Interferential Therapy: What is it?

Living with excruciating pain, whether caused by an injury, a degenerative condition, or anything else, can hurt your quality of life. However, with technological advancements in the twenty-first century, there is one therapy that has gained substantial popularity: Interferential Therapy, generally known as IFT. IFT has recently caught the attention of 89% of the world's physiotherapists, who recommend it for musculoskeletal disorders. Let us explain what IFT is and how it can help you.

What is Interferential Therapy (IFT)?

Interferential Therapy (IFT) is a non-invasive type of physical therapy used to relieve pain and help tissues heal. It works by sending low-frequency electrical currents into your body to block pain signals from reaching your brain. These electrical signals are called interferential currents (IFC). IFT is usually part of a full rehabilitation program, helping to reduce swelling, relax muscles, and ease pain while supporting the healing of tissues.
It is suggested that you use an expert for the best results. TruePal offers home physiotherapy services that include IFT, ensuring tailored care and the best outcomes.

Types of IFT Treatment

There are two types of IFT machines: one used by professionals and another lighter, portable one that anyone can use with minimal training. 

Professional IFT machines are more powerful and give better results because they are designed to be more precise.

• The beat frequency needs to be perfectly set.
• The intensity of the current must be adjusted by a skilled operator for the best pain relief.
• The placement of the electrodes is important for targeting the right areas.
• The specific injured area must be localized so that the therapy can work effectively.

IFT treatment varies based on the frequencies the machine uses:

• Vector Effects – These frequencies cover larger areas and are used for injuries that are harder to pinpoint, like neck pain.
• Frequency Swings – The machine switches frequencies between 0 and 100 Hz, in intervals, to provide maximum relief to acutely injured areas.
• Relentless Frequency – A specific frequency is maintained for longer periods, making it suitable for targeting certain tissues.

How does IFT help in pain management?

IFT works by reducing inflammation, which, in turn, decreases the pain people feel. It’s effective for short-term and long-term pain, such as conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s also used to help recover from injuries more quickly.

Benefits and uses of IFT

IFT physiotherapy has many benefits. The beat frequency currents help contract the muscles while also healing nerves that transmit pain.

• Instant pain relief for deep tissue injuries.
• Muscle relaxation happens due to muscle contraction, which also helps blood circulation.
• Improved blood flow speeds up tissue repair and healing.
• It can help reduce swelling and bruising caused due to muscle contractions.
• The vibrations help remove harmful substances, like toxins, from the injured areas.
• Increased metabolism and improved circulation support overall healing.
• Lower blood pressure can result from improved circulation.
• Long-term joint pain relief is possible with regular use.
• Post-surgery recovery is improved as patients regain lost muscle function.

Book TruePal's home physiotherapy service to ensure personalized attention and optimal results with IFT.

Conditions treated by IFT

IFT physiotherapy can help with a range of painful conditions, including:

• Cervical Spondylosis: IFT helps with neck and spine pain by reducing muscle spasms and easing pain.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: This is a type of arthritis affecting the spine. IFT can help reduce inflammation and support faster healing.
• Knee Osteoarthritis: Regular IFT therapy can relax tendons around the knee and help reduce muscle inflammation.
• Edema: In patients with swelling due to excess fluid in their tissues, IFT helps remove these fluids, improving circulation and reducing swelling.

Other conditions that IFT helps treat include frozen shoulder, rheumatoid arthritis, herniated discs, and many types of muscle and ligament injuries.

Who can benefit from IFT?

IFT is a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s who can benefit:

• People with chronic pain: IFT is useful for managing long-term conditions like osteoarthritis and low back pain.
• Athletes: IFT can speed up recovery from sports injuries, improve blood flow, and reduce swelling.
• Individuals with acute injuries: For recent injuries like sprains or fractures, IFT helps with pain management and speeds up healing.
• Seniors: IFT is effective for seniors dealing with pain from age-related conditions or post-surgery recovery.
• Patients with peripheral neuropathy: IFT helps with nerve pain and tingling in the extremities.
• People suffering from tension headaches: IFT reduces neck and shoulder tension that often causes headaches.
• People with joint pain: IFT can help manage pain and reduce inflammation from joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Note:- However, IFT may not be right for everyone. Always consult your healthcare provider to see if it’s suitable for your condition.

Risks of IFT Physiotherapy

When used by professionals, IFT is very safe. However, using IFT machines at home comes with risks.

• You must take good care of the electrodes and other machine parts to avoid infection.
• Don’t use your IFT machine on multiple people.
• Use larger electrodes for better coverage of the injured area.
• Poorly placed or small electrodes can lead to skin irritation.
• Higher-frequency currents pass through the skin more easily, while lower frequencies can cause discomfort.

Choosing the right doctor for IFT

Finding the right doctor for IFT means choosing a licensed professional with experience in this treatment. Look for someone who has treated patients with similar conditions, is easy to talk to, and can provide ongoing care. It’s also helpful to consider their location and availability, so you can regularly attend appointments. Referrals from friends, family, or other healthcare professionals can also help you find a doctor with a good reputation for effective treatment.

Book TruePal's home physiotherapy service to get customised focus and the best outcomes with IFT.

IFT Therapy at Home

IFT can also be done at home with the help of booking an online  physiotherapist at home sessions or self-help resources like books. It’s important to work with a licensed therapist to make sure you’re getting the right guidance and support. When done properly, IFT can help improve your well-being, manage conflicts, and even strengthen your relationships.

How does TruePal use IFT?

At TruePal our physiotherapists are equipped with Interferential Therapy, tailored to meet your personal needs in the comfort of your home. Our expert physiotherapists use professional-grade IFT machines to ensure accurate electrode placement, proper current intensities, and customized treatment plans. This Inturn helps in reducing your pain, improves blood regulation and provides you support in post-op. Book a home session today for a tailored IFT experience.

FAQs

1. What is Interferential Therapy (IFT)?
IFT (Interferential Therapy) is a type of electrotherapy used to manage pain. The idea behind interferential therapy is to produce two medium-frequency currents with slightly differing frequencies to interfere with one another. 

2. How does interferential therapy feel?
Most people tolerate interferential therapy quite well. During the session, you may feel tingling or buzzing in the treatment area. Some people describe it as a gently pulsing sensation. The therapist can change the strength of the sensation according to your comfort level.

3. How many sessions will I require?
The number of sessions required depends on the individual condition being treated, its severity, and your body's response to the therapy. Some people may feel better after just a few sessions, while others may need more extensive treatment. Your therapist will evaluate your development and recommend the right time and frequency of sessions depending on your specific requirements.