Electrical Stimulation Therapy Fort Wayne, IN

Electrical Stimulation Therapy

Electric Stimulation Therapy

Electrical stimulation therapy 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 then connected via wire leads to the unit, through which electricity can pass and ultimately interact with sensory and/or motor nerves.

At our Fort Wayne, IN physical 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 physical therapists will create an individualized treatment plan, based on your specific needs.

If our physical therapist 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 physical therapist will guide you step-by-step through the entire treatment.

Will electrical stimulation therapy hurt me?

Electrical Stimulation Therapy

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 it should never result in pain.

What should I experience from electrical stimulation therapy?

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 therapy has a variety of other benefits, including:

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

Electrical stimulation therapy 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:

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

Common Questions Regarding Electrical Stimulation

What does Electrical Stimulation feel like?

When used for pain management, electrical stimulation is typically performed at the end of a treatment session in conjunction with a moist hot pack or cold pack. You typically feel some tingling or prickling sensations in the area. The intensity of the electrical stimulation is based on patient comfort and is meant to be a relaxing treatment. When electrical stimulation is used for stimulating a muscle contraction, the treatment may be performed at any time during the treatment session. The intensity will be higher when stimulating a muscle contraction and therefore can be more uncomfortable. 

How does Electrical Stimulation work?

Electrical stimulation 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.

What will I feel like after I’ve had Electrical Stimulation done?

Electrical stimulation for pain management is typically performed with either a cold pack or moist hot pack. Therefore, after treatment you will typically feel a little looser, more relaxed, and have less pain!

Where all can Electrical Stimulation be performed?

Electrical stimulation can be performed on any skeletal muscle tissue!

Consult with a physical therapist today!

If you are interested in learning more about electrical stimulation therapy, or if you think it could benefit you, contact ProTailored Physical Therapy today and call 260-739-0300 to request an appointment. We’ll get you started on the path toward pain relief and recovery!

Visit our four clinic locations in North Fort Wayne, Northwest Fort Wayne, Southwest Fort Wayne, and Central Fort Wayne today!