Interferential Stimulation in Physiotherapy

Study Notes

Interferential Stimulation

Interferential stimulation enhances venous and lymphatic return through electrically-induced muscle contraction.
Common beat frequency ranges from 10-25 Hz, typically around 15 Hz.
Increases blood flow due to vasodilatation, influenced by the parasympathetic nervous system.
Effective in treating circulatory disorders, including Raynaud's disease, through inhibition of sympathetic ganglia activity.
Promotes soft tissue healing and repair, enhancing ossification and fracture healing, as well as wound healing by improving cellular function and proliferation.

Indications for Use

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD): Includes conditions like Raynaud's disease, venous insufficiency, and Burger’s disease, characterized by thrombosis and inflammation.
Facial Nerve Neuritis: Treatment for disorders affecting facial nerve function.
Orthopedic Conditions: Addresses joint sprains, fracture complications, osteoarthritis, spondylosis, frozen shoulder, and chondromalacia.
Gynecological Issues: Manages stress incontinence, urinary frequency, and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pain Management: Effective for all types of musculoskeletal pain, including low back pain, sciatica, brachial neuralgia, phantom limb pain, and myalgia.
Myositis, Bursitis, and Tendonitis: Treatment options for these inflammatory conditions.
Muscle Re-education and Strengthening: Aids in recovering and strengthening muscle function.

Contraindications

Presence of malignant tumors.
Arterial diseases, where stimulation may cause embolus formation.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and other infectious conditions.
Artificial pacemakers and conditions involving hemorrhage or large open wounds.
Dermatological issues, senile or confused patients, and advanced cardiac disease.

Clinical Applications

Adjusting input currents allows for a desired beat frequency in clinical usage, with modern machines operating at frequencies of 1-150 Hz (some up to 250 Hz).
Electrode Placement: Must ensure adequate coverage of the area being treated.
Tissue Frequency Response: Varies across nerve types (e.g., sympathetic nerves at 1-5 Hz, motor nerves at 10-50 Hz, and sensory nerves at 100 Hz).

Sweep Frequency

Prevents nerves from accommodating to a constant signal by gradually changing the frequency.
Commonly a 6-second rise and fall between pre-set frequencies is used, enhancing physiological effects.

Types of Currents

Russian Current: 2,500 Hz AC, burst modulated at 50 bps, with 10-millisecond bursts.
Aussie Current: Medium frequency (1,000 Hz), burst modulated at 50 bps with shorter burst durations (4 msec) and lower duty cycle (20%).
Differences in duty cycle between the two currents impact discomfort levels and force production during muscle contractions.

Theoretical Basis for Application

Electrical stimulation can recruit multiple motor units simultaneously, resulting in stronger contractions than voluntary efforts.
Muscle responds with a twitch rather than gradual contraction at higher burst frequencies, permitting more effective muscle hypertrophy.

Description

Learn about the effects of interferential stimulation on blood flow and circulation. Discover how it can be used to treat circulatory disorders and improve overall health. Test your knowledge on this physiotherapy technique!