A therapeutic modality using an electric current through electrodes placed on the skin to decrease pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and help your muscles contract properly. There are several different types of electrical stimulation and they are as follows:
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) uses electricity to alter the pain signals to your brain. Primarily used to decrease acute and chronic pain.
- Russian Stimulation uses electricity to help improve the contraction of your muscles. Primarily used after an injury or surgery where muscles are inhibited and unable to generate a forceful contraction.
- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) uses electricity to help your muscles contract properly after injury or surgery. It is also helpful with performing functional tasks as it can be turned on and off depending on the muscle group that needs activated during a task.
- Interferential Current (IFC) uses electricity to help decrease your pain and improve circulation to injured tissues. Primarily used to decrease acute and chronic pain as well as inflammation.
- High Voltage Stimulation uses electricity to help decrease your pain and increase circulation. It also can be helpful with wound healing.