Electrical stimulation therapy (ESTIM) is a therapeutic treatment method that applies electrical stimulation to nerves and muscles in order to promote muscle activation, increase blood flow, decrease pain, and promote healing. The following are some of the key benefits of ESTIM:
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Pain Relief: By blocking pain signals to the brain, ESTIM can be used for pain management in conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, or pain following an injury or surgery.
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Muscle Stimulation: ESTIM can stimulate muscles that are not being used due to injury or illness, preventing muscle atrophy and promoting muscle tone and strength.
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Increased Circulation: The electrical currents enhance blood flow, which can speed up healing and recovery processes.
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Reduced Swelling: By improving lymphatic flow, ESTIM can help reduce swelling, particularly following injury.
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Facilitate Movement: ESTIM can facilitate motor function in individuals with paralysis or severe muscle weakness.
ESTIM can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
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Chronic pain
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Acute pain
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Post-surgical pain and swelling
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Muscle weakness or atrophy
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Nerve dysfunction
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Arthritis
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Fibromyalgia
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Diabetic neuropathy
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Sports injuries
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Stroke recovery
Chiropractors use ESTIM as part of a holistic treatment approach. They might use it to alleviate muscle spasm, which often accompanies joint misalignment. By applying electrical currents, chiropractors can help to relax the muscles, making manual adjustment of the spine easier and more effective.
Furthermore, ESTIM is often used in conjunction with other therapies in a chiropractic setting, like heat or cold therapy, massage, and stretching exercises, to enhance their overall benefits.