Electrical Stimulation Therapy in Valley Stream, NY
Electrotherapy is an alternative pain management treatment option that involves the use of mild electromagnetic pulses to provide relief for the patient. This treatment option can dull pain, repair tissue, strengthen muscles, and even improve your blood circulation.
How It Can Help
Dull pain
This treatment option can dull pain.
Repair tissue
Electrotherapy can help repair tissue and strengthen muscles.
Improve circulation
It can even improve your blood circulation.
Why Electrical Stimulation Is Used for Pain Relief
Electrical stimulation, often shortened to e-stim, sends gentle electrical pulses through small pads placed on the skin. Depending on the settings, the pulses can target the nerves that carry pain signals or cause the muscles underneath to contract and relax. One common theory is that the tingling sensation competes with pain signals on their way to the brain, which can make pain feel less intense for a while. Other settings are used to help a tight muscle relax or to gently activate a weak muscle after an injury. The type of stimulation is chosen based on what your body needs at the time.
E-stim is not a cure on its own, and research shows mixed results depending on the condition. Still, many patients find it a helpful way to ease muscle tension and soreness, especially when used with adjustments, exercise and other care. It can be useful when an area is too sore for deeper hands-on work, or when you want a drug-free way to manage pain. Your chiropractor will decide whether it fits your situation and which type of stimulation to use. It is usually one tool among several, not the whole plan.
What to Expect From Electrical Stimulation
Your chiropractor will first confirm that e-stim is safe for you. Small, sticky pads are then placed around the sore or tight area. The unit is turned on slowly, and the intensity is raised until you feel a strong but comfortable tingling, buzzing or tapping. Some settings cause the muscle to gently twitch. You should never feel sharp pain or burning. Sessions commonly last about 10 to 20 minutes, sometimes with heat or ice at the same time. You can relax during the session, and the settings can be adjusted at any time if the feeling changes.
Most people can return to normal activity right away. Some notice reduced pain or a looser feeling after treatment, while others feel little change. The skin under the pads may look a bit red for a short time. Let your chiropractor know if you have a pacemaker or other implanted device, are pregnant, have epilepsy, have a history of blood clots or have broken or irritated skin in the area, since e-stim may need to be avoided or adjusted. Your chiropractor will then decide whether another therapy would be a better fit.
New to the office? Read what to expect at your first visit, or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is electrical stimulation?
Electrotherapy is an alternative pain management treatment option that involves the use of mild electromagnetic pulses to provide relief for the patient.
What does electrical stimulation feel like?
Most people describe a tingling, buzzing or light tapping feeling under the pads. With some settings, you may feel the muscle tighten and relax on its own. The intensity is adjusted to your comfort, so it should feel strong but never painful. If it starts to sting or burn, tell your chiropractor so the settings or pad placement can be changed.
Is electrical stimulation the same as a TENS unit?
A TENS unit is one type of electrical stimulation that mainly targets pain signals through the nerves. Other types are designed to make muscles contract or to reach deeper tissue. In-office units can often deliver several kinds of stimulation. Your chiropractor will choose the setting based on whether the goal is easing pain, relaxing a spasm or activating a weak muscle.
Who should not have electrical stimulation?
E-stim is generally avoided for people with a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device, over a pregnant belly, over the front of the neck, over areas with cancer or blood clots, and over broken or numb skin. People with epilepsy may also need extra caution. Share your full health history so your chiropractor can decide whether it is right for you.
How long do the effects last?
For many people, pain relief from e-stim is short term, lasting from a few hours to longer in some cases. That is why it is usually combined with other care, such as adjustments, stretching and exercise, that aims for longer-lasting change. Your chiropractor will check how you respond over several visits and adjust the plan.
Terms You May Hear
- TENS
- Short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. It is a common form of e-stim that aims to reduce pain by stimulating nerves through the skin.
- Electrodes
- The small, sticky pads that carry the electrical current from the unit to your skin.
- Muscle spasm
- A sudden, involuntary tightening of a muscle. Spasms can be painful and limit movement.
Related Services
Ultrasound
Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to stimulate deep inside the tissue, to help reduce muscle pain and increase range of motion.
Learn MoreCold Laser Therapy
Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue and help accelerate your healing process, for acute and chronic conditions.
Learn More
Schedule a Consultation Today
We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule.