Electrical Stimulation: Neurophysiological Basis and Application

Electrical stimulation has been used for thousands of years for a variety of purposes including muscle reeducation, muscle strength training and wound healing. However, because it has been used most commonly by individuals in money making schemes, it has been sometimes considered the domain of quacks and charlatans. But electrical stimulation can be a potent tool in the clinical setting if properly used for muscle strength training, endurance training, reducing muscle spasticity, motor reeducation and even wound healing. The present paper describes the history of electrical stimulation and the most common therapeutic uses and delves in to the pros, cons and precautions of using this therapeutic modality.