What is electrotherapy?
Traceable back to the times of ancient Rome, electrotherapy is one of the most clinically established techniques we have at our disposal as physiotherapists. A mild electric current is applied to specific areas of the body using either electrodes or small sponges. You may be familiar with TENS machines, which can offer pain relief for back pain, nerve pain, in childbirth, and arthritis. The electrotherapy we use in our clinic is more powerful, but still comfortable enough (it produces a feeling like mild pins and needles across the skin).
What can electrotherapy do?
Electrotherapy aims to:
- Relieve pain
- Stimulate your muscles – including preventing muscle wastage, and improving your range of motion
- Increase blood flow to the affected area
- Reduce oedema.
In acute conditions, shorter treatments lasting up to 15 minutes can help with tissue repair and give immediate, lasting pain relief. For chronic conditions, longer treatment times may be more appropriate to see results that last longer.