One of our most common techniques utilized in our Chriopratic office is the use of an electrical stimulation machine. Electrical stimulation uses an electrical current to cause a single muscle or a group of muscles to contract. By placing electrodes on the skin in various locations the physical therapist can recruit the appropriate muscle fibers. Then connected to a mild electrical current, which to the patient simply feels like a tingling or massaging type sensation. This transfer of electricity through the tissues will not only relieve pain symptoms, but can also assist in decreasing inflammation and muscle spasms, as well as aid in tissue healing. Contracting the muscle via electrical stimulation helps strengthen the affected muscle. The physical therapist can change the current setting to allow for a forceful or gentle muscle contraction. Along with increasing muscle strength, the contraction of the muscle also promotes blood supply to the area that assists in healing.

The benefits gained from electrical stimulation.

The muscle contraction that occurs from electrical stimulation provides many benefits.

• Exercise for the otherwise unused muscle.
• Decreases muscle atrophy and increases muscle mass
• Increase in blood flow
• Increases range of motion
• Creates a powerful neurological signal that works to reeducate the spinal cord and decreases the spinal cord from atrophying