For many people, experiencing pain is a normal part of life. Because of routine activities that put the body through various physical motions and stresses, different parts can be subjected to different levels of pain at any given time. It’s not unusual to go home at the end of a long day and discover a nagging pain in your low back and neck — or period pains, if it’s the time of the month for you. After a rigorous workout or any strenuous physical activity, you could feel pain in your knees, or even realize that you have a slight sports injury. Or you may have a chronic health condition that is constantly causing some degree of pain.
Rather than immediately popping pain pills into your mouth, it can be worthwhile to explore more effective pain relief options that are made available by health centers that focus on providing patients with relief from all kinds of body pain. One such treatment technique offered by these facilities would be electric stimulation Midtown locals can take a look at the information provided below and consult their trusted specialist on whether this would be an effective pain relief method that they can try.
What is it?
Electric Stimulation Therapy is a drug-free and non-invasive treatment option for pain that can provide short-term relief for certain muscular conditions. The method makes use of a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit.
How does it work?
Small adhesive pads with electrodes are placed on the patient’s skin, around the affected area of the body that experiences pain, and these direct controlled electrical currents throughout the body.
These electrical currents are meant to produce a contraction that can stimulate and increase blood supply to the area. The result is increased healing and improved muscle strength. Because a TENS unit merely replicates the natural electrical impulses that occur in the human body during normal movement and exercise, the technique is considered quite safe — and pain-free, since the impulses also work to block pain signals being sent to the brain.
Patients need not worry that the use of electrical impulses would cause pain, discomfort or harm to them; with a licensed therapist having full knowledge of your particular condition and operating the equipment, only the appropriate setting for the electrical impulses will be used to create the desired effect.
What can the therapy specifically treat?
As previously mentioned, different, joint, muscle and bone problems can be addressed using electric stimulation therapy. Other examples would include fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. It can also be recommended for individuals experiencing acute pains (such as those felt during labor) or more chronic ones (those caused by a diseases, like cancer).
Should you try it?
On its own, electric stimulation using a TENS unit is safe when handled by an expert, but it must be prescribed in collaboration with other forms of treatment, such as physical therapy. Pain specialists and physicians can work together to evaluate your condition and create a treatment plan customized to your unique health needs.
