Electrical Stimulation In Lee’s Summit

What is electrical stimulation?

While it may sound a bit intimidating, electrical stimulation really isn’t at all! When used correctly and provided under the guidance of a licensed and skilled physical therapist, electrical stimulation is a safe and efficacious modality that can be used to treat a variety of conditions.

While individual units and modes of delivery can vary, the standard electrical stimulation device utilizes self-adhesive electrodes placed around the target treatment area on the body. These electrodes are connected via wire leads to the unit, through which electricity can pass and ultimately interact with sensory and/or motor nerves (depending on the type of current utilized).

What is electrical stimulation used for in physical therapy?

There are several electrical stimulation modes that use different types of currents intended to stimulate different nerves in a variety of specific ways. These include modes such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), interferential, pre-modulated, Russian, and symmetrical or asymmetrical bi-phasic. Don’t let the words confuse you, though. Your physical therapist will decide the right one to meet your unique needs.

Our clinic frequently utilizes electrical stimulation in order to provide a variety of beneficial healing effects, including:

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

Pain control and reduction is probably the most frequent indication of electrical stimulation usage. Specifically, 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 disrupt or decrease the sensation of pain and also elicit the release of certain neurotransmitters which can prolong the pain-relieving effects.

While it’s not for everyone (including people with deep vein thrombosis, people who are pregnant, people with pacemakers, and people with impaired cognition) or safe to use on every body area (including on the anterior neck, eyes, or over areas with damaged skin or decreased sensation), electrical stimulation can be used for a wide variety of conditions as indicated, including acute sports-related or auto accident-related injuries, repetitive stress injuries, muscle strains, ligament sprains, and even neurological conditions including stroke.

Does electrical muscle stimulation hurt?

No!
The intensity of the electrical muscle stimulation or sensory nerve stimulation is easily modifiable and ultimately will only be as much as you, the patient, can tolerate. Typically, electrical stimulation will feel tingly or prickly (some patients describe it as a comforting “pins and needles” sensation). Sometimes, as in the case when used for muscle strengthening, the intensity level can be high and somewhat uncomfortable, but it should never cause pain.

What should I expect during an electrical stimulation session in Lee’s Summit?

Our patients’ comfort, safety, and dignity are the number one priority. For this reason, we’ll ask you to come in comfortable loose-fitting clothes and sturdy shoes when you come to see us for an appointment.

At your initial consultation, expect to be taken through a thorough patient history questionnaire (we’ll ask questions about your current, past, and family medical history) and physical examination. Your physical therapist will be able to diagnose your condition and then devise an appropriate treatment plan to meet your unique needs.

If your physical therapist decides that electrical stimulation is an appropriate part of your plan of care, he or she will first educate you about the specific modality. 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 PT will guide you step-by-step through the entire treatment.

Expect great results in Lee’s Summit!

Are you interested in trying electrical stimulation? Wondering if it can help your pain or dysfunction? Our physical therapy services, including electrical stimulation and other modalities, are evidenced-based, state-of-the-art, effective, and have minimal to no risk of side effects. Come experience the difference and contact us at Lee’s Summit, MO center today to schedule an initial appointment.

Request An Appointment

Please fill out this form and we will contact you about scheduling.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Anthony M

“Went to Hill Pro based on what I read on Google. The facilities and staff did not disappoint. From the front desk experience to the helpful, friendly and knowledgeable therapist team – everyone was friendly and welcoming me to their family-like environment right away. I went in with 3 ailing and nagging injuries and walked out today finally feeling confident in my body again. As an avid golfer, I was paired with Dr. Alex Ervin. Not only did he help relieve my pain, teach me various things about the body and how to overcome my issues, but he also helped me improve my swing. Such a superb experience!! Bonus – they also have an app where they load all your exercises to help remember and track your progress. 10 out of 10 physical therapy establishments.”

Terri S

I’ve been to several different places for PT over the years and this was the best place I’ve ever been. Everyone was friendly from the staff to the doctors. Darren was my therapist and was so helpful in helping me understand what was going on with my body. He always answered my questions and if he didn’t know he would ask someone. If I need PT in the future I will come back to Hill-Pro. Thank you so much!

ARTHRITIS
---------------------------
BACK PAIN & SCIATICA
---------------------------
BALANCE AND GAIT DISORDERS
---------------------------
CHRONIC PAIN
---------------------------
ELBOW, WRIST & HAND PAIN
---------------------------
FIBROMYALGIA
---------------------------
FOOT & ANKLE PAIN
---------------------------
HIP & KNEE PAIN
---------------------------
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT INJURIES

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
---------------------------
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
---------------------------
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
---------------------------
PELVIC PAIN
---------------------------
SHOULDER PAIN
---------------------------
SPORTS INJURY
---------------------------
TMJ DYSFUNCTION
---------------------------
WORK INJURIES
---------------------------
>>> MORE CONDITIONS