Electrical Stimulation Therapy

Electrical stimulation therapy may seem alarming, but it is a very beneficial way to relieve pain.

Electrical stimulation is a safe and effective method of treatment that can provide pain relief and recovery for several conditions.

A standard electrical stimulation device utilizes self-adhesive electrodes placed around the target treatment area on the body. The electrodes are connected via wire leads to the unit. The electricity will pass through the unit and will interact with sensory and/or motor nerves. Are you suffering from a painful injury or condition? If so, electrical stimulation may be the answer. Book an appointment with Cure in Edmonton, AB today to learn more.

One of the biggest reasons electrical stimulation is prescribed is for pain management. 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 the sensation of pain and release neurotransmitters that prolong the pain-relieving effects.

Electrical stimulation has a variety of other benefits, including:

• Improve motor coordination
• Increase local circulation
• Improve range of motion
• Reduce muscle spasm
• Reduce, eliminate, and/or control pain (both acute and chronic)
• 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. We will advise you against electrical stimulation if you have deep vein thrombosis, are pregnant, have a pacemaker, or have impaired cognition.

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

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

To put it simply – no! Our physiotherapists will modify the intensity of the electrical muscle stimulation or sensory nerve stimulation for every patient’s tolerance.

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

These modes consist of different currents. Our physiotherapist will prescribe a current depending on the nature of your condition and its severity. 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 it should never result in pain.

At our Edmonton, AB physiotherapy practice, our main priorities are your comfort, safety, and dignity.

You will also undergo a physical examination at your initial appointment. In addition, they will ask you questions about your current condition and medical history.

In addition, one of our licensed physiotherapists will create an individualized treatment plan, based on your specific needs.

Our physiotherapist will also determine if electrical stimulation is right for you. They will explain it in depth. Your physiotherapist will incorporate electrical stimulation into your treatment plan.

You will sit or lie in a comfortable position during an electrical stimulation treatment. We will clean and prep your skin in the target area. In conclusion, your physiotherapist will also guide you step-by-step through the entire treatment.