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Electrical Stimulation Therapy (E-Stim)

Electrical stimulation, or e-stim, uses mild electrical pulses through pads on your skin to ease pain and relax tight muscles. At ProCare it is used together with adjustments and rehab, not on its own.

In short

  • Small pads are placed on the skin around the painful area.
  • A device sends gentle electrical pulses that you feel as tingling or light tapping.
  • It is often used to reduce pain and muscle spasm in the first weeks after an injury.
  • A session usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  • It is not used for people with a pacemaker or other implanted electrical devices.

How e-stim works

Your provider places adhesive pads on the skin around the injured area and slowly raises the intensity until you feel a comfortable tingling. The pulses stimulate nerves and muscles, which can reduce pain signals and help tight muscles relax.

E-stim is usually done before or after your adjustment or rehab exercises, so the muscles are more relaxed and the rest of the treatment is easier.

When it may be used

  • Muscle spasm in the neck or back after whiplash
  • Low back pain after lifting or a fall
  • Pain that limits your rehab exercises
  • Soft tissue strain after a car accident or work injury

What to expect

  1. Exam

    Your chiropractor checks whether e-stim is safe and useful for you.

  2. Setup

    Pads are placed on the skin and the intensity is set to a comfortable level.

  3. Session

    You rest for about 10 to 15 minutes while the device runs.

  4. Combined care

    E-stim is followed by adjustments, exercises or massage as your plan says.

Insurance and paperwork

We accept auto insurance, help with Oregon PIP and workers' comp claims, and work with personal injury attorneys, including letter of protection (LOP) cases. Our staff checks your coverage before treatment. See insurance we accept.

What patients say

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"Excellent care from start to finish. The chiropractor is knowledgeable, attentive, and truly cares about patients. The office is welcoming and I always leave feeling better."

Oleg Y., Google review, Portland
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"The team is very organized and respectful of your time, and they genuinely care about your progress. They take the time to answer questions, explain treatments clearly."

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Frequently asked questions

Does electrical stimulation hurt?

No. It should feel like tingling or light tapping. If it feels sharp or uncomfortable, tell your provider and the intensity will be lowered.

Who should not have e-stim?

People with a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device, and pregnant patients over the abdomen or lower back. Tell us about any implants or health conditions before treatment.

Is e-stim covered by insurance?

When it is part of your treatment plan after a car accident or work injury, it is usually billed with the rest of your care under PIP or workers' comp. Our staff can check your coverage.

Can I use a home TENS unit instead?

A home unit may help with pain between visits, but it does not replace the exam, adjustments and rehab in your plan. Ask your chiropractor first.

Start with a consultation and exam

Your chiropractor checks what is causing your pain and explains your plan before treatment starts.