A piece of equipment commonly used by physical therapists is the interferential current machine. This machine produces electrical currents (~4000HZ) that pass through the affected area of the patient. The current tends to penetrate deeper than other electrical modalities and has a number of physiological effects that have therapeutic value.
Full Answer
What is Interferential current therapy?
Apr 14, 2018 · Interferential Current stimulation is very useful in the treatment of circulatory and muscular disorders, stiffness of joints, edema, and inflammation. If you suffer from health problems such as cumulative trauma disorders, body pain, joint injuries, or are pre or post orthopedic surgery, interferential current therapy is and important option.
How does the Interferential current device work?
Nov 19, 2018 · What is Interferential Current Therapy. Interferential current therapy is an effective therapy option used by many physiotherapy clinics to relieve pain and accelerate the self-healing process, getting your body back to a healthy, pain free state. The high frequency signals of an IFC penetrate through the skin into deeper lying muscle tissues.
What is Interferential current (IFC)?
Jan 03, 2017 · Because IFC mainly targets tissues, the most noticeable and longest lasting effects are seen on patients who need pain relief due to inflammation, muscle strains or sprains, and joint problems. IFC is often used with chiropractic and physiotherapy as part of a full treatment plan. The goals of IFC are to: Reduce pain Decrease muscle spasm
What is Interferential current stimulation (IC)?
Oct 16, 2014 · Interferential current (IFC) therapy is not a new technology; rather, it has been available for many years and predates all but the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit from a longevity standpoint. When it comes to reducing tight muscles stemming from muscle guarding, muscle spasms, myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, fascial …
What is IFT therapy?
The basic principle of Interferential Therapy (IFT) is to utilise the strong physiologicaportable iftl effects of low frequency (<250pps) electrical stimulation of nerves without the associated painful and somewhat unpleasant side effects sometimes associated with low frequency stim.
How does IFT work?
It has been suggested that IFT works in a ‘special way’ because it is ‘interferential’ as opposed to ‘normal’ stimulation. The evidence for this special effect is lacking and it is most likely that IFT is just another means by which peripheral nerves can be stimulated. It is rather a generic means of stimulation – the machine can be set up to act more like a TENS type device or can be set up to behave more like a muscle stimulator – by adjusting the stimulating (beat) frequency. It is often regarded (by patients) to be more acceptable as it generates less discomfort than some other forms of electrical stimulation.
What is interferential therapy?
What is Interferential Current Therapy 1 Reduces or eliminates your pain safely. 2 Noticeable decrease in swelling and inflammation. 3 Restores lost movement and improves restricted movements and coordination. 4 Stimulates the natural hormones which can help your body heal faster. 5 Considered by many experts as a highly effective form of treatment for chronic pain.
How does an IFC work?
The high frequency signals of an IFC penetrate through the skin into deeper lying muscle tissues. Electrodes are placed on your skin around the injured body part. The Interferential Current device then transmits electrical impulses in minute quantities through your skin. Underlying tissue and nerves are stimulated which begins ...
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What is IFC therapy?
Interferential current ( IFC) therapy is a therapeutic modality that is used often in an orthopedic physical therapy setting . The following article serves as a brief introduction to the modality and it’s uses. A piece of equipment commonly used by physical therapists is the interferential current machine.
Is IFC safe for pregnant women?
However, use should be avoided on individuals with pacemakers and near the low back or abdomen of pregnant women.
Learn About IFC and Its Potential Benefits
You may have heard that physical therapy routines can include electrical stimulation treatment, but did you know that a wide variety of these treatments exist?
What is Interferential Current Therapy?
IFC sends small amounts of electrical current through the skin to stimulate the tissues around an injured body part to promote pain relief and healing.
How Does IFC Differ From TENS?
TENS delivers low-frequency current across the surface of the skin, while IFC delivers a higher frequency current that penetrates deeper into the tissue with less discomfort.
When is IFC Used?
Because IFC mainly targets tissues, the most noticeable and longest lasting effects are seen on patients who need pain relief due to inflammation, muscle strains or sprains, and joint problems.
Is IFC a new technology?
Interferential current (IFC) therapy is not a new technology; rather, it has been available for many years and predates all but the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit from a longevity standpoint. When it comes to reducing tight muscles stemming from muscle guarding, muscle spasms, myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, ...
Why is IFC not intuitive?
An IFC treatment setup is not intuitive because of the diagonal pattern required for this treatment mode . Despite providers being taught/trained in the correct way to set up an IFC placement, it is often performed incorrectly. There is no standardization in electrode color (red/black) from one company to the next, which creates confusion. For example, some companies have 2 of the same colors for a given channel while others have different colors for the same channel. Something as simple as electrode color can cause provider confusion and lead to incorrect electrode placement. This can potentially render the overall treatment less effective, with possible adverse effects. Also, more clarity regarding spinal electrode pad placement would be useful to improve safety and help prevent adverse effects. So it’s comforting to have an old standby such as IFC in this top 10 list, but even classic technology should continue to get even better.
