Electrotherapy is the application of an electric current to the affected area of the body to accelerate healing and reduce swelling and pain. Electrotherapy is used by our experienced Physiotherapist at Ellie Physiotherapy &Wellness to treat a variety of conditions.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS)-is a method of pain relief involving the use of a mild electrical current. It provides pain relief by blocking nerve signals carrying pain messages to the brain. TENS stimulates the production of endorphins-our natural pain relieving hormones.

What is TENS used for?

arthritis

knee pain

neck pain

sports injury

Interferential therapy (IFT)-IFT is widely used by physiotherapists. This treatment uses low frequency electrical current to stimulate nerve activity in the injured area of your body.

How Interferential therapy can help you?

It is commonly used to relieve pain, promote tissue healing by increasing circulation to the injured area ,relieve muscle spasm ,stimulate and improve mobility and reduce swelling

Interferential therapy is used for the following symptoms: acute and chronic pain/muscular spasm /muscular weakness /swelling after sprains and muscle strains

Examples of musculoskeletal problems that interferential therapy can treat:

Lateral epicondilitis/tennis elbow

Osteoarthritis

Bursitis(inflammation of the bursa)

Tendinitis(inflammation of a tendon)

Fractures

What is the difference between TENS and IFT?-TENS delivers low-frequency current across the surface of the skin, while IFT delivers a higher frequency current that penetrates deeper into the tissue with less discomfort.

Ultrasound-where high -frequency sound waves are used to treat injuries to muscles, tendons and soft tissues. The sound waves pass through the skin causing the tissues in the affected area to vibrate.

What are the benefits for using Ultrasound?

reduce pain

increase the breakdown of scar tissue

improve blood flow

encourage of healing process

Ultrasound can be used on both chronic and acute conditions and is commonly used in the rehabilitation of muscles, tendon and ligament injuries.

Reference: NHS website/Kent-Community Health NHS Foundation Trust / Physiopedia