How is electricity used in Physical Therapy?

Question

I am receiving PT for painful problems. My therapist mentioned using electricity and I asked her if she were referring to a Tens unit which I had heard only worked sometimes. She replied that there were other kinds of electricity that was used that DID work. What was she referring to? Thanks.

Answer 1

TENS is a good example. There are other modalities such as interferential current, galvonic stimulation and high volt pulse current. They all use electicity, but with different wavelengths, waveforms, frequencies and polarities.

None of these things cure problems, but rather are a way to manage pain. The evidence for use of any of them is a little scant, but it is still used as an approach to manage pain.

You are right though...they only work sometimes. Yet, just like anything else, nothing works all the time, otherwise everyone would be using it.

For the most part, I rarely use electrical modalities except in cases where people fall outside the norm of a musculoskeletal problem and rather mimic a chronic pain condition.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Answer 2

yes they do help alot but really look at the problem and just think is shocking that part of your body overstimulating the nerves so that they relaxand loosen up is that a good thing? had it done to my knee and it did relieve pain for about 3 or 4 hours but then pain was right back my question is get rid of the underlying problem and the symptoms go away right

Answer 3

They have lots of machines to try. The TENs units that we use are good, but not as good as the professional units. Likewise they have sound wave machines, heat and sound wave plus TENs and it just goes on. I have had several different machines and all have assisted with the Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Answer 4

it's electrical stim. it actually helps to loosen up tense or spasmed muscles. it helps a lot.