Electrical Stimulation

A relatively newer therapy that has been gaining popularity around the country is electrical stimulation. This procedure has been able to produce results for a wide range of patients who have been recovering from injuries, strokes, the pain fibromyalgia, and other conditions. At its core, the therapy is centered around a mechanical system that sends gentle pulses of electricity through the skin which stimulates injured muscles tissues as well as the nerves around them to promote pain alleviation and recovery. For many individuals, including patients at our Olmito physical therapy office, electrical stimulation has been a therapy that they value as part of their care.

Electrical Stimulation Explained

While we’ve already mentioned how electrical stimulation uses gentle pulses of electricity, the reason they work to stimulate muscles is because they replicate the types of signals that your nerves use to trigger your muscles to react. By forcing muscles to react then circulation improves within the muscles which then promotes better healing. 

Moreover, by continuously stimulating your muscles to contract and relax, electrical stimulation is able to condition your muscles to properly react to the body’s own electrical signals. This is especially beneficial for individuals who are attempting to recover from a stroke and regain finer motor control. 

There is also a particular type of electrical stimulation that is able to harness a specific wavelength that only communicates with the body’s nerves rather than the muscles in an attempt to block pain signals from reaching the brain altogether.

What to Expect During Electrical Stimulation

While electrical stimulation can sound intimidating at first, many patients are pleasantly surprised at how uneventful the process can be. Electrical stimulation utilizes small electrodes that are on sticky pads that are placed on the skin. It is these electrodes where currents of electricity are passed through to the skin. The pulses are gentle in nature and are not painful. Many patients report feeling a tingling or gentle poking sensation during the therapy. Generally an electrical stimulation session will last around 15 minutes but the duration depends on the particular condition and body part being treated.

What are the Risks Associated with Electrical Stimulation

The most common risk of electrical stimulation is an irritation of the skin at the site of where the electrodes were located during therapy. Typically this irritation will subside on its own over time or with light topical treatment and care.

A more serious risk that can occur is with respect to heart health. If an individual has a pacemaker or has previously had heart-related conditions, electrical stimulation is not advised. 

Another group who should steer away from electrical stimulation are pregnant women, however in controlled settings it has been found to help with pains during labor.

In all situations, it is highly recommended to consult with a doctor to ensure you are not at an elevated risk from electrical stimulation.

Finding Electrical Stimulation Therapy Near Me

If you are interested in seeing if you might benefit from electrical stimulation, we highly recommend you consider scheduling a consultation with our team. Our highly-trained physical therapists have experience in helping people utilize physical therapy for a range of conditions, including pain relief. Contact us today if you have any questions about whether electrical stimulation might be the right therapy for your condition.