CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Electrical stimulation
Choose your profession and state in Your lens above, and this page answers for you first.
At a glance
- DC, ChiropractorChiropractorVaries by stateChiropractors may use electrical stimulation in many states, but at least one state excludes it and others add training requirements.
- PT, Physical therapistPhysical therapistWithin scopeElectrical stimulation is a standard part of physical therapy practice under state practice acts.
- PTA, Physical therapist assistantPhysical therapist assistantNot yet covered
- OT, Occupational therapistOccupational therapistWithin scopeOccupational therapists may use electrical stimulation as part of occupation-focused treatment, but many states set conditions first, such as added training or board approval, and at least one limits it to the shoulder, arm and hand.
- OTA, Occupational therapy assistantOccupational therapy assistantNot yet covered
- AT, Athletic trainerAthletic trainerWithin scopeAthletic trainers use electrical stimulation as a standard therapeutic modality, within their state practice act and physician direction.
- LMT, Massage therapistMassage therapistVaries by stateMassage laws differ: Arkansas counts electric stimulation as massage therapy, Ohio allows it only on a written referral, and Oklahoma and Pennsylvania exclude it. Laws that only mention electrical devices used to give a massage do not clearly cover therapeutic stimulation, so check with your state board.
- CSCS, Strength and conditioning specialistStrength and conditioning specialistNot yet covered
- CPT, Personal trainerPersonal trainerNot yet covered
What it is
Pads on the skin deliver a mild current, either to reduce pain or to make a muscle contract.
Names across professions
| Profession | Term in practice acts | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Across professions | TENS | Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, for pain |
| Across professions | NMES | Neuromuscular electrical stimulation, for strength |
What the bodies say
CurrentOT, Occupational therapistOTA, Occupational therapy assistant
Physical agent, mechanical, and instrument-assisted modalities in occupational therapy practice
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Heel pain – plantar fasciitis: revision 2023
CurrentDC, ChiropractorPT, Physical therapistOT, Occupational therapist
WHO guideline for non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain in adults in primary and community care settings
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Lateral Elbow Pain and Muscle Function Impairments
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Ankle stability and movement coordination impairments: lateral ankle ligament sprains revision 2021
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Physical Therapy Management of Older Adults With Hip Fracture
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Patellofemoral pain
CurrentAT, Athletic trainer
National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Management of Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Knee pain and mobility impairments: meniscal and articular cartilage lesions revision 2018
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Neck pain: revision 2017
CurrentAT, Athletic trainer
National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Conservative Management and Prevention of Ankle Sprains in Athletes
Check your state
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Get licensed links to the board for each profession in each state, so you can read its rules or ask it directly.
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