Applications of Physics in
Physical Therapy

Although they come in many shapes and sizes, essentially, an E-stim unit is an electrical device that sends currents through unbroken skin via small electrodes that target muscles. This device has a wide variety of uses within the medical field including muscle toning, muscle spasm relaxation, and pain prevention.  Within the field of physical therapy, E-stim is important for rehabilitative puposes and enhancement of the healing process.

                  
E-stim units come in various shapes and sizes.

E-stim units induce muscle contractions that are stimulated by excitation (current) produced directly at the motor nerve. Current acts just like signals sent from the brain to cause muscle contraction.

E-stim is important in medicine, physical therapy, sports medicine, even veterinary medicine.

E-stim is simple to operate. Electrodes are placed on the target muscle group area with conduction gel. The electrodes are then plugged into a power supply. The power supply emits current that in turn stimulates the muscle group.  This passive muscle stimulation is important in rehabilitational therapy, as it is a simple, easy way to build muscle.  This is important for re-education of muscles and for reintroduction of muscles after immobilization due to injury.