When dealing with acute, subacute and chronic pain, electrical stimulation is not the first solution that comes to mind for many sufferers. Instead, it is very common for people to ignore reoccurring back, neck, and joint discomfort for years and temporarily alleviate symptoms with analgesic medications without seeing a chiropractor.
Studies of analgesic medications reveal that these drugs do lessen the pain but they do not treat the source of the problem. Over time as the body develops a tolerance to painkillers, higher doses are required for relief. This means more physical dependence on medication, more side effects, and more toxins that the body has to combat as it tries to heal itself.
By utilizing and encouraging the body's natural healing mechanisms, EMS and similar therapies can drastically reduce the dependence on medications and unnecessary surgeries and resolve the symptoms of underlying causes much quicker.
For over two centuries, scientists have experimented with electricity in relation to human anatomy. According to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Luigi Galvani was one of the first physicians and physicists to suggest that electric currents have an effect on muscle tissue and response.
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Although his theories were controversial, Galvani's experiments and those of his contemporaries, such as Alessandro Volta, and others after him, such as scientist Michael Faraday, paved the way for advancements in electrophysiology and neurology, fields of science that chiropractors study intensely in their coursework to understand the relationship and function of muscle groups and nerves in order to treat pain.
Which Conditions Does This Sort of Therapy Treat?
Reputable research shows EMS is used to help treat and even prevent a surprising number of medical issues. These can include, but are not limited to:
- carpal tunnel
- connective and dermal tissue repair
- increase in the range of motion in joints caused by such problems as arthritis and injury
- muscle atrophy
- muscle spasms
- muscle tension associated with long periods of sitting, standing, or lifting heavy objects
- post-surgical muscle regeneration
- sciatica
- sports injuries
- tennis elbow
- ulcers and chronic wounds
What Can Be Expected During a First Treatment?
This therapy should always be explained to patients beforehand so if there are questions or concerns there is an opportunity to discuss them. It is very natural to feel nervous or unsure but the chiropractic assistant on hand is there to provide a comfortable and relaxing experience. He or she will have a clean, cushioned table set up much like the ones used for chiropractic adjustments and this is where patients will sit or lie down depending on the area being treated.
Generally only two EMS pads are necessary but chiropractors may want to treat two areas at once and it is not uncommon to have two sets of pads on different areas. The assistant should begin at a very low frequency and gradually increase at intervals until the patient is comfortable. If the frequency is too high, patients will feel the muscle tense and tighten and can ask the assistant to turn the frequency down at any time.
What Does Electric Stimulation Feel Like?
A gentle tingling that develops into a massage-like sensation as the frequency is increased. The therapy normally lasts anywhere from ten to 15 minutes, often with the use of hot or cold compresses depending on the type of pain. Patients should always feel relaxed and comfortable. EMS is intended to help, not hurt.
Is EMS Only Applied to Back Muscles?
No. Experienced chiropractors and assistants can apply the pads to forearms, knees, elbows, calves, and hands - generally anywhere there is discomfort or a condition that can benefit from electric stimulation. A certified chiropractor will make the proper diagnosis and trained assistants will administer the therapy based on specific instructions.
What Are the Side Effects and Who Should Not Use EMS?
According to experts at the Natural Standard and Harvard Medical School, side effects from EMS are generally very mild. Patients may experience tenderness for a day or so afterward where muscles are already sore from inflammation. Short-term redness and skin irritation may also occur. Those who use implanted medical devices and pregnant women should avoid this therapy.
For further advice, talk to a chiropractor who will thoroughly assess patient medical history and who can recommend alternative treatments.
How Popular is EMS?
For some chiropractors, EMS is a passive therapy used exclusively for acute pain and for a short period of time. For others, depending on the severity of pain, EMS is a necessary tool in extensive rehabilitation and may be used during every visit. In addition to EMS, long-term progressive therapies, such as massage therapy and specialized stretches to retrain muscle groups, have been introduced into chiropractic care routines.
Although EMS is not new in terms of chiropractic treatments, it has been proven to effectively relieve pain over time and contribute to total body wellness. There are many patients who eventually reach a point where doing simple stretches at home and visiting a chiropractor once a month or once or twice a year is sufficient for pain free living. For more information, schedule a personal consultation with a trusted chiropractor to discuss whether or not EMS therapy can be part of a lifestyle solution.
Sources:
Dr. Shawn K. Brohl, D.C, C.C.S.P. Spring Meadows Chiropractic/HealthSource, Toledo, Ohio.
IMPACT Chiropractic. Wellness Vs. Medical Care (accessed December 17th, 2009).
Intelihealth: Natural Standard and the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (accessed December 17th, 2009).
National High Magnetic Field. Pioneers: Luigi Galvani (accessed December 17th, 2009).
Spine-Health. Types of Back Pain: Acute Pain, Chronic Pain, and Neuropathic Pain (accessed December 16th, 2009).
