What is Electrotherapy?

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A range of electrotherapy devices that use an electrical stimulus to reduce pain, improve circulation, repair & strengthen muscles and promote bone growth. ​

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Types of Electrotherapy

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Although the main concept is used for the different types of electrotherapy, the devices vary in frequency, effect, waveforms and current, thus creating different effects for muscle, bones and soft tissue. Here are some of the most commonly used types of electrotherapy:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) | For the use of pain, electrodes are placed over the affected area. Once activated the current stimulates the sensory nerves and desensitises them to the stimulant of pain. This causes a gentle tingling sensation from electrode to electrode. Commonly TENS machines are used for home use and run off normal batteries.

• Interferential current (IFC) | Considered a deeper form of TENS, IFC uses a higher frequency which allows the waveform to penetrate deeper tissue. As well as pain relief, this more powerful therapy also assists with improving circulation, reducing oedema and muscle spasm.

• Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) | An electrical stimulus is applied to an acupuncture needle. This allows more direct contact to the affected tissue, thus having greater effect for pain relief than the more superficial methods.

• Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) | The electrical current is used directly on the muscles to create a contraction to encourage muscle building. This allows substantially weakened muscles or over-dominated muscles to regain functional strength.

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