What Does Electric Muscle Stimulation Treat?

 

Electric muscle stimulation (a.k.a. EMS) is a type of healthcare treatment technique that involves the use of electrical currents to stimulate muscle contractions. Electric muscle stimulation, which is often used as a part of many rehabilitation interventions, has various applications in both medical and fitness settings. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, provides electrical muscle stimulation to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and disorders.

How Does Electric Muscle Stimulation Work?

EMS, which is also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), involves the use of electrical impulses that stimulate a muscle to contract, which helps to strengthen, rehabilitate, and relax muscles, improve blood circulation, and reduce pain. EMS offers an effective treatment option for the following conditions-

Muscle Spasms

Spasms in muscles can be relaxed by EMS as it improves blood flow and reduces tension and resulting pain.  

Muscle Weakness

Electric muscle stimulation can help to strengthen a weakened muscle as the impulses help to enhance muscle tone and encourage growth.

Pain Control/Management

EMS helps reduce/alleviate pain and discomfort related to a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. EMS assists in the blockage of pain signals and the release of the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals – endorphins.

Injury Rehab

Electric muscle stimulation is a common rehabilitation component, as it helps to prevent the muscle from atrophying, promotes healing, and maintains/improves one's range of motion.  

Sports Injuries

EMS can assist in the treatment of sports-related injuries, including strains, sprains, and muscle tears. It can help reduce swelling, manage pain, and facilitate the healing process.

Nerve-related Conditions

In certain situations, like peripheral neuropathy, EMS may be an effective technique to treat nerve-related conditions by stimulating the affected nerves, which helps to improve nerve functioning.  

The speed at which EMS can potentially help is contingent on various factors, which may include –

• The specific condition.
• The symptom's intensity.
• The duration/frequency of EMS treatments, and more.

For chronic or more serious circumstances,  several EMS sessions over a period of time may be required and combined with other complementary therapies.

Call a Leading Nitro, WV Chiropractor Today

Do you know or love someone who is challenged with musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, and discomfort? To understand how electric muscle stimulation may help treat your condition or better manage ongoing symptoms, contact Dr. McClanahan or a member of our staff at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520. If you prefer, please use our online contact form. We look forward to providing an accurate diagnosis and creating a personalized chiropractic treatment plan.