Electrical Muscle Stimulation

I have chronic pain. Can I benefit from electrical stimulation?

Yes. Electrical stimulation provides an effective, noninvasive solution for common nerve and muscle problems. It uses targeted electrical impulses to stimulate healing after an injury or illness. 

The Elite Chiropractic & Wellness team uses electrical stimulation to treat various conditions, including:

• Back pain
• Cancer-related pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Nerve inflammation
• Muscle injury
• Stroke
• Spinal cord injury
• Surgery recovery

Electrical stimulation can improve muscle condition. The providers regularly prescribe e-stim to athletes and runners to help speed up recovery after games and competitions.

Are there different types of electrical stimulation?

Elite Chiropractic & Wellness offers two types of electrical stimulation, including:

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

TENS uses a mild electrical current to treat acute and chronic pain. During treatment, the currents travel along your nerve fibers and stop pain signals from reaching your brain.

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)

EMS uses a stronger electrical current than TENS. The current causes your muscles to contract rapidly, improving your strength and function.

What happens during electrical stimulation?

At Elite Chiropractic & Wellness, electrical stimulation averages 45 minutes.

Your provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a chiropractic exam.

If you qualify for treatment, your provider places a series of electrodes –– small, sticky pads –– on specific areas of your skin. Wires from the electrical stimulation device connect to the pads, allowing an electrical current to travel from the device and into your muscles or nerves.

The electrical pulses block the transmission of pain signals to your brain and spinal cord and encourage your body to produce more pain-relieving chemicals (endorphins).

What does electrical stimulation feel like?

Electrical stimulation is safe and usually well-tolerated. It’s normal to experience a mild “pins and needles” or tingling sensation at the treatment site. You might feel your muscles twitch or spasm repeatedly, depending on the size of the electrical current.

Let your Elite Chiropractic & Wellness provider know if you’re uncomfortable at any time. They can adjust the machine’s settings as necessary.

Will I need more than one electrical stimulation treatment?

It depends. Some people experience significant relief after one electrical stimulation treatment, but for others, it takes multiple visits. The Elite Chiropractic & Wellness team develops a personalized care plan that aligns with your symptoms and goals.

Call Elite Chiropractic & Wellness today to schedule an electrical stimulation appointment, or book your visit online.