The primary method of treatment used by chiropractors comes in the form of adjustments. The patients lie on the adjustment table and the chiropractor makes small, unobtrusive adjustments to the spine. This kind of therapy ensures that any subluxations are found and corrected before they begin causing symptoms in the patient.
But there are other forms of therapy in the chiropractor’s toolbox. One such example is electrical muscle stimulation. Unlike adjustments, electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) does not focus on the vertebrae of the spine, but rather on the muscles in your body. So how does it work? The chiropractor begins by placing electrodes on the target area. After they are attached and secured, a generator delivers a few mild electrical pulses to the muscles. This causes the muscles to contract, simulating the natural response elicited by brain signals.
What are the benefits of ESM? The reality is that ESM is good for several things, including recovery, pain management, training and strengthening. It is a preventative therapy as well as a prescriptive therapy. Sometimes patients come in with unbearable pain in their neck, shoulders, back, or another appendage. ESM can quickly alleviate painful symptoms and even battle inflammation simply by producing a series of electrical responses.
Not only that, but it can be used on patients recovering from a major illness or surgery. These people tend to have varying degrees of muscle atrophy. ESM can stimulate these muscles back to life, toning and priming them as the patient regains their strength. Similarly, athletes have been known to use this type of therapy to relax their muscles, gain strengths, and improve overall performance.
The good news is that EMS has very few risks or side effects. The low voltage of the electrical pulses ensures that the therapy is safe and painless. Patients may feel a slight contraction in the target area, almost like an involuntary muscular twitch. The worst that could happen is a bit of redness or irritation on site due to the electrode adhesive. Otherwise, the only risk would be to those who have pacemakers, implants, or those who are pregnant. If you’re curious about EMS and its benefits, talk to your doctor or chiropractor and get their professional opinion. Depending on your symptoms and their severity, you may be advised to undergo this therapy. Contact us here at DiBella Chiropractic to learn more about our practice and the therapies we offer our patients or book an appointment today!
