Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy is an umbrella term covering a multitude of treatments. From a physiotherapy standpoint there are a number of modalities used to aid tissue healing a different levels and stages. Ultrasound, probably the most commonly used is designed to promote healing through use of high frequency sound waves and can be used from the acute through to the chronic stages. Depending on the levels used it can aid removal of damaged tissues throught the lymphatic system, increase blood flow, have a heating effect and work at different depths to target specific tissues. Interferential applies a variable low electric impulse to give pain relief, speed up healing, change blood flow and help break down bruises within the tissues, TENS is used mainly for pain relief especially at a longterm chronic level and on certain settings can stimulate muscular contraction (sometimes called faradism) which is very helpful in nerve damage or muscle wasting. Other lesser used modalities are pulsed shortwave diathermy and laser treatment. As with all treatments an experienced professional should be consulted .