Electric Muscle Stimulation (ESTIM) in Chiropractic Care: Everything You Need to Know  

Electric muscle stimulation is a method of chiropractic care where electric currents are sent through your muscles to make them contract better. It is an effective therapeutic method with numerous health benefits including  reduction of swelling, pain control, and muscle toning. 

But does the thought of sending electric currents through your body still seem new and confusing to you? Let’s dive into the details of what electric muscle stimulation is and how getting regular ESTIM therapy sessions by a chiropractor can help you manage pain and become stronger.

What is electric muscle stimulation? 

Mainly used for muscle strengthening and recovery, electric muscle stimulation (ESTIM) is a physical therapy that helps muscles contract better. When the muscle contraction in your body is enhanced, it helps you control pain in a better way, increase physical functioning, manage inflammation and build your strength.

Under normal circumstances, when you maximally contract your muscles, only 30% of the total muscle fibres at most are in a state of contraction. The remaining 70% are mostly dormant and will only become active when the current contracting fibres start fatiguing. With ESTIM, it becomes possible to electrically stimulate these resting muscles and contract them which, in turn, improves strength. 

ESTIM can help in orthopedic physical therapy to stimulate muscles in order to make them stronger and to encourage blood circulation. It can also be used in case of spinal cord injuries and other neuromuscular issues.

Electric muscle stimulation can increase spinal joint stability as it helps more muscles contract. Regular treatments through ESTIM can lead to an increase in muscle strength and endurance, which is the total number of times a muscle can contract before it fatigues.

With ESTIM therapy, it is possible to increase blood circulation and swelling since it enhances inflammation control and tissue healing in your body. It also helps block nerve transmission in the spinal cord which in turn reduces pain sensations. Apart from ESTIM sessions on regular intervals, your chiropractor might also give you some exercises to do at home after your sessions to promote overall healing. 

What does an electric muscle stimulation treatment include?

The electrodes form an electric stimulation machine are taken and placed around the affected areas of the body. These electrodes can be placed on the skin, muscles, or on implantations. Though, if you are suffering from neck or back issues, then the electrodes can be placed on the skin only.

The right placement of electrodes is usually determined by the chiropractor depending on the reason for the treatment and how superficial or deep they want the current to enter the body. The way that your muscles change shape after they are exposed is also a big factor in determining how the electrodes are placed on the body. 

Usually, chiropractors adjust the intensity of the electric stimulation machine up to a point where you get a slight prickly sensation which is noticeable but not very intense. In most cases, electric stimulation sessions usually last 10-15 minutes. However, the exact duration is determined by the chiropractor depending on how your body responds to the stimulation.

The benefits of electric muscle stimulation

Faster recovery

Electric muscle stimulation helps promote blood flow to the injured area which in turn quickens the healing process. When you have an injury that is preventing movement in a specific part of the body, electric muscle stimulation can help contract more muscles and improve movement. The idea is to allow weaker muscles to build strength and tone before further physical therapy.

With ESTIM, the link between muscle movements and brain is also strengthened which allows you to return to your original strength faster and also enables you to perform more difficult exercises with ease. 

Prevents muscle atrophy

Muscle atrophy is the decrease in the mass of the muscles due to shrinking or weakening. It can be an injury or a disease making it difficult for you to move an arm or a leg. With electric muscle stimulation, it is possible to slow down muscle atrophy by contracting and stimulating weak muscles through low levels of current coming from the ESTIM machine. 

This is especially helpful in cases where patients are facing muscle atrophy due to hospitalization and confined movement as ESTIM can keep muscles active even when the person can’t activate them. 

More relaxation

ESTIM sessions can be incredibly relaxing for people and have the same benefits as that of a massage therapy since both of them help release tension in the muscles and promote blood flow. 

Just like massage therapy, ESTIM also improves mood by producing more endorphins. The blood flow promoted by contracted muscles relieves pain in the body as well. Like a deep tissue massage, electric muscle stimulation can relax the muscles and lower stress hormones. 

Increases athletic performance

Most professional athletes often use muscle stimulation after they undergo vigorous physical activities. By using electric muscle stimulation, they are able to reduce swelling which in turn leaves their muscles feeling more energized and stronger. It also helps minimize the soreness that athletes might otherwise face after a vigorous exercise which can also affect their performance. 

Regularly using electrical muscle stimulation relieves muscle stiffness and helps prevent injuries. The low levels of current form the ESTIM machines keep the muscles warm even when they aren’t being used in any physical activity.

Discover the effectiveness of electric muscle stimulation at our chiropractic clinic

There are several benefits to electric muscle stimulation ranging from promoting relaxation to relieving stress, and healing injuries.

Call us today at 678-505-0000 to book a 15-minute free consultation with one of our expert chiropractors, who will study your issue and help you improve your quality of life that you deserve. Once the therapy starts, many patients see results as soon as the first visit.