TENS Units
TENS units, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation units, are portable units that use electric current to stimulate nerves for a therapeutic purpose. The intention is to reduce pain over the injury site. The unit is typically attached to the skin with one to four electrodes, and the user is able to adjust the pulse width, frequency, and intensity with a hand-held and battery operated pack. TENS has proven effective for the treatment of pain and physical conditions in clinical research studies.
Interferential Electro-Therapy
What is It?
Interferential current therapy is an effective therapy option used by many healthcare professionals to relieve pain and accelerate the self-healing process. The high-frequency signals of an IFC penetrate through the skin into deeper lying muscle tissues.
Electrodes are placed on your skin around the injured body part. The Interferential Current device then transmits electrical impulses in minute quantities through your skin. Underlying tissue and nerves are stimulated which helps with the healing process. These impulses are not painful in the least. In fact, patients describe the sensation as a minor prickle on their skin. Frequencies produced by the IFC have been proven to stimulate endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers. This can help to create a self-healing process without the need for medications.
Why do We Use It?
There are four main clinical applications for which IFT appears to be used:
- Pain relief
- Muscle stimulation
- Increased local blood flow
- Reduction of edema
How Can It Help?
Interferential current therapy has been in use for many years, and there have been numerous case studies and research reports that have documented its ability to accelerating the healing process and restoring normal movement. Patients who use interferential current therapy have noticed it helps in blood circulation and hastens the healing process by stimulating endorphins.