Name of the Procedure:

Application of a Modality to 1 or More Areas; Electrical Stimulation (Manual), Each 15 Minutes Common name: Manual Electrical Stimulation

Summary

Manual electrical stimulation is a therapeutic procedure that involves using electrical currents to stimulate muscles and nerves. The therapy is manually applied by a healthcare professional over one or several body areas for 15-minute sessions.

Purpose

This procedure is utilized to alleviate pain, reduce muscle spasms, improve circulation, and promote tissue healing. It is often applied in physical therapy or rehabilitation settings.

Indications

• Muscle pain or spasms
• Joint or soft tissue injuries
• Nerve pain conditions such as neuropathy
• Post-surgical recovery to enhance healing and reduce stiffness
• Rehabilitation in conditions such as stroke or spinal cord injuries

Preparation

• Patients may need to wear loose, comfortable clothing to access the treatment areas.
• It is generally advisable to inform the healthcare provider of any metal implants or cardiac devices.
• No specific fasting or medication adjustments are typically required unless specified by the healthcare provider.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider identifies the target area(s) for electrical stimulation.
2. Electrodes are placed on the skin over the treatment area.
3. A conductive gel may be applied to improve electrode contact.
4. The provider manually adjusts the intensity and frequency of the electrical current according to patient tolerance and treatment goals.
5. The stimulation is applied for approximately 15 minutes per session.

Duration

Each session typically lasts around 15 minutes. Multiple sessions may be required depending on the treatment plan.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in outpatient settings such as physical therapy clinics, rehabilitation centers, or outpatient departments of hospitals.

Personnel

• Physical therapists
• Rehabilitation specialists
• Occasionally, trained nursing staff

Risks and Complications

• Mild skin irritation or redness at electrode sites
• Discomfort or slight pain during stimulation
• Rarely, electrical interference with cardiac devices

Benefits

• Reduction in pain and muscle spasms
• Improved blood circulation in the treated area
• Enhanced muscle function and recovery post-injury or surgery

Recovery

• No significant recovery time is generally needed.
• Patients can typically resume normal activities immediately.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess progress and adjust treatment if necessary.

Alternatives

• Pharmacological pain management (e.g., NSAIDs, muscle relaxants)
• Physical therapy exercises and manual therapies
• Ultrasound therapy
• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

Pros and Cons of Alternatives

• Medications may have side effects and are less effective for long-term muscle strengthening.
• Physical exercises require patient effort and may be uncomfortable initially.
• Ultrasound therapy can be more cost-intensive and require specialized equipment.
• TENS is a non-manual approach and might not provide the same level of targeted stimulation.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients might feel a tingling or buzzing sensation. Some may experience mild discomfort depending on the intensity of the electrical current. Post-procedure, minor skin redness or irritation might occur at electrode sites. Pain management and comfort measures include adjusting current settings to patient tolerance and ensuring electrode placement is correct to minimize discomfort.