Muscle Stimulation (E-Stim) in Nashville, TN
When you have injured or weak muscles that cause pain or affect your daily activities, electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) can help reduce discomfort and help you get moving again. EMS, also called E-stim, delivers small electrical impulses to the affected muscles. The idea is that the current may block pain signals from the muscles to the nerves, preventing them from reaching your brain. This can also prevent muscle spasms, which would cause additional pain. EMS may also trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Lastly, EMS may assist in retraining or building muscle tissue.
Many chiropractors are specially trained to apply electrical muscle stimulation in addition to performing adjustments and using other therapies. EMS is usually given soon after an injury, and you may have a series of treatments to alleviate your symptoms and help you heal. Here’s what to know about electrical muscle stimulation:
What to Expect From EMS
During an EMS session, sticky pads are placed on or near the affected area. These pads have electrodes—small wires capable of carrying an electrical current—attached to them. They are connected to a generator or battery specifically designed for EMS therapy. At the beginning of the session, the current is set very low. The intensity, frequency, and intervals of the current can be adjusted depending on whether the goal is to relieve pain, reduce swelling, or build and retrain muscle tissue.
When set to the optimal level, the pulses will feel strong yet comfortable. An EMS session typically lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, although some may be longer. You might experience relief immediately, which can last from a few hours to several days. EMS aimed at strengthening or retraining muscles generally takes longer to show results.
When EMS May Be Used
EMS is most often used for back pain, but it can also benefit other areas of your body. In chiropractic care, EMS is usually combined with treatments like heat, ice, and adjustments. Besides relieving pain and inflammation, EMS can reduce muscle spasms, relax tight muscles, and help restore your range of motion. If you have weakened muscles from illness or injury, it may also help prevent further atrophy. Some people claim that EMS can boost athletic performance, but there isn’t enough evidence to confidently support that claim right now.
Safety of EMS
There is minimal risk from EMS. The electrical current is very low voltage, so you are not at significant risk of an electric shock. Occasionally, patients may experience mild irritation from the adhesive pads after an EMS session, but this should resolve quickly. If it persists, please inform us in case there is an allergic reaction to the adhesive, although such cases are very rare. EMS can offer quick relief from muscle pain without medication, and in the long run, it may aid in restoring muscle function. When combined with other chiropractic treatments and exercise, EMS can help accelerate recovery and get you back to normal.