Physical Therapy

Interferential

Introduction

Interferential Therapy works by sending small electrical impulses through the skin. These impulses stimulate underlying nerves and tissue reducing pain, edema and inflammation. This, in return, reduces or eliminates the need for most pain-related drugs.

Interferential Therapy was first introduced over forty years ago. Due to the size and design of the clinical unit, Interferential Therapy has been traditionally applied in hospitals or clinics.

Interferential current stimulation is a form of therapeutic transcutaneous electrical stimulation of nerve and surrounding tissues. Two medium frequency biphasic pulsed currents are applied simultaneously to a targeted body region, so that the two currents superimpose to produce a new low frequency current deep within the tissue. Interferential stimulators use simultaneous medium frequency currents to overcome high skin and subcutaneous tissue impedance. Interferential stimulation has been investigated as a technique to reduce pain, improve range of motion or promote local healing following various tissue injuries.

Advantages

Since Interferential Therapy has been in use for many years, its effectiveness is well documented. Studies have shown that patients using Interferential Therapy after surgery develop fewer post-op complications than those relying solely on narcotics for pain relief. Interferential stimulation does not cause respiratory depression. Interferential Therapy aids in circulation, increasing the recovery time for patients. Multiple treatments at home or work will typically speed the patient’s recovery and allow earlier resumption of their normal lifestyle.

Commonly Asked Questions in Regards to Interferential Therapy

Are Interferential devices safe?

YES. Although the thought of electrical impulses being sent into the body may seem frightening at first, all you really feel is a slight vibrating sensation. Unlike many drugs, Interferential devices have no known side effects.

Who cannot use an Interferential device? 

Individuals with a pacemaker or patients who are pregnant should not use an Interferential device. Consult your doctor or clinician first.

Will an Interferential device work for me?

Interferential Therapy has been used extensively for managing post-surgical, post-traumatic acute pain, edema and inflammation reduction.

Ultrasound Therapy

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is simply high frequency sounds waves above the range that we can hear. It is applied to the body from the ‘head’ of an ultrasound machine. A gel is used to help the waves travel into the body rather than be reflected off the skin.

What are the benefits of ultrasound?

• increased blood supply which promotes healing,
• produces a pain killing effect which can reduce muscle spasm, and promote normal funtion,
• softens fibrous tissues and scar tissue which are formed during healing.

How is it used?

• The therapist will apply a little gel to the skin and place the head of the ultrasound machine on the skin. Usually it will be moved in small circles. Treatment time can vary according to the injury but is usually about a few minutes.
• Ultrasound can be applied in two modes, pulse and continuous. With continuous the beam od ultrasound waves is well, continuous. This means that heat will be transferred to the body tissues. Pulsed means the waves go in short pulses which prevents the tissues heating.