a physiotherapy guide to electrotherapy treatment for muscles and joint pain relief

Leading an active lifestyle can be highly fulfilling but comes with risk. Sports-related injuries and strains can happen in recreational sports such as biking and contact sports like football. You can even strain a muscle by doing yoga.

Sometimes, injuries occur due to accidents such as tripping or overdoing a strenuous activity. You can easily overstrain your muscles and joints if you push your body too hard too quickly, don't maintain proper form during exercise, or don't rest between workouts. We will investigate electrotherapy treatments as a possible solution.

Stress can also cause muscle pain, as your body releases hormones that tense your muscles and increase your pain sensitivity. Muscle and joint pain doesn't just limit your sports activity; it can make everyday life difficult. Climbing up the stairs, lifting grocery bags, and even getting out of bed becomes painful.

Signs and Symptoms of Muscle and Joint Pain 

Pain and tenderness are the most common indications of muscle and joint injury. When you get injured, your muscles and joints become inflamed, resulting in swelling and pain. So when you move or touch your muscles, you'll feel tenderness and pain.

The amount of pain will vary depending on how severe the injury is. You may only feel pain when you use the injured muscle, or it might hurt even when resting. Sometimes, the pain is so severe that you can't use the muscle at all or so mild that it doesn't bother you.

Muscle and joint pain usually gets better after a few days, so listen to your body and give it time to heal. But if the pain becomes severe and too difficult for you to bear or is accompanied by muscle weakness, breathing difficulty, stiff neck, and high fever, you might have to seek medical help.

How to Manage Muscle and Joint Pain through Exercise 

It's natural to want to avoid motions that spark discomfort when suffering from muscle and joint pain. However, limiting your movements can significantly weaken your muscles, affect your posture, and compound your joint issues.

Although applying topical treatments and taking pain relievers may offer a quick reprieve from pain, this is a temporary fix. Exercise, on the other hand, can be a long-lasting way to mitigate muscle and joint pain. The right exercises can help strengthen key supportive muscles and restore flexibility. When starting a new workout regimen, you can expect sore muscles and joints afterwards.

This type of soreness is delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which happens due to tiny muscle fibre and connective tissue injuries. Most often, DOMS will subside after 24 to 48 hours of rest. But once your body gets used to the new exercises, you'll experience little to no muscle and joint soreness.

Here are some ways you can relieve muscle pain and soreness after exercise.

Ice your muscles 

Feel warm to the touch if you notice swelling in your muscles and joints or the muscle and joint area. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to your muscles and joints for up to 20 minutes.

Apply heat 

Heat encourages blood circulation and relaxes your muscles and joints, which helps relieve any pain. You can use a warm towel or a hot pack to ensure it's not painfully hot. Apply it to your sore muscles and joints for not more than 20 minutes. You can also take a warm bath to loosen and soothe your muscles

Go for a massage 

Sports massage will help soothe and relax tight, sore muscles.

Do stretching exercises 

Before you start your workout, it's important to stretch. This will help loosen your muscles, reducing the chance of injury. Warm up by doing simple exercises such as spot marching and range-of-motion exercises like arm swings. You can do this for 5 to 10 minutes before moving on to aerobic or strengthening exercises.

Go slowly 

If you do intense or strenuous exercises, you're more likely to injure your muscles or joints. Eccentric exercises such as running downhill or lifting weights cause your muscles to lengthen under tension, increasing the likelihood of injury. So build up the intensity slowly and start with easy movements, and if you feel pain, take a break. You can do low-impact exercises like elliptical trainers or stationary bicycles.

Do light exercises 

Light exercises like walking and swimming are great ways to stretch and soothe your muscles and joints. They can also help your body speed up the healing process by increasing the elimination of lactic acid build-up.

How Electrotherapy Can Help Relieve Muscle and Joint Pain 

Electrotherapy is an alternative to medication for treating muscle and joint pain. Electrotherapeutic devices apply electrical stimulation to muscle-motor fibres and nerves through electropads placed on the skin. 

