Electrical Muscle Stimulation in Green Bay

What is electrical muscle stimulation?

Our physical therapy clinic places safety and dignity first.

At your first appointment, you will be subject to a physical exam. You will also be asked questions about your medical history and current condition. One of our licensed physical therapists can create a customized treatment plan based on your needs.

If your physical therapist feels that electrical stimulation is beneficial for you, he/she will explain it to you in detail and incorporate it into your treatment plan.

Used for both electrotherapy and muscle training, electrical muscle stimulation can help with chronic pain and also maintain muscle strength to prevent atrophy after a stroke or injury. Electrodes are placed around the muscle that is targeted and electrical impulses trigger the muscle to contract and relax for a prescribed amount of time.

You will need to be comfortable during an electrical stimulation treatment. Your skin will be cleaned and prepared for treatment. Your physical therapist will walk you through each step of the treatment.

Is electrical muscle stimulation painful?

Simply put, no! You can adjust the intensity of the stimulation to suit your tolerance. There are many different modes of electrical stimulation that can be used to stimulate nerves in various ways.

These currents come in a variety of forms, so the type of your condition and severity will determine which current is best for you.

There are many types of modes: TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), pre-modulated, Russian and symmetrical/asymmetrical biphasic. Some patients feel a slight sensation such as a “tingly,” a “prickly,” and “pins & needles” feeling.

Although electrical stimulation is sometimes used to strengthen muscles, it shouldn’t cause pain.

What does an electrical muscle stimulation treatment session look and feel like?

Pain management is one of the main reasons that electrical stimulation is prescribed.

This modality can produce an innate, completely natural analgesic effect through stimulation of specific sensory nerve fibers (including the A-beta and A-delta fibers), which reduce pain sensations and release neurotransmitters to prolong pain relief.

There are many other benefits to electrical stimulation, such as:

• Slightly lessen swelling
• Provide neuromuscular re-education
• Reverse or prevent muscle atrophy, especially after prolonged immobilization (e.g. a cast for a fracture healing).
• Motor coordination should be improved
• Reduce muscle spasm
• Offer biofeedback (aka body awareness improvement)
• Increase range of motion
• Local circulation should be increased
• Acute and chronic pain can be reduced, eliminated, or controlled.

Some of the conditions that can benefit from electrical muscle stimulation treatment are listed below.

• Plantar fasciitis
• Tendinitis
• Fibromyalgia
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Lower back pain
• Neck problems

It is safe to use electrical stimulation on any area of your body, including the anterior neck, eyes and areas that have decreased sensation or damaged skin.

But, not everyone can benefit from electrical stimulation. It is not recommended for people with deep vein thrombosis, pregnant women, pacemakers and those with impaired cognition.

Among the most common uses of electrical stimulation are:

• Repetitive stress injuries
• Ligament sprains
• Neurological conditions such as strokes, for example, are the most common.
• Muscle strain
• Sports-related and auto accident-related injuries

Are you ready to start in Green Bay?

Inspirit Therapy has a team of highly trained physical therapists who are skilled in the use of electrical stimulation. Your therapist will determine if electrical stimulation is right for you. To discuss your injury, pain, and to determine if electric stimulation is right for you contact Inspirit Therapy in Green Bay to schedule an appointment.

Our De Pere, WI physical therapists will help you get started on your journey to pain relief and recovery.