Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy is a broad term encompassing any technique in which electricity is used for medicinal purposes. As with all physio treatments, electrotherapy is used with other protocols to achieve the best results. Electrotherapy can be delivered in one of many ways depending on the patient involved and what the therapist deems appropriate based on their assessment.

Most commonly electrotherapy works by using electricity to deliver pain relief by means of electrical techniques, examples of different forms of electrotherapy available at Manor Clinic include:

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – Applies a current by means of electrodes through your skin to stimulate the nerves beneath and hence trigger the release of your body’s natural pain relieving mechanisms.
Ultrasound - The technique utilises high frequency sound waves to deliver energy to cells and improve tissue regeneration by basically up-regulating their function.
Interferential Therapy (IFT) – Is not unlike TENS in that it involves applying a current to achieve its ends. IFT however is used to penetrate more deeply, relieving pain and also stimulating muscle repair.

Electrotherapy is another tool at your physio’s disposal, and one they will use at their discretion based on their assessment and your progress. Different forms of electrotherapy are suitable for different conditions. Ultrasound therapy for example is more suited to the treatment of damage to collagen dense structures like tendons and ligaments. Your physiotherapist will often suggest the use of an electrotherapy in conjunction with other aspects of your rehabilitation.