What Is Electrotherapy?

1. TENS
TENS stands for Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. (Transcutaneous simply means through the skin)

Electrodes applied to the skin deliver low voltage, intermittent stimulation to superficial nerves causing transmission of pain signals to be blocked and release of endorphins. Endorphins are naturally occurring pain-killers within the body.




2. ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound is a high frequency sound wave. These waves vibrate tissues deep within injured areas, creating heat that draws blood flow into the affected tissues. The tissues then respond to the influx of healing nutrients and the repair process thus begins.

Treatment is given with an ultrasound head that is moved gently in strokes or circles over the injured area. It lasts just a few minutes. The procedure may be performed in combination with a topical anti-inflammatory drugs or gels.


3. INTERFERENTIAL


Interferential therapy is the application of two medium frequency current to produce a low frequency effect.

It is based on the principle of interference as a result of which a beat frequency is produced.

Paired electrodes are lined up on the skin of the injured area. This results in current flow between each pair of electrodes. The flowing current obstructs the transmission of pain at the spinal cord level. Additionally, this process focuses on delivering electrical current to the damaged tissues while minimizing its effect on cutaneous nerves.