Therapeutic electricity: Physiological effects

Though electrical stimulators come in many shapes, sizes, and prices they have in common a single purlx)se, to stimulate tissue for a therapeutic response. Perhaps the most common use of electrical stimulation is in the relief of acute or chronic pain. No other modality has proven to be as effective in this endeavor as electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulators are unique in thatthey are capable of stimulating comfortable muscle contraction andcan induce muscle fibers in spasm to relax. This modality is also used to enhance the growth of bone and skin in situations where repair is needed. Though the repair process is complex, general improvement of local circulation brought on by electrical stimulation benefits the tissues. As the value of therapeutic modalities are discovered, one begins to wonder where they fit in among the arsenal of treatment approaches we already have for fending off the ravages of athletic participation. Are the modalities at odds with drug use? What about the tladitional approach in equine injury care, that of blistering and firing?