It’s Electric! (Electrical Muscle Stimulation)

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is a therapy we provide at the clinic. EMS is a common used therapy with chiropractic adjustments. The primary goal of EMS is to introduce an electrical current into the muscle tissue to cause minor muscular contraction that will increase circulation (blood flow) to the area and repair injured muscles. The electrical current also helps block pain receptors (nociceptors) from receiving painful stimulus and delivering that message to the brain. So in short, EMS is a great therapy that blocks our bodies pain signals and provides improved muscular healing and repair. Patients tend to have the best and fastest results when both the joint component and the muscular component are addressed together.

EMS is typically used prior to the chiropractic adjustment and is great to couple with hot or cold therapy. Addressing the muscular component before adjusting allows the restricted joint to move easier and further. EMS is typically done for about 8-10 minutes to provide the best results for the afflicted area. EMS has a vary precise control which allows the doctor to be able to find the proper level for the individual. With EMS, stronger is not always better. It should feel like a strong buzzing or prickly sensation but should never be painful. If you have any further questions about EMS and if it is right for your condition, make sure to ask the Doctor!