Our doctors use electrical muscle stimulation (E-STIM) rehabilitation therapy for our Bonita Springs patients. We provide this therapy to complement physical therapy and other treatment for injuries, pain, inflammation, and other concerns.
Contact Specific Care Chiropractic at (239) 369-9109 today to learn more about our team and the therapies we provide. We can assess your needs and provide a care plan that addresses them, built specifically for you.
What Is Electrical Muscle Stimulation (E-STIM)?
Electrical muscle stimulation (E-STIM) therapy uses a machine and electrodes to send small electric pulses into affected muscles and soft tissue. The goal is to increase blood flow to the area, promoting healing. This type of device has been used for chronic pain, inflammation, and even wound healing.
E-STIM therapy is also prescribed to stop muscle spasms and help encourage muscle control following a brain or spinal cord injury. This works by stimulating the specific muscle or muscle group affected.
The most common and well-known type of E-STIM device is a transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation (TENS) unit. You may have experienced a TENS unit before since many people recommend them for at-home treatment of chronic pain. A TENS unit is just one type of E-STIM device. Some work in similar ways, while others operate differently. Your doctor will choose which type of unit to use based on your needs.
How We Use E-STIM to Address Our Patient’s Needs in Bonita Springs
Our doctors prescribe E-STIM to complement physiotherapy or chiropractic sessions, or other treatments. This often includes exercise therapy, strength training, or other physical movements. We believe this is the best way to get the most benefits from the therapies we offer. By pairing E-STIM with physical therapy or chiropractic adjustments, we can often help clients:
- Decrease chronic or acute pain
- Reduce inflammation
- Relax
- Stop muscle spasms
- Improve muscle movement and control
Our physical therapists may recommend a patient consider adding E-STIM to their care plan as their rehabilitation progresses, even if it was not initially prescribed. As they continue your care and reassess your needs, they may notice muscle weakness or inflammation.
During E-STIM therapy, you should not feel any pain. The physiotherapist applies the electrodes to your body near the muscle group receiving treatment. Many patients describe the feeling as “tingly.” If you experience any pain, report it to your therapist immediately. This should not be an uncomfortable experience.
In fact, many who receive E-STIM to stop painful muscle spasms or chronic pain feel relief immediately. In most cases, patients can relax during this therapy. If your treatment is addressing weak muscles or stimulating muscles following a spinal cord or brain injury, your therapist may ask you to move in certain ways during treatment. This could include flexing the muscles or attempting to move in certain ways to utilize them.
How the Specific Care Chiropractic Team Helps Our Bonita Springs Patients
The Specific Care Chiropractic team provides each patient with a care plan tailored to their specific needs. This is possible because of the time we take to get to know each patient, their diagnosis, their concerns, and their goals. Our practitioners recommend specific therapies to address their needs and continue to assess and reassess each measure as they proceed through treatment.
All new patients receive an initial intake assessment. During this appointment, they will meet the team and undergo testing, which could include:
- A comprehensive health history interview
- Lab tests
- Medical imaging as needed
- A physical examination
Following this consultation, the doctor will develop a care plan to address the patient’s symptoms, underlying condition, and future injury prevention. This care plan often prescribes several types of therapies, such as specific physical therapy exercises and chiropractic adjustments. It also recommends complementary therapies that could include E-STIM, massage, and/or ultrasound therapies.
Sometimes, treatment begins the same day as the initial consultation. The frequency of appointments and how long the process takes will depend on the individual plan and prescribed therapies. At Specific Care Chiropractic, there are no one-size-fits-all treatments.
When Do We Prescribe E-Stim for Our Bonita Springs Patients?
Our doctors prescribe Bonita Springs electrical muscle stimulation therapy as a part of a comprehensive plan to address many injuries and adverse conditions. This could include:
- Low back pain: Lower back pain is one of the most common uses of E-STIM, including TENS units. It can reduce chronic pain and improve mobility, especially when used with chiropractic and physiotherapy techniques.
- Post-surgical pain: E-STIM provides effective pain relief for acute wounds while increasing blood flow to the area and encouraging healing.
- Wound healing: E-STIM promotes wound healing by increasing blood flow, meaning more oxygen and nutrients reach the area.
- Brain or spinal cord injuries: E-STIM addressed muscle weakness and poor motor control by triggering the affected muscles when applied in specific areas.
- Tendonitis: The electrical pulses can reduce pain and inflammation affecting tendons and other soft tissues.
- Bursitis: E-STIM relaxes the muscles, relieving pain and encouraging healing in the affected area.
When used in combination with chiropractic adjustments and/or physiotherapy, E-STIM can provide benefits beyond what the primary therapy can do alone. While physical therapy addresses a range of concerns, it does not immediately reduce pain or inflammation. E-STIM can. Along with massage, ultrasound therapy, and other options, E-STIM provides a non-pharmaceutical answer for many patients navigating rehabilitation with our team.
Speak to a Team Member About Bonita Springs E-STIM Therapy Today
Specific Care Chiropractic provides a wide range of chiropractic and physiotherapy treatments and techniques for our Bonita Springs patients. We treat musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, brain injuries, balance concerns, and much more. Let our team assess your condition and prescribe a care plan to address your concerns.
Contact us today by calling (239) 369-9109. Our staff can take your call, answer your questions, and schedule your intake examination over the phone.
