ServicesPain & spasm relief

Electromuscular Stimulation

Gentle electrical current that calms muscle spasm, boosts circulation, and takes the edge off during acute recovery.

10-15min per area

Electromuscular stimulation (e-stim) uses low-level electrical current delivered through skin-safe electrode pads to modulate pain signals and relax over-contracted muscle.

It’s a workhorse recovery modality, especially useful in the first days after an acute injury, following an adjustment when the surrounding muscle is fighting back, or during rehab when a muscle is refusing to fire.

How it works

Inside a electromuscular stimulation session.

Place the pads

Skin-safe adhesive electrodes are placed on either side of the target muscle or nerve pathway.

Set the mode

Depending on the goal we choose sensory-level (TENS for pain) or motor-level (EMS for muscle activation) settings.

Modulate signals

The current interrupts pain-signal transmission and drives fresh blood into the treatment area.

Retest and layer

We reassess range of motion and pair the session with adjusting, stretching, or manual soft-tissue work.

Why patients ask for it

What you can expect to feel.

Interrupts pain signals for immediate relief
Reduces protective muscle spasm
Boosts local circulation to speed tissue healing
Non-drug, non-invasive, comfortable for most patients
Helps re-recruit muscles that have ‘shut off’ after injury
Pairs well with adjustments and manual therapy

Is it right for you?

Who this helps.

Great for

Acute or chronic muscle spasm
Post-injury pain and swelling in the first 48-72 hours
Lingering pain after chiropractic care alone
Muscle inhibition after surgery or immobilization
Rehab plateaus where a muscle isn’t firing well

Not right when

Cardiac pacemakers or implanted electrical devices
Open wounds, active infection, or skin breakdown in the pad area
Pregnancy (over the abdomen or low back)

If any of these apply we’ll build a plan around a different modality, and we’ll tell you why.

What to expect

Your first session.

Duration

10-15 min per treated area

Frequency

2-3 times per week during acute phases

Prep

Wear something that gives access to the area we’re treating.

You’ll feel a mild tingling or a rhythmic tapping sensation, adjusted to your comfort. Most patients find it deeply relaxing. Effects on pain and spasm are often felt during the session and last for hours afterward.

FAQ

Common questions.

Does it hurt?

No. You control the intensity with our guidance, it should feel strong but comfortable, never sharp or burning.

How is TENS different from EMS?

TENS uses sensory-level current to interrupt pain signals. EMS uses motor-level current to actually contract the muscle. We use whichever fits your goal that day.

Can I use one at home?

Home units are useful for pain management but can’t replace the in-office version paired with adjustment and manual therapy. We’re happy to guide home use.

Pairs well with