Electrical Stimulation Therapy
Electrical stimulation uses a mild current, delivered through pads on the skin, to decrease pain and swelling and to help healing along. East Mountain Physical Therapy uses it as one part of treatment for patients in Cedar Crest, Edgewood, Tijeras and Moriarty.
What e-stim is used for
Pain
A gentle current can quiet pain signals so you can move and exercise more comfortably.
Swelling
Used to decrease swelling after an injury.
Muscles that will not switch on
A stronger current makes a muscle contract, which helps wake it up when it is weak, for example after surgery.
What it feels like
Most people feel a tingling or buzzing; at a higher setting a muscle may contract and feel firm. Your therapist sets the strength and you tell us what is comfortable. A treatment usually runs alongside other care during a visit.
Who should not have it
Tell your therapist before electrical stimulation if you have:
- a pacemaker or another implanted device
- cancer in the area to be treated
- a pregnancy (it is not used over the abdomen)
- any skin problem where the pads would sit
Where it is used
It often supports care after surgery (post-surgical rehab), for knee pain, back pain, stroke recovery, chronic pain and sports injuries. Insurance usually helps pay for physical therapy; call (505) 286-3678 and we will check your plan.
Electrical Stimulation Therapy care in the East Mountains
We see patients from Cedar Crest, Edgewood, Tijeras, Moriarty and the East Mountains.