How Does Electrotherapy Work?
What is Electrotherapy?
Electrotherapy is the practice of using electronic stimulation to help the body heal and recover after it has been damaged. By using electrotherapy, many specialists believe they can help control pain and help start the healing process as well help people heal faster.
How It's Done: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
The most common form of electrotherapy is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS. TENS uses small electrodes that can be fastened to the skin. The therapist administering the treatment can then adjust the amount of electricity that flows through the electrodes by a dial on the TENS machine. This allows the therapist to adjust the level of electricity to the comfort level and treatment level of the client.
How It Works: Healing
Electrotherapy works to heal in two main ways: reducing swelling (edema) and increasing the blood flow (circulation) to the affected area. The reduced swelling allows more blood to rush to the areas that need healing. This also increases the circulation of the affected area. This increased blood flow allows oxygen and nutrients as well as healer cells of the body to start working on repairing the damaged tissue.
How It Works: Pain Management
Electrotherapy works in pain management in two ways as well. Inside your body are large amounts of nerve cells and nerve pathways. These allow the brain to send signals to the body and the body to send signals to the brain. One of these signals is pain. Electrotherapy works by interrupting the signal for pain, keeping you from feeling it. Electrotherapy also activates the body to produce endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that act as your body's natural pain killers.
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