Electric muscle stimulation is a type of healthcare treatment technique involving the use of electrical currents to stimulate muscle contractions. Electric muscle stimulation (a.k.a. EMS), which is often used as a part of many rehab and recovery interventions, has a variety of applications in both medical and fitness environments. Dr. Lawrence Altman in Fort Lee, NJ, provides electrical muscle stimulation to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and disorders.
How Does Electric Muscle Stimulation Work?
EMS, which may also be called neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), involves using electrical impulses to stimulate a muscle contraction. The goal of EMS is to help the muscles begin to rehabilitate, strengthen, and relax. It may also encourage and improve blood circulation and minimize related pain.
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 and frequency of EMS treatments.
What Can Electric Muscle Stimulation Help Treat?
According to Dr. Altman, EMS offers an effective treatment option for the following conditions:
Muscle Spasms/Weakness
EMS can –
- Alleviate muscle spasms by improving blood flow, reducing tension, and relieving associated pain.
- Strengthen weakened muscles by enhancing muscle tone and promoting growth through the use of impulses.
Pain Control/Management
EMS effectively contributes to the reduction and relief of pain related to a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. As a therapeutic technique, electric muscle stimulation can block your body’s pain signals and trigger the release of the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals, for example, endorphins.
Nerve-related Conditions
If you are challenged by specific conditions, like peripheral neuropathy, EMS may effectively treat nerve-related conditions and symptoms by stimulating the targeted nerves, a technique that can improve nerve functioning.
Sports Injury Rehabilitation
- Electric muscle stimulation is a common rehabilitation component, as it helps to prevent the muscle from atrophying, promotes healing, and maintains and improves one's range of motion.
- 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.
For chronic or more serious situations, patients may require a series of electric muscle stimulation sessions that are provided in combination with other complementary therapies.
Call a Leading Fort Lee, NJ Chiropractor Near You Today
Are you or someone that you know challenged with musculoskeletal pain, discomfort, stiffness, and related symptoms? To learn more about how electric muscle stimulation may help better manage your condition or chronic symptoms, contact Dr. Altman or a member of our staff at 201-886-8600 or online.