Electrotherapy is a medical procedure that involves administering an electric current to the injured areas. It is mostly used by experienced physiotherapists to treat a wide range of disorders, including muscle pain and arthritis.
Interferential Current Therapy
Interferential Therapy (IFC) is a deeper, more intensive type of current treatment. IFC uses dual high frequency electrical signals that are slightly out of phase and are transmitted into the body simultaneously. The signals are transmitted so their paths will actually interfere with one another (giving the treatment its name). This interference produces a “beat” frequency that simulates the effect of subcutaneous (i.e. under the skin) low frequency stimulation.
IFC is usually administered by a health care practitioner such as a physiotherapist at Physiotouch Courtice.
Conditions for having IFC Treatment & Benefits
Pain relief, muscular stimulation, improved local blood flow, edema reduction and acceleration of soft tissue healing are the condition for having IFC Electrotherapy.
For patients experiencing acute conditions, the physiotherapist at Physiotouch Courtice will usually try shorter treatment times of 5-10 minutes. For other patients, we may try stimulating the tissues for longer periods of possibly 20-30 minutes which is the best possible and professional way of Electrotherapy in Courtice.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
TENS is an electrotherapy treatment that is a popular solution for a variety of painful conditions such as arthritis, lower back pain, labor pain and nerve related pain, including phantom pain.
TENS works by using a (usually portable) electrical device to deliver electrical impulses through the skin.
TENS can work in two ways. The first uses high frequency signals to selectively stimulate certain ‘non-pain’ nerve fibers to send signals to the brain that block other nerve signals carrying pain messages.
In addition, TENS uses low frequency signals that stimulate the production of endorphins. Endorphins are natural pain-relieving hormones which act as a built-in pain management system.
There is a tradeoff between high and low frequency stimulation. High frequency stimulation is tolerable for hours, but the resultant pain relief lasts for a shorter period of time. Low frequency stimulation is comparable to acupuncture and is usually tolerable for short periods only. However, the resulting pain relief lasts much longer than that resulting from high frequency stimulation. Low-frequency stimulation, sometimes compared to acupuncture, is more uncomfortable and tolerable for only around 20-30 minutes, but the resultant pain relief lasts longer.
What to Expect on Your First Visit:
- At Physiotouch Courtice, you will register with our friendly front office staff.
- A comprehensive assessment by a Physiotherapist or other Health Care Provider will take you through a detailed history of your major physical concern, assessment of your range of motion and strength, as well as a variety of special tests specific to your injury or dysfunction. These assessment findings are analyzed and used to create a clinical impression. This will help us to better identifying and understanding your problem and formulating an effective treatment plan tailored specifically for your needs and to achieve the realistic goals. This treatment plan could involve a number of things including therapeutic exercises, therapeutic modalities, manual mobilizations, massage, patient and family education, activity modification, home exercise programs, supervised exercise programs and many others.
- There will be some treatments performed the first day to get you started on your path to recovery. However, during the next visits you will get into all aspects of your treatment plan.
- Our staff will help you scheduling your next visits at Physiotouch Courtice as per treatment plan recommended by related Health Care Provider. We offer many convenient appointment times, however, prime times can become busy, so it is best to book ahead as much as possible.
- If you have any questions at any time, please do not hesitate to call. We want to ensure your satisfaction and full recovery.
Before Your First Visit
- You will receive a confirmation email shortly after booking your appointment.
- This email will contain some forms which you can fill out and sign from your device in handy.
- If you have any questions, ask us before signing the form.
- If you are not able to access the forms online, please arrive 15 minutes early for your first appointment so that we can help you with the paperwork.
- Make a list of questions that you want to discuss on your first visit.
- Bring with you if you have any imaging reports (i.e.) X-rays, Ultrasound/MRI (etc.) and doctor’s referral.
- Bring with you a copy of your insurance card and a photo ID.