Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation is a therapeutic modality commonly used in the rehabilitation of injuries or immobilized muscles. There are various types of electrical units and the most common are transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), high-voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation (HVPGS), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), interferential current (IFC), low-intensity stimulation (LIS), and iontophoresis. Most units are battery powered and are small enough to be worn by the patient. Electrodes are placed on the skin over the injured area and patients can experience a range of sensations that include mild to strong tingling, burning, or muscle contraction. These various units are used to decrease pain, reeducate muscles, promote wound and fracture healing, increase blood flow, stimulate nerve regeneration, facilitate absorption of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or anesthetic drugs, and increase range-of-motion and muscle strength.