Muscle Spasms And Tightness
Ever notice that when you’re exercising or working, all of a sudden your leg starts getting tight or you start having a spasm in your hand, foot, or back? These minor annoyances might just be a random occurrence, possibly because you’re dehydrated or that muscle is being overused and generally stop on their own. However, if they start occurring more frequently they might be a sign of a potential problem. Here at United Rehab Physical Therapy in Shirley, our physical therapists will work with you to determine what is causing these issues and will come up with an effective treatment plan that will correct the problem.
Our therapists at United Rehab Physical Therapy in Shirley, will evaluate the cause of the spasms and tightness and from there create a treatment plan that bests works for the patient. If the spasm and tightness is very mild where it isn’t causing the patient any discomfort, moist heat treatments may be the most effective treatment and will be used during numerous sessions. However, if the heat doesn’t seem to be working by itself your therapists will introduce electrical muscle stimulation(TENS,IFT,EMS) as part of your treatment as well as continuing with the moist heat.
What is electrical muscle stimulation(TENS,IFT,EMS)?
(TENS) also referred to as Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, (EMS) is referred to as Electrical Muscle Stimulation, both of these devices use low voltage electrical impulses to stimulate the muscles. Though they use the same type of system they target two different parts of the body. TENS stimulates nerves by targeting the nerves. It prevents the pain signals from reaching the brain, while EMS targets the muscles by mimicking the central nervous system, this causes the muscles to contract. (IFT) also referred to as Interferential Therapy, this form of therapy uses mid-frequency electrical stimulus to remove muscle sprains, spasms, and strains. IFT, unlike TENS AND EMS, works differently. Instead of stimulating the muscles it creates a massaging effect on the affected area. IFT also causes the body to naturally release endorphins and enkephalins which in turn reduces the amount of pain.
Based on the symptoms and where the patient is experiencing pain our therapists at United Rehab Physical Therapy in Shirley, will evaluate the patient and from there will determine which device will provide the most relief for them.
If you are experiencing muscle tightness and spasms that don’t reside on their own feel free to contact our physical therapy in Shirley office to make an appointment. We look forward to seeing you.
