Heat, Ice & Electrical Stimulation
Comfort-focused modalities to help manage pain, swelling, and muscle tension during your personalized physical therapy care.
The Right Modality at the Right Time
Heat, cold therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be used to support pain relief and recovery. Our physical therapists select treatment based on your symptoms, injury stage, comfort, and goals—often alongside exercise and manual therapy.
Whether you are dealing with a new injury, persistent pain, or muscle tightness, your care plan is tailored to help you move more comfortably and return to the activities that matter to you.
Heat Packs
Heat is recommended to decrease chronic pain, relax muscles, and provide pain relief. Heat should not be used with an acute or “new” injury.
Cryotherapy / Cold Therapy
Cold therapy causes vasoconstriction, helping reduce the fluid that leaks into tissue spaces after injury and contributing to swelling. Ice is frequently used for acute injuries and can also be an effective pain reliever for chronic pain.
Cold therapy may be provided with a cold pack or ice massage.
TENS
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) uses mild electrical currents to help relieve nerve pain, muscle pain, and some inflammatory conditions.
Small signals are delivered through electrodes on the skin. They may help block pain messages from reaching the brain and may trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers.
What Is a TENS Treatment Like?
TENS is safe, non-invasive, and generally comfortable. Electrodes are placed on the skin near the painful area. During treatment, you may feel a mild tingling or buzzing sensation.
Your therapist can adjust the settings for your comfort and needs; TENS should not be painful. With proper guidance, it may be used in the clinic or at home. It is often combined with treatments such as exercise and manual therapy.
Conditions That May Benefit From TENS
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Arthritis
- Pinched nerves (radiculopathy)
- Sciatica
- Sprains and strains
Personalized Physical Therapy Care
San Tan Physical Therapy provides one-on-one attention in a warm, caring environment. We take the time to understand your needs, daily demands, and goals so your treatment plan supports meaningful recovery.
Find a Comfortable Path Back to Movement
Schedule an evaluation with San Tan Physical Therapy in Queen Creek. Immediate appointments are available, and no physician referral is necessary.