Similar to the effects of deep tissue massage, electric muscle stimulation therapy is used to treat a variety of painful issues, from muscle strain and injury to fibromyalgia symptoms. This mode of therapy is often used by chiropractors and physical therapists and recently has been made available for home use. Electrotherapy devices deliver a small pulsating current to the muscles and nerve endings, which encourages blood circulation, muscle stimulation, and healing.
Muscle Atrophy
Muscle stimulation therapy has been used for many years to treat weak or atrophied muscles resulting from an injury or from long periods of immobility. The electrical impulses stimulate muscles, causing them to contract and relax, which develops strength in the affected area. In addition, patients who are completely incapacitated can receive therapeutic treatment to create involuntary muscle contractions, thereby improving and maintaining muscle tone without actual physical activity.
Pain Relief
Muscle stimulation therapy can relieve painful joints and muscles as well as pain from stress and tension. People who suffer with fibromyalgia are also finding pain relief with regular electrical stimulation treatments for symptoms that include chronic headaches, muscle weakness and fatigue and overall bodily aches and pain. Some fibromyalgia patients also report alleviation of chronic insomnia after regular use of muscle stimulation therapy.
Improved Range of Motion
Many times sports related injuries result in impeded range of motion in joints such as the shoulders, elbows and knees. Muscle stimulation therapy applied directly to the affected joint can improve range of motion and promote healing in the injured area by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow. Arthritis sufferers also tend to have restricted range of motion in tender and inflamed joints. Electrical stimulation therapy helps arthritic joints move more freely in addition to reducing arthritis related pain and inflammation.
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