How to Use E-Stim

E-stim, short for electrical stimulation, has many applications in the fields of medicine, physical and sports therapy and athletic training. It can be used to treat pain, reduce swelling, help injured muscles recovery, stimulate muscles and treat spasticity in people with neurologically based conditions. Electrical current, applied by specialized units via electrodes on the skin, cause muscles to contract. This is a simple way to build muscle. There are two primary types of electrical stimulation units used for most medical and athletic purposes: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential current.

Things You'll Need

• Electrical stimulation unit
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton ball
• Blow-dryer
• Connecting lead wires
• Clean electrodes
• Timer

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Instructions

• 1

  Seeing a doctor is a necessary first step before proceeding with electrical stimulation therapy.

  Consult a physician to determine whether you are a good candidate for electrical stimulation therapy. This is a necessary step because there are several health conditions that need to be ruled out before you can do e-stim safely. If you do not have an e-stim unit, a prescription is needed for insurance coverage.

• 2

  A therapist or trainer can help evaluate the efficacy of e-stim therapy for your specific needs.

  Make an appointment with a physical therapist or certified athletic trainer with electrical stimulation training. If you are using an older e-stim unit, these professionals will check the unit to make sure it is emitting electrical current in beneficial doses. They also will identify the size of electrodes needed and their exact placement to benefit your specific needs, advise you on current settings and tell you how frequently to use e-stim to achieve your goals.

• 3

  Wash and dry your hands also before handling electrodes to minimize the accumulation of body oils on the electrode adhesives.

  Clean the skin surface where the electrodes will be placed using rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. Dry the area briefly with a blow-dryer. This will prevent any lint being left behind, extending the life of your electrodes. Also wash and dry your hands.

• 4

  Proper placement of the electrodes is critical.

  Place the electrodes on your skin as directed by the therapist or trainer. Electrodes should be positioned to enable the current to pass through the painful area or along the nerves leading from the pain.

• 5

  Adjust the unit for electrical current specifications. The settings determine whether the current will result in a strong muscle contraction or a gentle one.

• 6

  Attach the e-stim lead wires to the electrodes, as specified by the therapist or trainer.

• 7

  The therapist or trainer will advise you how long your e-stim sessions should be and how frequently will be most beneficial.

  Turn on the e-stim unit and set the timer for the specified length of time.

• 8

  Turn off the unit and remove the electrodes at the end of your session. Adhere the electrodes to a clean plastic surface between uses and store them in an airtight plastic bag.