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Electrical Stimulation

Electrical Stimulation

Physical agent modalities (PAMs), such as the use of electrical stimulation, are used in hand & upper extremity therapy to prepare tissues to receive the best benefit of the therapeutic activities that follow (mobility, strengthening, manual therapy techniques).  PAMs help
  • reduce swelling and inflammation
  • reduce pain and muscle spasm
  • decrease joint stiffness
  • improve scar mobility
  • enhance joint mobility and muscle performance
  • promote tissue healing.
Depending upon the goal of treatment, hand therapists can use a variety of electrical stimulation units to enhance rehab goas.  An electrical stimulation modality is simply a piece of equipment that is designed to take ordinary electrical currents and convert them to produce a specific physiologic effect on the human body.  Some of the more commonly used types of electrical stimulation applications include:
  • A TENS unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) - uses an alternating current to stimulate sensory nerves which reduces pain.
  • A Galvanic Stimulater - uses alternating current to reduce swelling.
  • A NMES unit (Neuromuscular Electrical Stim) - uses electrical currents to create a stronger muscular contraction for strengthening or to reduce wasting or atrophy of the muscle.
  • An Iontophoresis unit - uses low voltage, direct current to drive a medication through the skin.



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