What we have to know about Electrotherapy (measure, indicators and how does it work)

Electrotherapy made simple : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAPU5iEfFVY

What is Electrotherapy ?

Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy as a medical treatment. In medicine, the term electrotherapy can apply to a variety of treatments, including the use of electrical devices such as deep brain stimulators for neurological disease.

Electrotherapy units usually consist of a battery-powered device connected by wires to adhesive electrode pads which are placed on the skin. The electrode pads are sticky, so they will adhere to the skin. Once the electrodes are attached and the unit is turned on, a mild electric current is sent to the skin via the electrode. A number of newer electrotherapy devices bypass the wires, combining electrodes and battery power into a single unit that can be worn inconspicuously on the back, arm, leg, or elsewhere during work or other daily activities. A hand-held controller is used to adjust the level of stimulation.

You will need to use the TENS for about 30 minutes to reach maximum affect and it will last about 30 minutes after the TENS has been switched off. How long should a TENS machine be used for? The TENS machine can be used for as long as desired, typically 30 minutes up to 2 hours, several times a day if needed.

You can begin with one 15-minute therapy session. Repeat for another 15 minutes if needed. Use up to three times per day at a maximum. During each therapy, rate your pain before and after the session, 1 (low) to 10 (high) in order to gauge the true reduction of pain.

Waveform

Russian Current

The Russian Current waveform delivers medium frequency in alternating pulses of energy. This makes it a popular waveform to use when there is a need to increase muscle strength and re-educate specific areas. The Russian current can also stimulate the relief of pain-relieving endorphins, increasing its versatility and applications.

Interferential Current (IFC)

Interferential Current (also referred to as IFC) is the waveform to use when treating chronic, post-surgical and post-trauma acute pain. IFC e-stim is non-invasive with minimal side effects. IFC delivers higher frequency energy so it crosses the skin barrier easier for deeper access into areas of pain, but also has improved tolerance.

Premodulated Current (Premod)

Premodulated Current, also referred to as “premod”, is similar to interferential current. The main difference is that with premod current, a single channel is used to mix the frequencies prior to before current reaches the patient. This makes it a good choice when treating smaller areas of the body like: elbows, ankles, feet, or hands.

Biphasic Current

"Biphasic" has two pulses of 2 different intensities. These alternate during treatment which makes it very versatile. Biphasic can be used for both acute and chronic problems for different goals including:

• Strengthening & re-educating muscles
• Improving blood circulation
• Decreasing edema & swelling

High Voltage

High Voltage electrical stimulation is a monophasic waveform which uses polarity (positive or negative) to stimulate the tissue. This is a popular modality to aid in decreasing pain and swelling, reducing muscle spasms and facilitating wound healing.

Microcurrent

Microcurrent is also used for wound healing, utilizing micro-size, pulsing current. Because of its low intensity, microcurrent is the most tolerated waveform in electrotherapy.

Measure

• Intensity: A dial allows the user to adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation.

• Frequency: The frequency refers to the number of electrical pulses per second. High-frequency (HF) pulses range from 80 to 120 cycles per second and may help manage acute pain. Low-frequency (LF) pulses range from 1 to 20 cycles per second and are suitable for the treatment of chronic pain.

• Duration: The duration is the number of microseconds that the current enters the skin for during each pulse.