimulation treatment, you’ll be asked to sit or lie in a comfortable position, your skin in the target treatment area will be cleaned and prepped, and your PT will guide you step-by-step through the entire treatment.

Try Electrical Stimulation today!

If you are interested in learning more about electrical stimulation, or if you think it could benefit you, contact Therapy Care today to request an appointment.