At Advanced Spine & Rehab in Mesa, AZ (85206), chiropractors utilize electrical stimulation therapy to support pain reduction, enhance muscle recovery, and promote natural healing. This therapy uses controlled electrical impulses to decrease inflammation, improve circulation, and prevent muscle atrophy following injury or trauma. The complete staff of medical professionals at Advanced Spine & Rehab are trained in the latest chiropractic treatment techniques, ensuring patients receive safe, effective, and evidence-based care tailored to their individual needs.
Who Should Not Use Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation therapy is generally safe but may not be appropriate for everyone. Individuals with pacemakers or implanted electrical devices, those who are pregnant (especially over the abdominal area), or have active infections, cancerous lesions, or open wounds in the treatment area should avoid this therapy. Additionally, patients with impaired sensation or circulation issues should be carefully evaluated before use to ensure safety and prevent complications. Proper screening ensures the most effective and secure care.
What Does Electrical Stimulation Do to Nerves
Electrical stimulation works by sending gentle electrical impulses through the skin to target specific nerves. These impulses disrupt pain signals traveling to the brain, providing relief from acute or chronic discomfort. Additionally, stimulation can activate sensory and motor nerves, improving muscle tone, reducing spasms, and enhancing local blood flow. Over time, this process supports neuromuscular re-education, helping nerves and muscles communicate more effectively during rehabilitation or after injury.
What is the Difference Between TENS and Electrical Stimulation
While both therapies use electrical currents, they serve different purposes. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) primarily targets sensory nerves to block pain signals and provide temporary pain relief. Electrical stimulation (E-Stim), on the other hand, can also engage motor nerves, causing controlled muscle contractions that aid in strengthening, circulation, and recovery. In clinical settings, E-Stim is often used for rehabilitation and tissue repair, whereas TENS is typically applied for pain management at home or in-office.
How Long Should You Use a TENS Unit
The appropriate duration for using a TENS unit depends on the condition being treated and individual tolerance. Typically, sessions last between 15 to 30 minutes, up to two to three times per day as recommended by a healthcare professional. Prolonged or excessive use may cause skin irritation or reduced effectiveness. It’s essential to follow prescribed guidelines, adjust intensity comfortably, and periodically rest the skin to ensure both safety and optimal therapeutic benefit.
Does TENS Unit Promote Healing
A TENS unit primarily provides pain relief rather than directly accelerating tissue healing. Stimulating sensory nerves helps reduce pain perception, allowing muscles to relax and improving overall comfort. While this indirect effect can create a better environment for healing by reducing muscle tension and improving circulation, TENS itself does not repair tissues. For true tissue regeneration or neuromuscular recovery, other forms of electrical stimulation—such as EMS or interferential therapy—are typically more effective.
Symptoms That May Indicate the Need for Chiropractic Care with Electrical Stimulation
Muscle Spasms and Tightness
Persistent or painful muscle contractions often occur after strain, poor posture, or injury. Electrical stimulation helps relax these muscles, restore normal tone, and improve blood flow, reducing discomfort and promoting mobility during rehabilitation.
Chronic or Acute Back Pain
Back pain from disc issues, spinal misalignment, or muscle tension can benefit from electrical stimulation, which interrupts pain signals and enhances muscle support around the spine. This helps reduce inflammation and restore function for long-term relief.
Neck Pain and Stiffness
Caused by poor ergonomics, whiplash, or stress-related tension, neck pain limits range of motion. Electrical stimulation reduces nerve irritation, relieves stiffness, and improves circulation to affected tissues, promoting faster recovery and easing discomfort.
Post-Injury or Post-Surgical Weakness
After trauma or surgery, muscles often weaken due to inactivity or nerve disruption. Electrical stimulation reactivates these muscles, improving strength, coordination, and circulation to speed recovery and support proper healing.
Nerve Pain or Tingling (Neuropathy)
Conditions like pinched nerves or peripheral neuropathy cause tingling, numbness, or burning sensations. Electrical stimulation modulates nerve activity, reducing abnormal signals and providing soothing relief while enhancing nerve function and comfort.
Medical Causes of Symptoms Requiring Chiropractic Care with Electrical Stimulation
Herniated or Bulging Disc
Disc displacement compresses spinal nerves, causing back or neck pain, muscle spasms, and tingling sensations that respond well to chiropractic care and electrical stimulation.
Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain
Overuse, lifting injuries, or sudden movements cause soft tissue damage, resulting in pain, inflammation, and restricted mobility that benefit from therapeutic stimulation.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Gradual spinal disc wear leads to chronic pain, stiffness, and nerve irritation; electrical stimulation helps manage discomfort and improve muscle support around the spine.
Sciatica
Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve causes radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Electrical stimulation can reduce inflammation and nerve sensitivity.
Whiplash Injury
Sudden neck motion from accidents strains muscles and ligaments, producing stiffness and pain. Electrical stimulation promotes circulation, reduces spasms, and supports tissue healing.
Medical Treatments for Conditions Requiring Electrical Stimulation
Chiropractic Adjustments
Realigns the spine to relieve nerve compression, improve mobility, and restore proper joint function, helping reduce pain and promote long-term musculoskeletal balance.
Electrical Stimulation Therapy
Uses controlled electrical impulses to decrease pain, enhance circulation, and strengthen weakened muscles, accelerating recovery and improving nerve and muscle communication.
Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation
Customized stretching and strengthening programs restore range of motion, prevent re-injury, and support spinal stability for improved posture and functional recovery.
Massage and Soft Tissue Therapy
Targets muscle tension, adhesions, and trigger points to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation and healing of soft tissue structures.
Ultrasound Therapy
Delivers deep heat through sound waves to soft tissues, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and stimulating cellular repair for enhanced tissue healing.
Summary
Electrical stimulation is a valuable chiropractic therapy that aids in pain reduction, muscle recovery, and nerve re-education. It’s especially beneficial for patients with muscle spasms, back or neck pain, nerve irritation, or post-injury weakness. Combined with chiropractic adjustments, exercise, massage, and ultrasound therapy, it supports holistic healing and restores function. By improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair, electrical stimulation enhances recovery outcomes and contributes to long-term spinal health and overall physical well-being.
Meet The Professional Staff
At Advanced Spine & Rehab in the Phoenix East Valley, we invite you to experience the highest level of individualized care delivered with compassion, understanding, and integrity. Our team is dedicated to creating a calm, welcoming environment where you can relax and focus on healing. We take the time to understand your unique needs and provide effective, evidence-based treatments designed to restore function, reduce pain, and enhance your quality of life. Let us guide you on your road to recovery with expert, personalized care.