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Physical Therapy in Huntington

Electro-Muscle Stimulation

What is Electro-Muscle Stimulation?
Electro-Muscle Stimulation is a special form of electrical current. It is administered at the site of soft tissue injuries, such as muscle injuries, to block pain.

How does Electro-Muscle Stimulation work?
Low level electrical current is induced into the tissues to reduce swelling. Electro-Muscle Stimulation helps to strengthen muscles and reduces painful symptoms.

What does Electro-Muscle Stimulation feel like?

At first, you will feel a slight tingling sensation. The intensity of the treatment may be raised during the 10 to 20 minute course of treatment.

Why is Electro-Muscle Stimulation used?
It is an effective form of pain relief, recommended in cases in which pain is accompanied by swelling and inflammation.

What are the benefits of Electro-Muscle Stimulation?

Electro-Muscle Stimulation reduces the sensation of pain, decreases swelling, promotes muscle tone and helps to speed the healing process.

Dr. Picard also has a special modality that combines ultrasound and electro-muscle stimulation together. This modality works well for focal muscle spasms (For example, under the shoulder blades or shoulders.).


Diathermy

What is Diathermy?
Diathermy is a form of shortwave elector-magnetic energy. It is used to raise the temperature of soft tissues below the skin's surface.

How does Diathermy work?
The Diathermy energy field pases through softer surface tissues and turns to heat when reaching more dense tissues. The heat increases circulation and helps to speed the healing process.

What does Diathermy feel like?

The treated area should feel pleasently warm. If the area becomes uncomfortably warm or if you feel pressure, notify the therapist or doctor immediately.

Why is Diathermy used?
It helps increase range of motion and decrease muscle spasm by relaxing muscles and connective tissues.

What are the benefits of Diathermy?
Diathermy dilates the blood vessels, thus improving circulation and increasing metabolism and waste removal. It stimulates white blood cell production and helps to prevent adhesions and scar tissue. Overall, Diathermy helps to speed the healing process.


Cryotherapy

What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is the application of ice, cold towels, ice massage or compresses with the intent of reducing temperatures of tissues directly on or below the skin's surface.

How does Cryotherapy work?
Cooling causes the blood vessels to constrict, numbs painful areas and helps to relax muscle spasms. It also reduces nerve transmission of painful symptoms and provides temporary relief. It is frequently used to manage acute injuries and recent eruptions of chronic conditions. During the initial stages of an injury, cryotherapy should be applied several times a day.

Why is Cryotherapy used?
Cryotherapy is inexpensive, readily available, and an easy way to reduce local swelling of inflammed tissues.

What are the benefits of Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy helps to reduce swelling, inflamation and muscle spams as well as numbing the affected area. It is inexpensive and the patient can self apply the therapy.