E-stim, Transcutaneous Electrical Neuro Stimulation

Numerous types of electrical stimulation devices and methods, as well as a variety of therapeutic applications, are available for clinical use. Those are microcurrents, interferential, Russian current, functional electrical stimulation, high-voltage pulsed stimulation and variable muscle stimulation. The efficacy of them has been shown in several randomized placebo-controlled trials.

The clinical uses of electrical stimulation include pain management, stimulation of denervated muscle, iontophoresis, edema reduction, and wound healing.

How does TENS work to benefit the patient?

The main application of electrical stimulation is acute pain relief. The theory is a gating mechanism located in the dorsal horn of the spinal chord. Another, minor mechanism is indirect stimulation of the endogenous opiate (endorphin) the release, providing pain relief. TENS is a type of electrical stimulation which has been used as a supplemental therapy to opioid analgesics for pain relief after surgery.

In addition to the effects of TENS in treating acute pain, it has been found very helpful in chronic pain problems. Studies have shown that many conditions which produce chronic pain can be successfully treated with TENS.

Electrical stimulation is frequently used following acute injuries for reducing swelling. Muscle activity through electrical stimulation is effective in increasing lymphatic and venous drainage, and thereby aid in the resolution of post-traumatic edema.

Electrical stimulation uses electrical current to provide active exercise to denervated muscles. E-stim promotes blood flow to the muscle to maintain nutrition and slow the atrophy process. In addition, it can strengthen healthy muscle, increase range of motion, promote circulation, and provide proprioceptive input. For someone with muscle spasm and tightness, TENS can decrease muscle trigger points and increase circulation.

Muscle pump mechanism also increase in circulation in the damaged area, and the temperature is also elevated, which may function to accelerate the healing process as well.

Electrical Stimulation Contraindications

Contraindications to TENS are few with only a small amount of adverse events having been reported in the literature:

1. Pregnancy (effects not been established yet)
2. Pacemaker
3. Undiagnosed pain
4. Skin diseases
5. Do not use it over the eyes and carotid sinuses