Electrotherapy
« BACKWhat is it?
At ActionPhysio we use the following electrotherapeutic modalities:
- Ultrasound
- Interferential therapy (IFT)
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
- Stimplus
We use electrotherapy as an adjunct to other physiotherapy techniques such as exercise rehabilitation, joint mobilisation and acupuncture.
How does it work?
Ultrasound- high frequency sound waves are applied to the tissues to accelerate the rate of healing by promoting the inflammatory response and increasing the extensibility of scar tissue. It is a painless non-invasive procedure.
IFT and TENS - medium frequency currents are applied to the skin via electrodes to decrease pain by modulating the pain pathways to reduce the perception of pain. This non-invasive treatment produces a sensation similar to pins and needles.
Stimplus is a safe, hi-tech electronic substitute for acupuncture, without the use of needles. Stimplus can detect the acupuncture points and stimulate them with a unique waveform. It has been clinically proven to improve blood flow which in turn reduces pain and accelerates tissue healing.
What conditions is it used for?
Any conditions that require pain relief or the control of inflammation. However at ActionPhysio, we typically use these modalities for acute injuries e.g. sprained ankle or isolated problems in a small area e.g. golfers elbow. We nearly always use electrotherapy in conjunction with other treatment techniques.