What it is & How it Works
Electrotherapy is a gentle modality that works by stimulating nerves and muscles through the surface of the skin.
• Sends out electrical impulses that block the body's pain signals, leading to reduced pain.
• Helps release endorphins (chemical messengers) that naturally decrease pain in the body.
• Stimulates cells which reduce inflammation and inhibit pain.
Main Types of Electrotherapy
Interferential (IFT)
Interferential therapy (IFT) is the newest and most effective electrotherapy, it uses low-frequencies to stimulate muscles, increase blood flow, and reduce pain. IFT is used in areas that require deeper penetration than TENS such as the lower and middle back.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) delivers pulses of electrical stimulation. Although outdated, it is still sometimes used to stimulate sensory nerves to achieve pain relief for both nerve pain and chronic pain conditions.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
While the other methods of electrotherapy target nerves, electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) targets muscle tissue to stimulate your motor neurons which causes your muscles to contract. This is often used in cases to treat and prevent muscle atrophy.