Electrical Muscle Stimulation Therapy

Electrical muscle stimulation or “e-stim” is used primarily for pain reduction. There are a couple of theories on how it works. One theory is that it works with the Gate Control Theory of pain, essentially with more sensations flooding the brain through e-stim, the pain sensations are blocked. E-stim also increases endorphins and enkephalins—the body’s natural pain killers—this would in theory also cause reduction in pain. E-stim can also be used for muscle re-education. Most experience a tingling like sensation or a muscle contraction. If clinically indicated, e-stim can be a helpful modality.