Electrical therapy in physiotherapy had a variety of devices to handle pain, restore range of motion and treat conditions of the neurological and musculoskeletal problems. Physiotherapist suggests electrical therapy as a treatment along with mobilization, stretching and strengthening exercises according to the problems.
What is Electrical Therapy?
Electrical therapy includes various forms of therapeutic applications. It is increasing the level of energies in the body. Electrical therapy is the non-surgical treatment. Electrical therapy devices are helpful in reducing pain and increase the healing process in the body. The source of electrical therapy is,
- Electricity
- Thermal therapy
- Electromagnetic field
- Light waves
- Laser
Electrical Therapy Devices
Electrical therapy devices had a lot of variety. Some popular machines are;
TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
Tens is the application of low frequency current in the form of pulsed rectangular wave current via surface electrodes on the patient’s skin. It helps to relief in pain and improves the blood circulation. It allows the muscles to release tension, soreness, tightness and body aches.
EMS (Electronic muscle stimulation)
EMS helps to strengthen the muscles. It retrains the muscles to start working again.
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasonic rays go through in the body generating heat. It improves blood circulation and relaxing muscles. It is also very helpful in tissues injury.
Interferential Current
Interferential current relates two different frequencies that interfere with one another to generate a medium frequency current within the tissues. It helps to manage pain and treat inflammation in soft tissues.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy does not produce heat. It is used to reduce pain, decrease swelling and to treat various musculoskeletal conditions. It is also speed up the healing process.
Short Wave Diathermy (SWD)
Short Wave Diathermy (SWD) provides deep form of heat. It is used to treat pain and inflammatory diseases.
Thermal Therapy
In thermal therapies we are using Jade Matt. It improves blood circulation and produce negative ions in the body. It also gives relief on pain.
Infrared Lamp
Infra therapy is very beneficial for treating the muscle pain and joint pain. The rays emitted from the lamp contract with our body. It produces heat, this heat is similar to sunlight. Infra therapy does not have any side effect but maintain a safe distance between body and lamp.
Heat pad
Heat pad is used for pain relief and to release muscle stiffness.
Benefits of Electrical Therapy in Physiotherapy
- Electrical therapy reduces joints pain and swelling. It also reduces pain from arthritis, bursitis, sports injuries and diabetic nerve pain.
- Electrical therapy prevents muscle atrophy. It can help stop loss of muscle tissue also known as atrophy by stimulating muscles to contract. It can even activate muscles that have degenerated due to illness or disuse.
- Electrical therapy enhances rehabilitation of muscles. It can be part of exercise and training programs to build and maintain muscular strength. Right now, many professional athletes get electrical stimulation therapy to promote muscle recovery after intense workouts.
- Electrical therapy increases range of motion for tense muscles and tendons. It can relax muscles and tendons that are tense injured. It also increases their flexibility and improves their range of motion. Electrical therapies are providing relief and protection from future injury.
- Electrical therapy reduces stress and discomfort a tense body. Physicians also recommend electrical therapy to reduce stress and promote a sense of harmonious well-being. Electrical therapy improves blood flow and circulation. It can promote blood flow and circulation which can help decrease inflammation and swelling.
