Different Types of Electrical Stimulation Used by Hand Doctors
Electric Stimulation, sometimes referred to by hand doctors and physical therapists as “EStim”, is a type of therapy that uses electrical currents to stimulate the nerves. These currents simulate the same electrical pathways within the body that are used during exercise or movement.
EStim is a type of therapeutic treatment that serves many different purposes in physical therapy. It can be used to decrease pain, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and help muscles contract properly.
Electrical stimulation often is typically used in addition to a physical therapy program after an injury or illness. Generally, it will not be as effective if it is used alone without attending physical therapy.
Board Certified Macomb County hand doctor Dr. Rehman will determine the best EStim therapy for your specific needs, and the gains that can be expected for your individual condition and therapy plan.
In this article she lists of different types of electrical stimulation can help you understand how it is commonly used in physical therapy.
TENS Used by Hand Doctors
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is performed by placing electrodes over the painful part of the hands wrist or body.
TENS is typically used to help decrease acute and chronic pain. TENS works by supplying electrical currents that alter or interrupt the pain signals that travel from injured tissues to the brain.
NMES Used by Hand Doctors
NEEMS stands for Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation. It is often used by hand doctors and physical therapist to help your muscles contract properly after injury or surgery.
Basically, electrically currents are used to “re-educate” the nerves and muscle, helping the patient to return to normal function quickly after an injury or surgery.
NMES is also used to help patients perform functional tasks. In these cases, the NMES unit is applied to the body, with switches that control when the electrical stimulation is on or off. So, for example, when performing a task such as grasping, the switch controlling stimulation of the hand or finger muscles is turned on – helping them contract.
Interferential Current (IFC) Used by Hand Doctors
IFC, or Inferential Current electrical stimulation, is frequently used by hand doctors and physical therapists to help decrease pain and improve circulation to injured tissues.
IFC works much like TENS, but the current can be more easily moved and varied to target your most painful area of injury.
High Voltage Stimulation Used by Hand Doctors
High Voltage Electrical Stimulation also uses mild electrical current stimulation to help decrease your pain or improve circulation. It is also sometimes used to facilitate wound healing. The high voltage stimulation stimulates the growth of new cells near the wound, which can speed healing.
Electrical stimulation can be a useful tool to supplement your physical therapy or rehab program. However, it is a passive treatment in which the patient does very little while the hand doctor or physical therapist the electrical stimulation. Successful rehab or physical therapy typically should also include an active component of exercise and movement, to be effective.
Best Oakland County Hand Doctor
If you are suffering from an injury or pain in your fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact board certified Oakland County hand surgeon Doctor Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat conditions of the hand, wrist and arm.
Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.
