What is Electric Stim Good for?

Electrical Stim therapy is a common form of therapy we use at Back & Body here in Springfield. It is a simple device (you can buy consumer versions at local pharmacies) that had several electrodes which are placed at strategic points on a patient’s body where they are in pain. The device is switched on and a gentle electric pulse is applied to the body. This pulse helps disrupt the pain signals between the nerves and the brain, providing temporary relief.

It’s particularly useful for muscular issues, such as strains or if muscles have been overworked in providing support to injured joints.

The shocks from the device are very minimal and do not hurt. You will feel a tingling sensation and most probably feel a good deal of relief as the unit helps your pain. These TENs units are very useful when applying other forms of treatment as they can help relax muscles so that other therapies such as chiropractic or physical therapy can be more effective.

Here are some of the conditions these TENs units can help manage as part of an overall treatment package:

Chronic pains

These include fibromyalgia, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. As mentioned earlier, the TENS unit can block pain signals from reaching the brain, so while a person suffering from any of the conditions included is attached to a TENS unit, the pains cease and relief can be experienced.

Post-surgery injury pains

The goal is to provide temporary relief and promote faster healing around the injured body part. Most athletes nowadays who have undergone surgery for fractures, ACL, and other conditions typically undergo EST for pain management.

Bell’s Palsy

This is paralysis of the facial nerve, causing muscular weakness in one side of the face, which is known to also alter the symmetry of facial features. This is usually caused by a weakened autoimmune system. EST can help outwork the effects of this condition along with a collection of other treatments.

Stroke

It often leads to temporary paralysis which is treated through a rehabilitative program. EST is a component that can help prevent muscle atrophy through aided blood circulation, and restore strength and mobility.

Vitalstim

This is known as difficulty in swallowing that can be aided by EST. This difficulty in swallowing can spawn other health woes such as pneumonia, choking, and dehydration, but with Electrical Stimulation Therapy as part of the treatment, the problem is eased significantly.

If you are in pain, by all means purchase one from your local pharmacy, they are good to provide temporary relief. If your pain is constant, please come in to see us and we can evaluate you and tailor make a treatment plan for you, which most likely will include our own stim therapy as well.

Dr David Perna DC, CCSP, CCEP

Dr. David Perna DC, CCSP, CCEP is the founder and practice overseer at Back and Body Pain Relief in Springfield, NJ. A graduate of Life University Summa Cum Laude, Dr. Perna holds certifications in Active Release Technique (ART), Graston, SFMA, Neuro-Diagnostics (NCV/EMG), and Manipulation Under Anesthesia, among others. He is a Board Certified Sports Physician, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a United States Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Volunteer.

A competing athlete himself — a 2x Ironman 70.3 finisher with a background in Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, and martial arts – Dr. Perna brings firsthand athletic experience to his patient care.

He has treated presidents, royalty, diplomats, and professional athletes across MMA, baseball, tennis, and football, and has appeared on Dr. Oz demonstrating chiropractic therapies. His approach is diagnostic-first, combining evidence-based chiropractic care with rehabilitation to help patients get out of pain and back to full function.