Electrical stimulation (e-stim)
Sticky pads on the skin deliver a mild electrical pulse to the muscles around a sore area.
What it is
Electrical stimulation, or e-stim, uses a small device and adhesive pads placed on the skin. The device sends a mild electrical pulse into the muscles beneath the pads.
There are no needles. It is often used before or after an adjustment while you rest on the table.
Who it may help
- People with sore or tight muscles in the back or neck
- People easing back into activity after a strain
Every patient is different. Dr. Hua will tell you after the exam whether this is a good fit for you.
What a session is like
Pads are placed around the sore area. The level is turned up slowly until you feel a tingling or gentle pulsing.
It usually runs 10 to 15 minutes, often with a warm or cool pack.
Questions patients ask
- Does e-stim hurt?
- No. It should feel like tingling or tapping. If it feels sharp, the level is turned down.
- Who should not have e-stim?
- People with pacemakers or certain implanted devices, and pads are not placed over the abdomen during pregnancy. Tell us about any devices before your visit.
- Can I use a home TENS unit instead?
- Some people do. Ask Dr. Hua if you want guidance on pad placement for home use.