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.
What is EMS and What Can it Do?
Electric muscle stimulation mimics the body’s nervous system by sending safe, low frequency electrical pulses to the affected area, causing the muscle to contract and increasing temperature and blood circulation. The same natural process of the body to repair injuries works with EMS to relieve other common nervous system disorders, including constant headaches, numbness of limbs, and back pain.
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.
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 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.