Electrical Muscle Stimulation

At Icon Medical Centers, our Physical Therapists and Chiropractors use electrical muscle stimulation therapy to treat a range of concerns. Some of the most common conditions we treat with electrical muscle stimulation include:

• Muscle atrophy from injury or immobility
• Pain caused by stress and tension
• Fibromyalgia
• Sports-related injuries such as sprains and strains
• Arthritis
• Spasticity from multiple sclerosis and other conditions

Your South Florida physician and physical therapist will work together to create an appropriate treatment program for you, which may include electrical muscle stimulation benefits.

During electrical muscle stimulation, an electrotherapy device sends out a small current to your nerve endings and muscles. The current causes your muscles to contract, which tones and strengthens them in situations when you are unable to do so through standard exercise.

Your therapist attaches small electrodes to your skin at specific trigger points. The device is then turned on and adjusted to a therapeutic setting. Your therapist will talk to you to find the setting that is right for you. If the setting is too low, you won’t get the full benefit of the therapy. If the setting is too high, the current can be uncomfortable.

Patients often describe the sensation of electrical muscle stimulation as a tingly feeling, and they can feel the contractions of the muscles. As your therapy continues, your muscles may become adjusted to the current, and it may be necessary to increase the intensity to continue seeing results.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a treatment option for those who suffer from chronic pain in the lower back. TENS is often used for pain relief while EMS is used to strengthen the muscles of the lower back.

At our accident clinic in Miami and Hollywood, our therapists use a TENS device in conjunction with an EMS unit for optimal pain management of the lumbar spine. After regular treatment of lower back pain with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and electrical muscle stimulation, the patient should feel improvement of their lower back pain.

The side effects of electrical muscle stimulation are very rare and generally minor. Some side effects may include, skin irritation, headaches, muscle pain, or muscle spasms. Although side effects are possible, the benefits of EMS outweigh any risks by far.

The therapists at Icon Medical Centers are specially trained in electrical stimulation and know the wavelength and duration a patient should be on the EMS machine to avoid any serious side effects.

EMS can be highly beneficial to those who have been in a car accident or have suffered from an injury. The effectiveness of a tens unit can increase muscle tone and strength, even in cases where a patient cannot perform physical activity. Increasing muscle strength promotes healing and prevents future injury.

If you have been injured, you need to find a reputable accident center to help you through your recovery. Icon Medical Centers Miami physical therapy clinic can provide you with the high-quality, compassionate care you deserve.

At Icon Medical Centers in Hollywood, FL, our physical therapists are experienced in electrical muscle stimulation therapy. At our Hollywood physical therapy center, you can expect high-quality, compassionate care. Please contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.