Electrotherapy Physiotherapy

Electrotherapy is the use of electrical current as a therapeutic. Applying electrical energy to your body's tissues provides therapeutic effects, such as pain relief and muscular strengthening. If you've ever seen a physiotherapist, you've probably had some type of electrotherapy. As the electrical currents work through your tissues, you may experience everything from a relaxing tingling sensation to a forceful pulling sensation. Numerous types of electrotherapy treatments are available, and their application differs greatly among physiotherapists.

Unfortunately, when someone sees a lousy therapist, they may only receive electrotherapy. The ideal method to use electrotherapy is to mix it with other types of treatment to achieve a greater effect. The ability to apply electrotherapy involves knowing which type to use and when. This will be different for each individual.

What is electrotherapy? How does it work?

Electric current is a stream of charged particles called electrons that move through a conductive medium, such as an electrical wire. To generate this current, you will need a power source, such as a battery. The current will then flow from one point to another along the wire.

The same can be said for electrotherapy devices. All electrotherapy machines must be linked to a power source so that current can flow through the wires and into the electrodes. Electrodes are designed to attach to anything that does not conduct electricity, such as the tissues in your body. They usually attach to your skin, allowing the current to flow from one electrode to the other.

Why should I try electrotherapy?

The theory behind electrotherapy is that supplying low power or energy to the body's tissues can improve the body's natural ability to stimulate, direct, and control healing and restorative processes. It's as if you're trying to excite your cells and get them to work harder. Thus, you are still using your body's natural resources to complete the task; electrons are simply a catalyst for the shift.

This can help relieve pain, promote muscular mobility, and aid tissue healing. Furthermore, it is a non-invasive treatment with minimal to no adverse effects. 

What benefits does electrotherapy provide?

• Reduces pain 
• Increases blood flow 
• Reduces swelling
• Reduces inflammation 
• Stimulates muscle contraction 
• Prevents weakness 
• Aids in rehabilitation 
• Maintains mobility 
• Improves blood supply to wounded tissue 
• Breaks down scar tissue 
• Reduces muscle spasms

Types of electrotherapy

Electrotherapy can be classified into three types: TENS, EMS, and interferential therapy. Each type has unique effects and sensations. Let's discuss them separately:

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

The TENS unit's stimulation tries to excite and stimulate sensory nerves with a modest electrical current, hence activating specific natural pain relief mechanisms.

Two kinds of frequencies can be employed.

1. High frequency (90 to 130 Hz)

When set to a high frequency, TENS stimulates particular 'non-pain' nerve fibres to send signals to the brain, effectively blocking other nerve signals and delivering pain messages. High-frequency stimulation, sometimes known as "conventional TENS," feels like a bearable tingle/prickle. It can be taken for many hours, however the pain alleviation is very temporary.

2. Lower frequency (2–5 Hz)

TENS at a lower frequency encourages the generation of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances. Low-frequency stimulation, also known as "acupuncture-like TENS", might be more unpleasant. Typically, it is applied for 20-30 minutes, although the pain alleviation lasts considerably longer.

Burst mode

A third method of using TENS is to use both high and low-frequency stimulations in a "burst mode". When the machine is turned on, it will produce pulses of varying frequencies. For some individuals, this is by far the most effective method of pain relief, even if it causes a gripping, clawing, or muscle-twitching sensation that is unpleasant.

Interferential Current (IFC)

Interferential current (IFC) is a more complex variant of TENS. Interferential current employs a high frequency (4000 Hz) carrier waveform that penetrates the skin deeper than a conventional TENS device while causing less user discomfort for the same intensity of stimulation. Numerous studies have found that IFC is quite helpful for pain reduction.

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)

EMS machines frequently resemble TENS units. Sometimes a single machine can provide both EMS and TENS therapy. However, EMS differs from TENS in that the current is applied to weaker muscles rather than nerves, causing the muscles to contract and gradually restore strength.

EMS is used to rehab muscles that have been significantly weakened and for less serious ailments like strained muscles. It causes a muscular contraction in the area where the electrodes are inserted. 

It works best when combined with physical activity. Even though EMS may be beneficial in progressively strengthening muscles, consumers should be sceptical of exaggerated marketing claims that it is a quick answer for increasing muscle strength and fitness.

What will electrotherapy and physiotherapy be like for me?

While the idea of applying electricity to the body may sound uncomfortable, many people find the sensation relaxing, tranquil, and soothing.

Your physiotherapist will ask for your consent to use electrotherapy and explain what you can anticipate feeling. Then you will be asked to expose the skin in the affected area.

You should expect to feel a gentle tingling sensation at first. After that, your physiotherapist will increase the intensity until you say it's enough. The sensation should now be similar to a stinging prickle or muscular strain in the area.

When you indicate that the intensity is sufficient, your physiotherapist will leave it at that for a few minutes. However, your skin often adjusts to the sensation and reaches a point where you no longer feel anything. This does not imply that the machine is malfunctioning; it just implies that you can now increase the intensity even further.

Throughout the treatment, individuals report feeling more calm and less pain. You shouldn't feel like your discomfort is getting worse.

Keep in mind that electrotherapy is always utilized as part of a comprehensive treatment. Electrotherapy is not required for all patients, and if it is, it may be combined with other therapies such as stretching or massage. At TruePal, our physiotherapists will be able to provide you with all of the necessary advice. Book a session today.

FAQs

1. How many times should I receive electrotherapy?

Electrotherapy treatment periods might range from 5 to 30 minutes. However, this will only be a portion of your therapy session. Often, your physiotherapist will combine it with other treatment strategies that improve the overall healing response in your body.

2. Can electrotherapy harm you?

Electrotherapy can cause skin irritation or rash, especially if the person is allergic to the electrode's substance.

3. How did electrotherapy begin?

It may surprise you to learn that electrotherapy has been used to treat a variety of illnesses since the 1800s. It has been demonstrated that this therapy approach is effective in reducing swelling, increasing blood flow, stimulating muscles, and managing discomfort.

4. Is there pain following electrotherapy?

You may notice the area is more sensitive during the first 24 hours following electrotherapy.

5. Is electrotherapy effective for inflammation?

Fortunately, TENS units can also aid with inflammation. Numerous studies have shown that electrical impulses can alleviate inflammation deep inside muscle fibres.