Electrical stimulation involves sending electrical currents through the skin and into muscles. This may help reduce pain, stimulate tissue healing, and strengthen muscles.
If you have an injury, your healthcare provider may order physical therapy to help you on the road to recovery. Along with other forms of treatment, you may receive electrical stimulation as part of your therapy.
Keep reading to learn more about electrical stimulation (e-stim) and how it’s used in physical therapy.
What Is Electrical Stimulation?
Electrical stimulation is a type of physical therapy modality or treatment used to accomplish various tasks in physical therapy (PT). The idea is that applying an electrical current helps strengthen muscles, block pain signals, and improve blood circulation.
If you have an injury or illness that causes pain or prevents you from easily moving around, your physical therapist may use electrical stimulation, or e-stim, as a part of your rehabilitation program.