Electrotherapy ModalitiesElectrotherapy modalities are the most common treatment techniques used in physical therapy and rehabilitation. In Electrotherapy (which is also called as electrical muscle stimulation) physical therapist uses a machine that delivers electrical impulses to a patient’s body. This is done to promote muscle healing and tissue regeneration.
Uses of Electrotherapy :- Pain reduction
- Relaxation of muscle spasms
- Prevention of muscular atrophy due to disuse
- Improved local blood circulation and flow
- Re-education of muscles using targeted stimulation
- Preserve and improve range of motion
- Pain Management (chronic, acute, post-traumatic and pre/post-surgical)
- Prevention of deep vein thrombosis post-surgery
- Facilitation of wound healing
Types of Electrotherapy Modalities- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
- Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
- Ultrasound
- Interferential therapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Laser
- Hydrocollator
- Wax therapy
- Cryotherapy
- Hydrotherapy
Contraindications- Electrotherapy is not for symptomatic pain (unless pain has been diagnosed)
- Shouldn’t use in inflamed, swollen or infected areas of body
- Shouldn’t applied on cancerous ulcer, wounds or tumors
- Avoid in pregnant women and children
- Patient with pacemaker and CVS shouldn’t treated with electrotherapy
- But still there are many areas or conditions in which electrotherapy is used on those listed above.
Author: Sushanta Kumar Ghosh, Physiotherapy Specialist, DIU Medical Center
