Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy encompasses a range of modalities that use electrical energy to promote tissue healing, manage pain, and restore neuromuscular function. Our clinic offers a full suite of electrotherapeutic interventions, each precisely calibrated to the individual patient’s condition, pain levels, and treatment goals. These modalities work synergistically with manual therapy and exercise to deliver comprehensive, multi-modal care.
CONDITIONS TREATED
- Muscle tears
- Post-surgical rehab
- Tendinopathy
- Oedema
- Nerve pain
- Wound healing
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
TECHNIQUES & PROCESS
1. TENS
Delivers low-voltage electrical pulses to interrupt pain signals and stimulate endorphin release. Ideal for acute and chronic pain.
2. Ultrasound Therapy
High-frequency sound waves penetrate deep tissue to reduce inflammation, accelerate cell repair, and soften scar tissue.
3. Interferential Therapy (IFC)
Two medium-frequency currents create a therapeutic beat deep within tissues for superior pain relief over TENS.
4. NMES
Triggers involuntary muscle contractions to re-educate weakened muscles and prevent atrophy, especially post-surgery.
KEY BENEFITS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does electrotherapy hurt?
Most electrotherapy modalities are entirely painless. With TENS and IFT you’ll feel a gentle tingling or buzzing sensation that is actually quite pleasant. Ultrasound therapy produces a subtle warming feeling. NMES may cause mild discomfort as muscles contract involuntarily, but the intensity is always kept
within a tolerable range.
How long does a session take?
Electrotherapy is typically administered for 10–20 minutes per area as part of a broader physiotherapy session. A full appointment including assessment, manual therapy, and electrotherapy usually runs 30–60 minutes.
Can I have electrotherapy with a pacemaker?
Patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers or defibrillators should not receive TENS, IFT, or NMES. Ultrasound therapy and LLLT are generally considered safe, but assessed case by case. Always inform your physiotherapist of any implanted devices before treatment.
Is it effective on its own?
Electrotherapy is most effective as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy programme that includes manual therapy, targeted exercise, and education. While certain modalities like TENS can provide standalone pain relief, a multi-modal approach produces the greatest and most lasting outcomes
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are uncommon when applied correctly. Occasionally mild skin redness may occur under electrode pads — this resolves quickly. Some patients experience temporary increased soreness after NMES as muscles have been worked. LLLT has an excellent safety profile with virtually no reported adverse effects at therapeutic doses.