Call us: (541) 343-3477
Para Español Presione Aquí
Aspen Chiropractic of EugeneAspen Chiropractic of EugeneAspen Chiropractic of EugeneAspen Chiropractic of Eugene
  • About Us
  • Services & Techniques
    • Active Release Technique
    • Auto Accidents
    • Chiropractic Care for Children
    • Electrotherapy
    • Massage Therapy
    • Physical Therapy
    • Spinal Decompression
    • Sports Injuries
    • Work Injuries
  • New Patient Center
  • Reviews
  • Contact Us

Electrotherapy in Eugene, OR

Providing QUALITY, GENTLE & EFFECTIVE care to Lane County.

We rely on electricity every day to light our homes and use appliances. With all its run-of-the-mill uses, you may have never considered that electricity could be used to reduce acute and chronic pain. How is electricity used to lessen pain? Electrotherapy directly blocks pain signals and encourages the body to release its own natural painkillers (endorphins).

Electrotherapy Uses and Benefits

The American Physical Therapy Association recognizes the use of electrotherapy for:

  • Pain management
  • Treatment of neuromuscular dysfunction
  • Tissue repair
  • Improving joint mobility
  • Treatment of edema (both acute and chronic)
  • Treatment of fecal and urinary incontinence
  • Treating abnormal peripheral blood flow
  • Treatment of atrophy

However, electrotherapy is mainly used by chiropractors to relax muscles, prevent muscle spasms, reduce pain, increase blood circulation, rehabilitate muscles and improve range of motion.

Electrotherapy Devices

There are three different stimulation devices that emit electricity, and each generates its own waveforms, frequencies and effects. All of the mechanisms employ electrical stimulation to muscles and nerves through adhesive pads, which are placed on the skin.

  1. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Of the three, this is the most commonly used device. The intensity of the stimulation can be adjusted from low (<Hz) to high (60-200 Hz). High frequency stimulation may be bearable for hours, but pain relief does not last long. Low frequency stimulation, on the other hand, may only be tolerable for up to 30 minutes, but pain relief lasts longer. The electrodes — which emit alternating current — can be placed near the region of pain, over the area of pain, on the opposite side of the body or over the nerve transmitting pain.
  2. Interferential current (IFC). This particular device is often used when users have not gotten any relief from TENS. It uses a high frequency (4000 Hz) carrier waveform with the similar signal and alternating current generated by the TENS unit, except the waveform with the IFC pierces the skin and muscles much deeper.

What Does Treatment Feel Like?

As the intensity increases, the patient will feel a tingling sensation on the skin, or the sensation will be reminiscent of a deep massage if the device is being used to penetrate and treat the muscles. All of this is normal.

What Are the Side Effects?

Though side effects are uncommon, they can occur. They may include:

  • Allergic reaction
  • Cardiac arrhythmia in patients with heart problems or a pacemaker
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fetal damage if the woman is pregnant and the pads are placed over the uterus

TENS can be used in-home. These devices are powered by batteries, but may also come with an adapter to allow it to be plugged into an outlet. To reduce your risk of side effects and to reduce your chance of injury, it is best to consult with your chiropractor prior to use. He or she can show you how to properly use the device, can test the device out to see which intensity works best for you and can explain safety guidelines. For instance, electrodes should never be placed over the heart, throat, uterus (if pregnant), open wounds or areas of irritation.

To find out more, please contact our office.

Schedule Your FREE Evaluation Today.

Your Information:

Appointment Details:

Services

We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

Learn More

What To Expect

In some ways, one could say that chiropractic care is a bit like building a house… Learn more about what to expect here.

Learn More

Para Español Presione Aquí

Estamos entusiasmados de poder ofrecer un personal que habla Español para servir mejor a la comunidad hispana.

Aprende más

Be sure to follow us for special promotions

Contact Us Today

Phone: (541) 343-3477
Fax: (541) 343-3473

Our Location

305 West 7th Ave
Eugene, OR 97401

Office Hours

Monday: 10:00 - 6:30
Tuesday: 2:30 - 6:30
Wednesday: 10:00 - 6:30
Thursday: 2:30 - 6:30
Friday: 10:00 - 6:30

Lunch break from 12:00 - 2:30 every day

Copyright 2017 | All Rights Reserved | Designed by JustUs Chiropractic Marketing
  • About Us
  • Services & Techniques
    • Active Release Technique
    • Auto Accidents
    • Chiropractic Care for Children
    • Electrotherapy
    • Massage Therapy
    • Physical Therapy
    • Spinal Decompression
    • Sports Injuries
    • Work Injuries
  • New Patient Center
  • Reviews
  • Contact Us
Aspen Chiropractic of Eugene