Electric Stimulation Therapy for Hand & Wrist Injury
Electric Stimulation, commonly referred to by hand doctors and physical therapists as “EStim”, is a type of therapy that uses electrical currents. These currents simulate the same electrical currents produced within the body during exercise or movement.
When EStim electrical currents stimulate the nerves, it helps restore the ability to perform common movements, such as grasping or pinching. While EStim alone can offer therapeutic benefits, it is typically most effective when combined with physical therapy.
What is Electric Stimulation Therapy
Electric Stimulation Therapy (EStim) is a therapeutic modality that utilizes electrical currents to stimulate nerves and muscles, promoting pain relief, muscle strengthening, and tissue healing. EStim works by delivering controlled electrical impulses to specific areas of the body through electrodes placed on the skin. These electrical impulses mimic the body’s natural nerve signals, triggering muscle contractions and promoting circulation, which can accelerate the healing process.
Various types of EStim technologies are available, including Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), High Voltage Stimulation (HVS), and Interferential Current (IFC), each with its own unique mechanisms and applications.
What Conditions do Hand Doctors use Electric Stimulation Therapy for?
ESttim therapy is frequently used for patients that have paralysis or immobility of the hand or wrist. Electrodes are placed on the affected area. The hand doctor or physical therapist will generally start out using a low-grade stimulation and continually increase as you move through the therapy process. In addition to stimulating the nerves and muscles, it also increases and promotes blood supply to the area, which helps the healing process.
EStim therapy is commonly used in the management of a wide range of hand and wrist injuries, including acute trauma, overuse injuries, and postoperative rehabilitation. It is particularly beneficial for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, ligament sprains, fractures, and nerve injuries.
EStim can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve muscle strength and coordination, increase range of motion, and enhance tissue healing, making it an effective adjunctive treatment option for hand and wrist injuries. EStim treatment is often used in conjunction with other modalities to provide a comprehensive therapeutic solution to injuries and chronic conditions.
Does Electric Stimulation Therapy Hurt?
Electrical Stimulation is completely non-invasive, and while it may sound scary, it is actually a very gentle treatment for many complex injuries. Most patients feel only a mild “tingling” sensation.
In fact, not only does electronic stimulation help heal, it can also help reduce pain through stimulating sensory nerves using a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation unit or a “TENS” Unit. TENS Units are great for patients with chronic conditions such as arthritis and carpal tunnel, as they provide relief while also providing stimulation.
Types of Electrical Stimulation Used by Hand Doctors
There are actually several different types of electrical stimulation therapy that can be used to treat injuries of the hand, wrist, and other parts of the body.
These includes TENs, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), Interferential Current (IFC). Top Oakland county hand doctor Uzma Rehman will determine the best EStim therapy for your specific needs, and the gains that can be expected for your individual condition and therapy plan.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
TENS delivers low-voltage electrical impulses to the surface of the skin, targeting sensory nerves to alleviate pain. TENS therapy is often used for the management of acute and chronic pain associated with conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and nerve injuries.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
NMES delivers electrical impulses directly to muscles, causing them to contract and relax, which can help strengthen weak muscles and improve muscle coordination. NMES therapy is commonly used in the rehabilitation of hand and wrist injuries, including tendon and ligament injuries, to restore muscle function and mobility.
High Voltage Stimulation (HVS)
HVS delivers high-frequency electrical impulses to deeper tissues, targeting pain relief and tissue healing. HVS therapy is often used in the management of acute and chronic pain associated with soft tissue injuries, fractures, and postoperative recovery.
Interferential Current (IFC)
IFC involves the use of two medium-frequency electrical currents that intersect and create a therapeutic interference pattern within the tissues. IFC therapy is effective for pain relief, muscle stimulation, and promoting circulation, making it beneficial for a variety of hand and wrist injuries, including tendonitis, arthritis, and nerve entrapment syndromes.
Top Oakland County Hand Doctor
Electric Stimulation Therapy (EStim) is a versatile and effective treatment modality for a wide range of hand and wrist injuries, offering pain relief, muscle strengthening, and tissue healing benefits. Top Oakland County board certified hand doctor Uzma Rehman will determine which of the different types of EStim technologies – including TENS, NMES, HVS, and IFC – will provide the most effective, targeted therapeutic effects for your specific needs – as part of a comprehensive hand and wrist rehabilitation programs.
If you are suffering from an injury or pain in your fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact board certified Oakland County hand doctor Uzma Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat conditions of the hand, wrist and arm.
Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.
