Electric Muscle Stimulation
also known as 'Electric Stim,' 'Microcurrent Therapy' or "Interferential Electro-Therapy"
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This therapy involves low levels of electrical impulses which simulate nerve impulses delivered to the painful area. These rapid impulses fatigue the muscle tissue which, in turn, relaxes the muscle tissue allowing for greater blood circulation. This cascading effect reduces inflammation and encourages healing. Often described by patients as a pleasant, tingling sensation, these impulses also encourage the body to release natural pain relievers called endorphins.
Electro-therapy has many purposes: it can control spasms, treat acute or chronic pain, and reduce the pain from strains or sprains of the muscles, joints or soft tissues.
Cryotherapy (Ice Packs)
Cryotherapy is a fancy term for therapeutic ice compresses. This treatment method reduces the temperature of injured tissues, helps to numb the painful areas and relax muscle spasms.
The relief provided by ice packs is temporary but it is very important, especially immediately following an injury. Icing the injured muscles or ligaments reduces and/or prevents any post-trauma swelling.
At our office we have specially contoured ice packs that are designed for optimal healing, and many of our patients find icing their injuries between visits helps relieve pain.
Thermotherapy (Heat)
Our doctors often recommend the use of heat packs along with electric stim therapy as a means to relax tight or spasming muscles and relieve discomfort.
Thermotherapy is used to treat arthritis, muscle spasms and relieves tightness before an adjustment. It works by increasing blood flow (vasodilatation) to the affected area, which encourages healing.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
This type of ultrasound is very different than diagnostic ultrasound which is used , for example, in prenatal screenings. Instead, this is a therapeutic procedure that uses sound waves to treat injured muscles, and joints. The sound waves rapidly vibrate the soft tissue resulting in an effective, very safe, deep heat to the area. In many ways it is similar to a deep heated massage.
The results of therapeutic ultrasound are many which include: decreased inflammation accelerated healing, increased cellular turn over, decreased scar tissue and an "untying" of tight, knotted muscles.
Our patients really enjoy this therapy. It is very beneficial for both patients who suffer with chronic pain as well as those with recent acute injury. Ultrasound is an excellent adjunct to the chiropractic adjustment.
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