Electrotherapeutic modalities are sometimes used to stimulate healing and promote pain relief. Some of the modalities used are ultrasound, phonophoresis, electrical stimulation, cold laser, TNS & TENS 900.
Ultrasound – Ultrasonic waves are applied to the injured area using a stainless steel sound head with a gel coupling agent to promote healing. The ultrasonic waves create a deep heat within the soft tissue. This increased cellular activity increases blood flow and circulation which promotes healing by decreasing inflammation & reducing pain.
Phonophoresis – is ultrasound with an anti-inflammatory medication mixed into the gel. The medication, usually dexamethasone, is absorbed into the painful and inflamed area.
Electrical stimulation – uses an electrical current to cause a single or group of muscles to contract by placing electrodes on the skin over or surrounding the injured, painful or weak region. The current can elicit a forceful or gentle contraction. The contracting muscle increases strength as well as increasing its blood supply to the area which assists in increased circulation, decreased inflammation which reduces pain and promotes healing.
Interferential Current Estim – This electrical stimulation is applied with electrodes typically in a crossed pattern surrounding the painful area. The IFC frequencies interfere with the transmissions of painful messages at the spinal cord level. The deep tissue penetration stimulates parasympathetic nerve fibers for increased blood flow which increases circulation, decreases inflammation and pain, and promotes healing.
Iontophoresis – is the process by which anti-inflammatory drugs such as dexamethasone are introduced into a joint or small painful or inflamed region of the body via electrical current. The electrical current pushes the medicine through the skin in a non-invasive and painless manner. The localized concentration of medication reduces pain and inflammation.
TNS (Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation) – A TNS unit is a small battery operated portable machine that use an electrical current to decrease pain. Electrodes are applied to the affected area. Gentle electrical currents are sent through the electrodes producing a tingling sensation which is felt in the underlying skin and muscle. The stimulus disrupts the pain signal that is being sent from the affected area to the surrounding nerves resulting in the reduction of pain. The patient is instructed how to utilize the unit while in the clinic and then is able to use it at home with the appropriate parameters for their specific injury or condition. This helps the patient to manage their symptoms while continuing to go about their independent activities of daily living.
TENS 900 – is a handheld unit (used by the therapist) which produces small electrical impulses that stimulate trigger points in the body. The electrical impulse is applied to a painful trigger point and along the nerve pathway for 30-60 seconds per point helping to reduce pain. The technique is similar to acupuncture without the invasive needles.
Cold Laser – Cold laser therapy is low intensity light or photon energy with the unique property of being able to penetrate up to 2” below the skin's surface causing an increase in cellular metabolism with no tissue damage. Increased cellular metabolism increases circulation which decreases inflammation. Cold laser is being used to treat a variety of painful and inflammatory type conditions of the soft tissue and joints such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and sports injuries
