Electrical StimulationElectrical Stimulation TherapyHow to Say It: E-lek-trik-ul Stim-u-lay-shun
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionElectrical stimulation (e-stim) is the use of a device to send gentle electrical pulses through the skin. Two common devices are:
E-stim may be done in an office or at home. Reasons for ProcedureE-stim may be used to repair muscles or to help with pain from:
Possible ComplicationsProblems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen. The problems a person may have depend on the reason for the procedure. Things that may raise the risk of problems are:
What to ExpectPrior to ProcedureThe care team may meet with you to talk about:
Description of ProcedureSmall sticky pads will be placed around the site. Wires from the e-stim device will be attached to the sticky pads. The device will be turned on at a low setting. The setting will be raised until you sense a pins and needles feeling. An EMS device will also cause a small twitch in the muscle. The strength of the EMS may be adjusted throughout your treatment as your body gets used to the feeling. How Long Will It Take?E-stim may last 5 to 15 minutes. It depends on the reason it is being used. Will It Hurt?You may feel a tingly or warm feeling during e-stim. The feelings are strange but should not be painful. Post-procedure CareAt Home Follow the pain or rehabilitation program given to you by your care team. Call Your DoctorCall the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away. RESOURCES:American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org American Chronic Pain Association http://theacpa.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca Chronic Pain Association of Canada http://chronicpaincanada.com References:Electrical stimulation. University of California San Diego website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed October 14, 2020. Guide to controlling cancer pain. American Cancer Society website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed October 14, 2020. Hafez AR, Alenazi AM, et al. Knee osteoarthritis: a review of the literature. Phys Med Rehabil Int. 2014 Nov 13;1(5):8-15.
Physical therapy for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/physical-therapy-for-osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-knee. Accessed October 14, 2020. Resende L, Merriwether E, Rampazo E, et al. Meta-analysis of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for relief of spinal pain. Eur J Pain. 2018;22(4):663-678. TENS machines. Patient UK website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed October 14, 2020. Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT Last Updated: 6/4/2021 | |
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