Are you suffering from a soft tissue injury that won’t seem to heal? Dr. Matthew Atkinson and the team at Atkinson Family Spine Care in Greenwood, SC, offer electrical muscle stimulation to help.

Guide to Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Recovering from soft tissue injuries can be a long road, especially as they are constantly in use as you move throughout your day. They can cause a great deal of suffering without any clear signs of relief. Dr. Atkinson and the team at Atkinson Family Spine Care in Greenwood, SC, share one of several soft tissue therapies they use to assist in recovery called electrical muscle stimulation. Learn how this treatment technique works and its benefits below.

What Is Electrical Muscle Stimulation?

Electrical muscle stimulation is also known as EMS or E-stim. It involves placing electrodes on target areas which deliver small electrical pulses to the muscles in that area. These pulses cause the muscle to contract, leading to several benefits.

• It relieves tension and inflammation in the muscles.
• It calms muscle spasms.
• It promotes the production of endorphins, which are considered a natural painkiller.
• It improves blood flow to the area, stimulating natural healing.
• It can block pain signals to the brain.
• It strengthens target muscles, keeping them strong as you rehab from your injury.
• It speeds up recovery, helping you get back to your pre-injury self faster.

Many people who have heard of this treatment wonder if there is any pain involved. EMS is not intended to cause pain. It does create a tingling sensation, but the sensation is mild and typically subsides as soon as treatment is over. However, if there is any pain or the sensation seems too intense, don’t hesitate to let your chiropractor know.

EMS is not typically used as a standalone treatment. It’s combined with other effective treatment methods to help you achieve optimal recovery as fast as possible.

What Is EMS Used to Treat?

Thanks to its effectiveness, EMS is used in treatment plans for a variety of symptoms and conditions. These include but are not limited to:

• Joint pain
• Chronic back pain
• Chronic neck pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Sprains and strains

Soft tissue injuries, in general, can benefit from EMS. It’s also provided to athletes to both recover from injuries and speed up post-workout recovery.

Learn more about electrical muscle stimulation and how it can benefit you by visiting Dr. Atkinson and the team at Atkinson Family Spine Care in Greenwood, SC. Call (864) 381-7567 to schedule your appointment today.