Electrical Stimulation Therapy
Electrical stimulation therapy uses a mild electrical current, sent through pads on your skin, to relieve pain, activate muscles and retrain movement. Our therapists at our clinic in Chubbuck, Idaho use it as part of physical therapy for patients from Chubbuck and Pocatello, and Jared Pugmire, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, Dip Osteopractic, Cert. SMT/DN/VCS and Matt Krammen, PT, DPT, Cert DN decide when it fits.
How e-stim physical therapy works
A standard unit uses self-adhesive electrodes placed around the area being treated. Wires lead to the unit, and current passes through to interact with sensory or motor nerves, depending on the setting. Different currents reach different nerves.
Your therapist picks the mode, and the aim of nerve stimulation therapy changes with it. The ones we use include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (the familiar TENS unit), interferential, pre-modulated, Russian and biphasic currents.
The main kinds of electrical current
TENS for pain
Stimulates sensory nerve fibers to dull the sensation of pain and may prompt the release of chemicals that help carry relief past the session.
NMES for strength
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation, also called electrical muscle stimulation, makes a muscle contract. It helps when a muscle will not fire well, such as after surgery or time in a cast, and supports neuromuscular re-education.
Other currents
Interferential and other settings are used for pain, swelling, muscle spasm and circulation.
Does it hurt and what is a session like?
No. You control how strong it gets, and it only goes as high as you can tolerate.
- Most people feel tingling or pins and needles
- When it is used to strengthen, the muscle contracts and the level can feel strong, but it should never cause pain
- Your skin is cleaned, pads go on, and your therapist walks you through each step
- Wear loose clothing so the area is easy to reach
What it is used for
Pain relief, muscle activation and movement retraining after:
Who should not have electrical stimulation
It is not for everyone, and not safe on every area of the body. Tell your therapist if any of these apply:
- A pacemaker or other implanted device
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pregnancy, especially over the abdomen
- Impaired thinking or awareness
- Areas with cancer, damaged skin or reduced feeling
- The front of the neck or near the eyes
How it fits with other care, cost and coverage
Electrical stimulation works as one part of a plan alongside exercise, deep tissue laser therapy and blood flow restriction training where they fit. Your therapist decides after an evaluation.
Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan.
We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before you arrive. Auto injury liens, Medpay and workers compensation are accepted, and there is a self-pay option. Call the office to confirm your plan.
Electrical stimulation in Chubbuck, Idaho
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We see patients from Chubbuck, Pocatello and the surrounding area.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.