Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is a treatment method being used to reduce pain, swelling, and recovery time. This increasingly popular treatment works well for soft tissue injuries, muscle spasms, and even for athletes who want quicker recovery from workouts.
This treatment is performed here in our office, and usually only takes a few minutes. Electrodes are placed on the skin over the affected area, and the machine is turned on. An electrical current is then transmitted into the soft tissue or muscle. The level of current used depends on the injury, its location, and how deep the therapy will be. This electrical current causes the muscles to experience very small but quick contractions. During the treatment, patients may feel a prickly or tingling sensation; however, these sensations will subside after the machine is turned off, or shortly afterward. Many patients enjoy the sensation.
Electrical muscle stimulation creates tiny contractions in the muscles so they become tired and relax, relieving pain and muscle spasms. In addition, it triggers the release of endorphins, which are our body’s natural pain reliever. The process is also said to clear metabolic waste so nutrients can be better delivered and soft tissue can heal more quickly.
Back muscles and neck muscles are common locations for EMS; however, there are many areas of the body that can experience the benefits of this treatment.
Electrical muscle stimulation works well for both acute and chronic pain. If you have been struggling with pain or have recently suffered an injury, ask your chiropractor if electrical muscle stimulation is right for you.
Interferential Current Therapy is an effective therapy method used to relieve pain and accelerate the self-healing process. It is essentially a deeper form of electrical stimulation. To perform this method of treatment, electrodes are placed on the skin around the injured body part. An Interferential Current device is then used, which transmits electrical impulses in minute quantities throughout your skin. Underlying tissue and nerves become stimulated which begins the healing properties. These impulses are not painful, and can be described as a minor prickle on the skin.
Interferential Current Therapy is used to treat:
Circulatory and muscle disorders
Stiff joints
Joint injuries
Edema
Inflammation
Muscle spasms
Advantages of Interferential Current Therapy include:
Reducing or eliminating pain in a safe manner
Noticeable decrease in swelling and inflammation
Restoring lost movement and improving range-of-motion
Stimulating the natural hormones which can help the body heal faster
Additionally, Interferential Current Therapy also assists in blood circulation and rushes recovery by stimulating endorphins.
Microcurrent therapy is a form of treatment used for patients with soft tissue injuries and chronic pain. Similar to electrical stimulation therapy, electrodes are placed on the skin over the affected tissue. Unlike electrical muscle stimulation, the microcurrents are very small, so you do not feel anything while the treatment is in progress.
Our bodies have a natural electrical current that helps cells to communicate. When there is injury or disease, the electrical currents are disrupted. Without these currents, the cells cannot function properly. When cells are not functioning and communicating properly, it slows down the healing process.
Microcurrent therapy restores the electromagnetic field within your body so that the cells are back up to normal function. This speeds up healing. Microcurrent therapy has been shown to decrease pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. It may also help with range of motion.
Microcurrent therapy is commonly used for back and neck pain, but it is great for many physical conditions, both chronic and acute. Treatment is usually several sessions long, and it is often used in conjunction with another form of chiropractic therapy. If you are interested in learning more about microcurrent therapy, contact us today.