USE OF ELECTROTHERAPY IN REHABILITATION

Electrotherapy is a popular modality used in physical therapy and rehabilitation. Electrotherapy (also known as electric stimulation of the muscles or e-stim) uses an electric machine that provides electrical impulses to the patient's body. This stimulation is performed to promote and facilitate muscle healing and tissue regeneration. Electrotherapy is not only popular in physical therapy, but can also be used by other rehab practitioners, since it has several numerous therapeutic benefits.

Use of electrotherapy in physical therapy and rehabilitation

The use of electrotherapy was supported by the American Association of Physical Therapy, since it showed that it provides the following:

Relaxation of muscle spasms

Prevention and cessation of muscle atrophy due to non-use

Improved local blood flow and flow

Rebuilding the muscles with targeted stimulation

Save and improve the range of motion

Management and reduction of pain (chronic, post-traumatic and postoperative acute)

Prevention of deep vein thrombosis after surgery

Promoting wound healing

Improved efficacy in the delivery of prescription drugs - Electrometallic drugs (EMDA).

How does electrical stimulation therapy work?

Electrotherapeutic devices can offer various therapeutic signals. An electric stimulator includes electrodes that are attached to the processing zone, and when activated, the electrical energy of the device causes the muscles to stop. This reduction simulates the natural movement of the body during activity and can prevent muscular atrophy.

The most common signals detected in electrical stimulation are: TENS, Russian, interference, premodulation, biphasic, high-voltage and micro-current. Each form of the signal has its therapeutic advantages, so many devices can offer practitioners several signals in order to offer them the most application in different patients.

Different forms of the signal used in stimulation therapy

The various signals used in e-Stim are intended to target specific areas of the body and provide individual forms of energy transmission. This difference in energy transmission helps to address a variety of therapeutic needs.

Transrectal Electric Stimulator of Neurons (TENS)

TENS works to reduce pain by blocking the pain signals from reaching the brain. Stimulation of TENS also promotes the production of endorphins, making it a popular signal for the treatment of back and spine diseases.

Russian current

The current signal of the Russian currents transmits the average frequency in alternating energy impulses. This makes it a popular signal for use when there is a need to increase muscle strength and redevelop specific areas. Russian current can also stimulate relief of endorphins, which relieve pain, increasing its versatility and application.

Interference current (IFC)

Interference current (also called IFC) is a form of signal for the treatment of chronic, post-operative and post-traumatic acute pain. IFC e-Stim is non-invasive with minimal side effects. IFC provides higher frequency energy, so it misses the skin barrier for easier access to pain sites, but also has tolerance.

Pre-modulated current (premod)

Premodulation current is also called "premod", which is similar to interference current. The main difference is that using a pre-current one one channel for mixing frequencies is used before the patient reaches the present time. This makes it a good choice for smaller areas of the body, such as: elbows, ankles, legs or arms.

Two-phase current

Bifazik has two impulses of two different intensities. These alternatives during treatment, which makes it very versatile. The two-phase can be used for both acute and chronic problems for various purposes, including:

Strengthening and rebuilding of the muscles

Improvement of blood circulation

Reduced edema and edema

High voltage

Electric stimulation of high voltage is a monophase signal that uses polarity (positive or negative) for tissue stimulation. It is a popular modality that helps reduce pain and swelling, reduce muscle cramps, and alleviate wound healing.

Microcurrent

Microcurrent is also used for wound generation using microstrip pulsating current. Due to its low intensity, microcurrent is the most portable signal in electrotherapy.

Related Articles: Signal Forms Used in Aesthetic Therapy Stimulation

How electrotherapy can be used in physical therapy

Used alone or in combination with other methods such as therapeutic ultrasound, electrotherapy can be used in physical therapy to treat many different patient issues, including:

Siatica

Fibromyalgia

Arthritis

Bursitis

Post-surgical pain and edema

TMD

Complications associated with diabetes

Tennis color

Tunnel Wrist Syndrome

E-Stim and electrotherapy used in physical therapy

Scientifically sound treatment of pain and edema

Electrotherapy is scientifically grounded as a useful modality to reduce pain and edema, while improving healing results for different patient groups.

A study published in Current Reumatology showed that daily 30-minute TENS procedures for 10 days reduce the acute, emergent and postoperative pain.

The article "Sport Medicine" examines the positive use of electrical stimulation in reducing the swelling and edema caused by sports-related injuries.

The Belgian orthopedic magazine has published promising results that have shown that TENS therapy for anesthetic tendon injuries can actually contribute to healing.

A study published in the Journal of the American Association of Physical Therapy found that electrotherapy helps patients restore their femoral strength after general knee arthroplasty (TKA).

The study, published in Experimental & Translational Stroke Medicine, found that electrical stimulation improves the motor recovery of stroke patients.

Treatment for the treatment of acute trauma or chronic pain, electrotherapy with various forms of signal, offers physical therapists the possibility of non-invasive treatment of many different patients without complications or side effects. With existing portable devices, electrotherapy can also be used by patients at home and office premises to provide therapeutic alternatives to traditional oral pain medications. These benefits make electrotherapy one of the most powerful and popular methods of physical therapy.