Electric Stimulation is a therapeutic treatment that applies electrical stimulation in treating muscle spasms and pain. It can help prevent atrophy and build strength in patients with injuries.  Electric stimulation works by mimicking the natural way by which the body exercises its muscles. The electrodes attached to the skin deliver impulses that make the muscles contract. It is beneficial in increasing the patient’s range of motion and improves the circulation of the body. Electric stimulation can be muscular, general and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). E-stim uses small electrodes placed on the skin around the area receiving treatment. Wires from the e-stim device are attached to the pads. Steady streams of electrical pulses are delivered through the wires from the e-stim unit. The electrodes are small, sticky pads that should come off with little discomfort at the end of the session. Patients will feel a tingling sensation which may cause slight contractions of nearby muscles. It is generally well-tolerated and most patients find the sensation decreases their pain. Treatments typically last 8-15 minutes. 

Electrical Stimulation has a variety of other benefits, including:

• Decrease swelling

• Provide neuromuscular re-education

• Prevent or reverse muscle atrophy (especially after prolonged immobilization, such as a limb being cast as a fracture heals)

• Improve motor coordination

• Reduce muscle spasm

• Provide biofeedback (aka improve body awareness)

• Improve range of motion

• Increase local circulation

• Reduce, eliminate, and/or control pain (both acute and chronic)

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. Those with deep vein thrombosis, those who are pregnant, those with pacemakers, and those with impaired cognition would likely be advised against electrical stimulation.