Electrical stimulation of soft tissues

It is well-documented that electrical potentials normally are present in biologic soft tissues. The discovery of these has generated interest in effecting a change in the biology of these tissues by externally imposing an electrical field. There is experimental evidence that ligament and tendon repair can be affected by ES, but there have been no clinical studies to demonstrate its effectiveness in human ligament or tendon injuries. The only clinical support for use of ES to enhance soft-tissue healing is for its use in chronic, open dermal wounds. ES has been shown to be effective for these chronic wounds under certain conditions. There is currently insufficient justification for the use of ES for reduction of soft-tissue edema.