Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation Update

Physical therapists and other practitioners have used electrical stimulation for decades with less-than-stellar clinical results that are not backed up by good placebo-controlled, double-blind studies. Presently there are several internet advertisements for deeper electrical stimulation products claiming research in support of such (an example). Unfortunately, such research in this area is also not of high quality because of the nature of chronic musculoskeletal pain. 

I am a retired physical therapist and can testify that good instruction in science-based stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as posture/activity control, is the gold standard in the management of these types of medical problems. I never found any electrical stimulation device adding to long-term results. In summary, let the buyer beware regarding these "new" products. This article is a good update on the effectiveness of all forms of therapeutic electrical stimulation. This article is a good summary of all treatments for chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Low Back Pain Management

"Many people with lower back pain don’t manage it well because of wrong advice – and a lot of unhelpful myths about what back pain is and what you should do about it. Healthcare professionals all over the world speak to patients who think, for example, that back pain can damage their backs. This is not always the case. The weight of evidence shows that many assumptions made about lower back pain are wrong and, what’s more, could be harmful."

5 Myth About Lower Back Pain