Electric muscle stimulation/Interferential Current

Does electric therapy really work?  Why would I use it or need it?  We’ve all suffered from nagging aches and pains and injuries.  We’ve also suffered from more serious injuries such as sprains and strains and neurologic issues.  A great therapy to help with rehab and pain control is Electric muscle stimulation or Interferential current.  These both use a unit that emits electrical impulses to the affected area and are often paired with either heat or ice, depending on what your treatment goals are.

Electric Muscle Stimulation uses a low volt stimulation to effect/contract motor nerves.  This therapy is used to cause muscle contraction and thus muscle strengthening for people suffering from neuromuscular disorders.  As well, this therapy uses contraction relaxation in its impulses and can therefore help treat vascular disorders and musculoskeletal conditions and pain.  This is a great choice of treatment for rehabilitation of muscle disease and disorders.

Interferential Current uses 2 medium pulses that alternate, to penetrate through the more superficial muscle fibers down to the deep ones.  These frequencies are effective in blocking pain at the spinal cord level; and also aid in decreasing swelling locally while at the same time increasing blood flow and thus rebuilding nutrients to the area to quicken and promote healing.

TENS, which many people have units at home, works on sensory nerves to decrease pain signals in the brain.  TENS is very effective for pain control and relaxation and naturally boosts endorphin levels.

In short, if you are suffering from tight muscles, injured muscles or overused muscles, electrotherapy might be a great option for you to help control the pain and get that healing process going.