Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation (E-stim) uses mild electrical currents to activate nerves and muscles. These currents can help reduce pain, promote muscle contraction, and accelerate the healing process.

Two common forms of E-stim include NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) for muscle activation and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) for pain relief.

Why electrical stimulation matters

  • Promotes muscle re-education: Helps activate muscles weakened by injury or inactivity.
  • Manages acute and chronic pain: E-stim can reduce discomfort effectively.
  • Speeds up recovery: Enhances blood flow and muscle engagement.
  • Non-invasive and drug-free: A safe treatment alternative without medication.

NMES: rebuilding muscle strength

  • Targets specific muscle groups: Stimulates underused muscle fibers due to injury or post-surgical immobilization.
  • Ideal for post-surgical rehab: Used after knee surgeries, rotator cuff repairs, and other orthopedic procedures.
  • Enhances exercise results: Complements strengthening exercises to improve muscle tone and endurance.
  • Typical session duration: Lasts 15–20 minutes, depending on therapy goals and tolerance.

TENS: pain management made easy

  • Reduces pain signals: Interrupts pain pathways, offering relief from back pain, arthritis, and post-surgical discomfort.
  • Customizable settings: Therapists adjust frequency and intensity for comfort.
  • Suitable for home use: Portable TENS units can be used outside the clinic under professional guidance.
  • Time-efficient relief: Sessions range from 10–30 minutes, depending on pain severity.

How e-stim integrates into your treatment

  • Initial evaluation: We assess your condition to determine areas that can benefit from muscle re-education or pain relief.
  • Tailored application: Your therapist sets the intensity and timing of the electrical current based on your needs.
  • Combined therapies: Often used with manual therapy, stretching, or strengthening exercises for optimal results.
  • Progress review: We track your improvement and adjust settings or treatment frequency as needed.
  • Home unit for daily use: If beneficial, we may assist in obtaining a home unit for continued treatment.

Who can benefit?

  • Patients recovering from joint or soft tissue surgeries
  • Individuals managing chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendinitis, or low back pain
  • Athletes returning from sports injuries
  • Those with neuromuscular deficits needing targeted muscle activation

Take the next step toward recovery

Curious if electrical stimulation is the right solution for your pain or muscle weakness? Contact Gaspar Doctors of Physical Therapy today to schedule an evaluation.

Our experienced team will create a personalized plan to help you regain strength, reduce pain, and reclaim the activities you love.