Physical therapy helps people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles improve their quality of life. For residents of South Plainfield, New Jersey, learn more by scheduling your first appointment at Twin Boro Physical Therapy in South Plainfield.
Twin Boro Physical Therapy has been in operation since 1980 and has helped thousands of New Jersey residents achieve their movement goals. When you work with our experts at Twin Boro Physical Therapy, you can count on our team to provide you with state-of-the-art methods, expert advice, and scientifically-backed practices designed to help you succeed.
Electrical stimulation: What are the different types?
Your physical therapist may have recommended electrical stimulation as part of your physical therapy plan. If this is the case, you may be wondering: what is electrical stimulation therapy? Well, there are several electrical stimulation options that are better suited for different conditions. Let’s discuss some of the available options.
Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (TENS)
Transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation (TENS) is a type of electrical stimulation therapy that is best suited for pain management. This type of therapy can be used for both short and long-term pain relief. To perform this type of electrical stimulation, your physical therapist will strategically place electrodes on areas of your body that are experiencing pain. Electrical currents will then be applied through the electrodes with the intention of blocking pain signals within your body.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
This type of stimulation is used to cause muscle contractions. When using this type of electrical stimulation, your physical therapist will place electrodes strategically on muscle fibers they would like to contract. This can help increase muscle function, improve blood flow to muscles, and speed healing. This type of therapy can also help to reduce muscle spasms by tiring the muscle.
Russian Stimulation
This type of electrical stimulation is similar to NMES and is focused on creating muscle contractions and improving muscle health. The difference between this type of electrical stimulation and NMES is the type of waveform that is used. Depending on your level of pain, Russian Stimulation may be more comfortable.
High-Voltage Galvanic Current (HVGC)
This type of electrical stimulation uses low-frequency, high-voltage electricity to reach deep tissues. Similar to other electrical stimulation types, this therapy is used to improve blood flow, reduce spasms, and relieve pain. This type of electrical stimulation is also particularly effective for improving joint movement.
Interferential Current (IFC)
Interferential current (IFC) is used to decrease pain, improve blood flow, and decrease muscle spasms. This type of electrical stimulation uses electrodes placed in a crisscross pattern. Currents are then run between diagonal electrodes so that the current interferes with each other. This allows higher intensity currents to be used with less discomfort.
Iontophoresis
This type of electrical stimulation can help to provide medication to hard-to-reach areas within the body. While the medication will vary, this type of electrical stimulation is typically used for medication related to muscle spasms and reducing inflammation. The electrical current acts as a mode of transportation to move medication through the skin and into the body. This type of therapy is often used to break up calcium deposits.
Ready to begin?
Twin Boro Physical Therapy is here to help New Jersey residents live their best lives. For residents of South Plainfield, New Jersey, interested in getting started today “near me”, contact our South Plainfield office by calling 732.532.0095 or visiting our website.
