Electrical stimulation is a type of therapeutic treatment that can serve many different purposes in physical therapy. It can be used to decrease pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and it can help your muscles contract properly. Electrical stimulation often is used to augment your physical therapy program after an injury or illness; it should not be the only treatment you receive when attending physical therapy.
This list of different types of electrical stimulation can help you understand how it is commonly used in physical therapy. Be sure to ask your physical therapist about your specific needs and gains that are expected when you use electrical stimulation in the physical therapy clinic.
NMES can also be used to help you perform functional tasks; small switches in the unit can be applied to your body that control when the stimulation is on or off. When performing a task, like walking, the switch may turn the stimulation on when your leg muscles are supposed to contract, and then turn it off when they are meant to rest.
A Word from Verywell
While electrical stimulation can be a useful tool to augment your rehab program, you should remember that it is a passive treatment. You do very little while your therapist applies the stim to you. Most successful rehab programs involve an active component of exercise and movement. If your PT recommends you use electrical stimulation in your therapy program, be sure to ask questions and understand what the goal of the stim use is. And always make sure you have an active, self-care exercise program in place to take control of your rehab program.
