Electrotherapy

What is it?

Electrotherapy is the use of electrical stimulation to target specific areas of the body. It can help with pain management, promoting tissue healing and relieving muscular tension.

We use 4 different tools within electrotherapy here in clinic

They are:

• Dolphin for Micro Current Therapy (MCT).
  • This uses a low microamp which is a subsensory level so shouldn’t be able to be felt. As there is no noxious input MCT can help to desensitise soft tissues or the irritated nerve pathways that supply them
  • It is used for pain management, sensory changes, scar release therapy including c-section scarring.
  • Your therapist will perform a series of tests to determine the specific area to be treated, this includes a skin roll, a pinwheel and an electrical stimulation.
  • The actual stimulation with the tool should not elicit a sensory feeling however it may be dependent on your current state of sensitivity.
  • The Dolphin can be used on it’s own or with needles for a more targeted result

• E-Stim or Comfy EMS for neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
  • NMES works to reduce the tension and therefore within a specific muscle.
  • During this type of electrotherapy there needs to be a visible contraction within the muscle treated however it will be within your tolerance
  • NMES is used for improving muscle strength or endurance, maintaining healthy muscular function, increasing local blood circulation and reduce pain
  • The Comfy EMS uses electro pads whereas the E-Stim and Comfy EMS also has the option of using needles.

• TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
  • Pads are placed either side of the pain site and an electrical stimulation is initiated.
  • It has an analgesic effect to relieve pain sensations. It tends to have a better lasting result with chronic pain however acute pain can also benefit.
  • Patients may feel a light buzz when treatment is applied.

Contraindications for all electrotherapy tools;

• Pacemakers
• Dependent on area to be treated; eczema, psoriasis
• Pregnancy
• Peripheral vascular disease (DVT)
• Hypertension and Hypotension
• Neoplastic tissue such as a tumour

However, discuss with your practitioner any queries or concerns regarding your treatment at any point. Please note that the use of electrotherapy is only an option, your therapist will discuss with you all of the options within your treatment.

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