Electrical therapy, also known as electrical stimulation or e-stim, is a pain management technique that uses mild electrical currents to stimulate nerves and muscles. The electrical current may be administered with the use of devices such as electrodes (small, flat rubber adhesive discs) or felt pads, which are placed on the body part to be stimulated. The electrical current used during therapy is similar to the electrical impulses the brain sends to the muscles to cause movement.

Scientists are still researching how electrical therapy alleviates pain. One theory is that electrical stimulation blocks the transmission of pain signals along nerves. Another is that electrical stimulation promotes the release of endorphins (hormones in the brain that reduce pain sensations and affect emotions).

Electrical therapy may be offered in healthcare settings such as physical therapy, manipulation therapy (e.g., chiropractic) or occupational therapy. Many researchers, physicians and patients have found it to be useful in easing some types of pain, but, as with any form of treatment for pain, it does not help everyone.

Electrical therapy may be harmful to certain patients, including:

• Pregnant women. Little research has been conducted on how the treatment affects a developing fetus.
  
  
• Patients with implanted devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, pain pumps, artificial joints and bone screws.
  
  
• Patients with hemophilia (hereditary disorder in which blood fails to clot normally) or thrombosis (blood clots in the arms or legs). Some devices cause vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels), which could aggravate these conditions.

Other potential conditions of concern include epilepsy, other seizure disorders and certain heart conditions. All patients are advised to consult their physician before trying electrical therapy.