If an individual is not experiencing sufficient control of pain and other symptoms, electrotherapy—a treatment that directs mild electrical pulses to the problem area—may be an option.

See Chronic Pain Coping Techniques – Pain Management

Electrotherapy includes a range of treatments using electricity to reduce pain, improve circulation, repair tissues, strengthen muscles, and promote bone growth, leading to improvements in physical functioning.

Electrotherapy units usually consist of a battery-powered device connected by wires to adhesive electrode pads which are placed on the skin. The electrode pads are sticky, so they will adhere to the skin. Once the electrodes are attached and the unit is turned on, a mild electric current is sent to the skin via the electrode.

A number of newer electrotherapy devices bypass the wires, combining electrodes and battery power into a single unit that can be worn inconspicuously on the back, arm, leg, or elsewhere during work or other daily activities. A hand-held controller is used to adjust the level of stimulation.

While a large number of people find electrotherapy helpful, others do not. The medical literature on electrotherapy’s effectiveness has been mixed, and not all electrotherapy treatments are supported by research.

Electrotherapy devices range in cost from less than $30 to hundreds of dollars. Several of the newer products are available over the counter, offering flexibility for those who can afford them. Devices sold without a prescription are often not covered by insurance, but people with health savings accounts may be able to apply funds from these accounts toward the cost. Trying electrotherapy in a medical or physical therapy setting before purchasing a unit may be helpful, since the therapy does not work for everyone. In some cases, a device can be returned if the treatment is not helpful, so saving the receipt is advised.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) verifies that these medical devices are safe to use, but does not test whether the devices are effective. Interestingly, the FDA process for approving a medical device is less rigorous than the approval process for drugs, which requires the pharmaceutical company to show evidence of a drug’s effectiveness before introducing it to the market.

When Electrotherapy Is Advised

Electrotherapy is typically used in conjunction with other treatments, rather than by itself. For people undergoing physical therapy, electrotherapy may alleviate pain sufficiently for an individual to participate more actively in targeted exercises. Electrotherapy is among pain relief options gaining attention as the potential risks and side effects of opioid (narcotic) medications have become more apparent.

See Opioid Medication Potential Risks and Complications

Efforts to use electrical current to aid in healing go back to ancient times. The modern era of electrotherapy in the United States began with treatment for anxiety and depression, and the number of potential uses has grown since. Electrotherapy has been used to address chronic pain and chronic fatigue in general, as well as:

• Diabetic nerve pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Migraine headaches
• Wound healing
• Stimulating bone growth

See Chronic Pain As a Disease: Why Does It Still Hurt?

Electrotherapy can take many forms, but the most common type is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS.

While the concept of using electricity on the body may sound painful, many people find the sensation relaxing. With TENS, for example, the individual experiences a tingling, vibrating, or buzzing sensation.

The exact mechanism of electrical stimulation’s beneficial effect remains controversial. Electrical stimulation may directly block transmission of pain signals along nerves. In addition, electrical stimulation has been shown to promote the release of endorphins, the natural painkillers produced by the body.

See Therapeutic Nerve Blocks for Neuropathy

Electrotherapy Side Effects

The most common side effect with electrotherapy is skin irritation or rash, caused by the adhesives in the electrodes or the tape holding the electrodes in place. Overusing electrotherapy may cause a burning feeling in the skin. Directions about the duration of therapy should be followed closely to avoid a problem.

Electrical stimulation should not be applied over malignancies or areas with broken skin or an infection. Bruising, bleeding, or infections are possible with the types of electrotherapy that penetrate the skin.

Placing the pads over the heart or over pacemaker leads could cause cardiac arrhythmia and placing them over a pregnant woman’s abdomen could cause fetal damage. In fact, people with pacemakers and pregnant women are generally advised to avoid electrotherapy altogether.

See Management of Back Pain in Pregnancy

Placing the pads over the throat could cause low blood pressure. Using electrotherapy while driving is not recommended.

Types of Electrotherapy

All electrotherapy devices have certain similarities, such as using battery power to apply current to electrodes. The therapies vary in frequencies, waveforms, and effects, however. These are some of the most commonly used kinds of electrotherapy:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS)
• Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)
• Interferential current (IFC)
• Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF)
• Galvanic stimulation (GS)

Ultrasound and laser therapy are often grouped with electrotherapy, or the wider category of electro-physical agents, despite not delivering an electric current. With ultrasound, sound waves are directed to the affected area to speed up the healing process. Laser therapy may also be used to help tissue heal, and provides a more targeted and intense treatment.