The electric current reduces localized inflammation, stimulates muscles, increases blood flow, and triggers the release of the body's natural painkillers, endorphins, and enkephalins. These hormones override the brain's pain receptors and produce a euphoria, reducing pain. The electric pulse also creates a pleasant sensation, which is very soothing. Electrotherapy for joints can repair and rebuild joint cartilage and reduce pain.

T.E.N.S. is an electrotherapy device widely recommended for home use by pain clinics, physical therapists, and other medical practitioners. This device is an effective pain management tool that reduces pain and soothes sore muscles and joints.

What is amazing about this device is that it's totally user-controlled, so you can use it in the comfort of your home. Consult your physiotherapist to determine the right frequency, intensity, and mode settings to suit your pain level. You can also keep a diary of pad settings, placements, and the corresponding pain level.

When placing the pads, avoid putting them too far apart, or the current will bypass your problem area. Please do not put them too near; otherwise, the electrodes will short out. The ideal placement is pads-width apart. For electrotherapy treatment for muscles and joints to be effective, use the T.E.N.S. device for at least 20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Electrotherapy for Muscle and Joint Pain

Is electrotherapy safe for everyone?

While electrotherapy is generally safe, it's not recommended for everyone. Consult with a qualified physiotherapist or doctor before using electrotherapy, especially if you have a pacemaker, are pregnant, have epilepsy, or have metal implants. Your healthcare provider can determine if electrotherapy is suitable for your specific condition.

How often should I use electrotherapy for pain relief?

The frequency of electrotherapy treatments depends on your specific condition and pain level. Generally, you can use a T.E.N.S. device for 20-30 minutes up to 3-4 times daily. However, it's crucial to follow your physiotherapist's or doctor's recommendations, as overuse can lead to skin irritation or reduced effectiveness.

Can electrotherapy replace pain medication?

For some individuals, electrotherapy can reduce the need for pain medication. However, this varies from person to person. Always consult your healthcare provider before changing your pain management regimen. Electrotherapy is often most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include medication, exercise, and other therapies.

Are there any side effects of electrotherapy?

When used correctly, electrotherapy has minimal side effects. Some people may experience mild skin irritation or redness at the electrode sites. In rare cases, the treatment may cause muscle twitching or increased pain. If you experience any unusual symptoms, stop the treatment and consult your physiotherapist or doctor.

Can I use electrotherapy alongside other treatments for muscle and joint pain?

Yes, electrotherapy can often be used with other treatments, such as heat therapy, gentle exercises, or manual therapy. However, discussing your complete treatment plan with your healthcare provider is essential to ensure all therapies work together effectively and safely.

How long does it take to see results from electrotherapy?

The timeframe for seeing results can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some people may experience immediate pain relief during or after a session, while others may need several treatments before noticing significant improvements. Your physiotherapist can provide a more personalized estimate based on your specific situation.

Is a T.E.N.S. device the only form of electrotherapy for pain relief?

While T.E.N.S. (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a popular and effective form of electrotherapy, it's not the only option. Other types include EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation), NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation), and interferential therapy. A qualified physiotherapist can recommend the most appropriate kind of electrotherapy for your specific needs.

Can electrotherapy help with chronic pain conditions?

Electrotherapy can be beneficial for many chronic pain conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic back pain. However, its effectiveness can vary from person to person. For chronic conditions, it's essential to work with a healthcare professional to develop a comprehensive pain management strategy, which may include electrotherapy as one component.

Conclusion

Keeping active is very important when you have muscle and joint pain. Movement allows your muscles to stretch and heal, increasing flexibility and mobility in your joints. 

Electrotherapy treatment can alleviate pain and promote healing in your muscles and joints. To ensure you receive professional treatment and care, visit a trusted physiotherapy clinic in Ealing for electrotherapy treatment for muscles and joint pain relief.