Is IFC good for you?
The affordability of an IFC unit is an advantage, and, as a result, it provides good value for the provider. A good case can be made for IFC for adjunctive electrotherapy as part of the care plan for many soft-tissue conditions involving pain and muscle tightness. It has limitations, however, including a limited capacity to treat a small area, such as a hand or wrist or ankle. IFC is more suited for larger treatment sites, such as the spine.
Is IFC good for fibromyalgia?
IFC is comfortable and well tolerated when patients are selected properly. Patients with a low pain/pressure tolerance do not do very well with IFC. Therefore, fibromyalgia patients need to be individually screened for this treatment.
What is IFT therapy?
The basic principle of Interferential Therapy (IFT) is to utilise the significant physiological effects of low frequency (<250pps) electrical stimulation of nerves without the associated painful and somewhat unpleasant side effects sometimes associated with low frequency stimulation. Recently, numerous ‘portable’ interferential devices have become easily available. Despite their size, they are perfectly capable of delivering ‘proper’ interferential therapy, though some have limited functionality and ability for the practitioner to ‘set’ all parameters. Most multifunction stimulators include all interferential modes, so the practitioner has several machine types to select from (examples below).
How does IFT work?
It has been suggested that IFT works in a ‘special way’ because it is ‘interferential’ as opposed to ‘normal’ stimulation. The evidence for this special effect is lacking and it is most likely that IFT is just another means by which peripheral nerves can be stimulated. It is rather a generic means of stimulation – the machine can be set up to act more like a TENS type device or can be set up to behave more like a muscle stimulator – by adjusting the stimulating (beat) frequency. It is often regarded (by patients) to be more acceptable as it generates less discomfort than some other forms of electrical stimulation.
What is the principle of IFT?
The basic principle of Interferential Therapy (IFT) is to utilise the significant physiological effects of low frequency (<250pps) electrical stimulation of nerves without the associated painful and somewhat unpleasant side effects sometimes associated with low frequency stimulation.
What is IFC used for?
IFC is a technology used to treat many muscle, soft tissue and nerve diseases or injuries, such as: IFC is similar to TENS, but uses two medium frequencies targeted at a specific point instead of one frequency focused on a larger area. Electrodes are placed on the skin around the injured area.
What is an IFC device?
IFC is an electronic device used to stimulate nerve endings in deep tissue in order to reduce swelling, relieve pain, stop muscle spasms, increase blood flow and support healing . IFC is a technology used to treat many muscle, soft tissue and nerve diseases or injuries, such as:
Introduction & Ift Production
- The basic principle of Interferential Therapy (IFT) is to utilise the strong physiologicaportable iftl effects of low frequency (<250pps) electrical stimulation of nerves without the associated painful and somewhat unpleasant side effects sometimes associated with low frequency stim. To produce low frequency effects at sufficient intensity at depth...
Frequency Sweep
- Nerves will accommodate to a constant signal & a sweep (or gradually changing frequency) is often used to overcome this problem. The principle of using the sweep is that the machine is set to automatically vary the effective stimulation frequency using either pre-set or user set sweep ranges. The sweep range employed should be appropriate to the desired physiological effects (s…
Physiological Effects & Clinical Applications
- It has been suggested that IFT works in a ‘special way’ because it is ‘interferential’ as opposed to ‘normal’ stimulation. The evidence for this special effect is lacking and it is most likely that IFT is just another means by which peripheral nerves can be stimulated. It is rather a generic means of stimulation – the machine can be set up to act more like a TENS type device or can be set up to …
Treatment Parameters
- Stimulation can be applied using pad electrodes and sponge covers (which when wet provide a reasonable conductive part), though electroconductive get is an effective alternative. The sponges should be thoroughly wet to ensure even current distribution. Self adhesive pad electrodes are also available (similar to the newer TENS electrodes) and make the IFT application easier in the …
The Physiological Effects of IFC
- The physiological effects include: 1. an increase in localized blood flow which can improve healingby reducing swelling (the additional blood flowing through the area takes edematous fluid away with it) and as a result helps remove damaged tissue and bring nutrients necessary for healing to the injured area 2.the stimulation of local nerve cells th...
Should The Patient Feel Interferential current?
- The patient should not feel any discomfort from the application of the interferential current. The electrodes will usually be used with a damp sponge placed between the electrode and the patient’s skin. If discomfort is felt it is usually because an electrode sponge is not damp enough or because the sponge is not entirely covering the electrode and therefore is allowing some dire…
Safety and Contraindications
- IFC has been used in physical therapy treatment for many years and has been proven to be very safe. However, use should be avoided on individuals with pacemakers and near the low back or abdomen of pregnant women. You should also avoid the use of this modality in a body part where there is any possible risk of metastasis. Read about other therapeutic modalities: 1. Transcutan…