Electrical stimulation (TENS and NMES) in Chatsworth physical therapy
Two kinds of electrical stimulation: TENS for pain, NMES to make a weak muscle fire.
TENS: for pain
TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Dr. Ed puts pads, called electrodes, on your skin and connects them to the TENS unit. The unit sends a gentle current through the pads, and the aim is to calm the pain.
Dr. Ed uses TENS for back pain, neck pain and pain after surgery.
NMES: for a weak muscle
NMES stands for neuromuscular electrical stimulation. In physical therapy it does a different job from TENS: a current through pads on your skin makes a weak muscle fire.
Dr. Ed uses NMES when a muscle will not switch on after surgery (see post-op physical therapy) or after a stroke (see neurological rehabilitation). One example is the quad, the large muscle on the front of your thigh, after knee surgery (see knee replacement recovery).
How it fits into a visit
Electrical stimulation in physical therapy is one part of your plan, not all of it. At the Chatsworth clinic, Dr. Ed starts with an evaluation. He examines how you move and finds what is causing the problem. If stimulation fits, he puts the pads on, adjusts the unit himself and uses it alongside hands-on treatment and exercise.
Tell Dr. Ed about any implanted device, such as a pacemaker, before your first visit.
Dr. Ed uses stimulation here at the clinic. He does not set patients up with a TENS unit for home use, though he can give you some basic guidance if you already use one.
A patient's review
A patient named Jennifer mentions stimulation in her Google review. Read Jennifer's review on the red light page.
Insurance and referrals
- No referral needed to start
- California law lets you see a physical therapist without a referral for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. After that, we need a referral from your doctor to continue. Medicare patients need a referral from the start.
- Insurance
- We accept Medicare and personal injury liens. If you have PPO insurance, we provide a superbill, an itemized receipt you send to your insurer for reimbursement. Direct-pay patients are welcome.
- Visits
- Visits run about 60 minutes, depending on what you need, and every one is one-on-one with Dr. Ed.
Details and what to bring are on the insurance and cost page.
Questions about electrical stimulation
Does it hurt?
You feel a tingling or a gentle muscle pull. Dr. Ed sets the intensity to what you find comfortable.
Is it safe with a pacemaker?
No, it is not safe with a pacemaker. Tell Dr. Ed about a pacemaker or any other implanted device before your first visit.
Can I use a TENS unit at home?
Dr. Ed does not set up home TENS units. He uses stimulation at the clinic and can give you some basic guidance if you already use a unit at home.
Book your evaluation
Dr. Ed will work out at your evaluation whether stimulation fits your problem. He will confirm your time by phone or email, usually the same day.
Prefer to talk? Call (818) 749-3205Dr. Ed answers his own phone.
19851 Nordhoff Place, Unit 105 (Suite C), Chatsworth, CA 91311
Mon to Sat 10am to 8pm, Sun closed. Free parking in the lot in front, no gate code, street parking available.
Book by phone
Call (818) 749-3205Mon to Sat 10am to 8pm, Sun closed
The online booking form opens here soon. Until then, call or email chatsworthpt@gmail.com and we confirm your time, usually the same day.
No payment is required to book.