Other Modalities

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical Stimulation can be utilized for pain management, aiding edema/swelling reduction, or improving muscle control and strength. The most common form of electrical stimulation is TENS (these are often the hand-held units you see advertised on TV or in the malls). Different types of electrical stimulation (E-stim) work on our bodies differently; however, generally it works via stimulating either the blood vessels around the affected area to help to bring blood flow and stimulate the healing process, or by over-stimulating the nerve endings to cause a temporary deadening of the pain. Physical therapists use very specific types of electrical stimulation to potentially speed up the healing process.


Ultrasound is a device that delivers sound waves into the body. This brings blood flow to the area to stimulate healing. In the acute stages of injury it can be used to decreased inflammation in a joint, muscle or ligament. In later stages it can be used to heat an area for mobilization or to relax muscles. As a result, it decreases pain.


Ultrasound increases blood circulation and reduces chronic pain.
