First of all, apologies for the shocking pun.

So what is Electrotherapy (or ET for short) – ET is a treatment protocol that uses some form of electricity to administer a treatment. There are numerous types of machines, instruments that are used but I will cover a couple of the more common ones used for sports therapy and massage treatments. 

They are improving and developing continuously so if you hear of anything new on the market then always happy to advise and look at the pros and cons.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

You will probably be familiar with TENS machines as they are often recommended to counteract contractions during childbirth and other common painful ailments. A TENS machine is a small battery operated device that uses electrodes (attached by sticky pads) to send a small electrical current through the painful area and potentially give some sort of relief by reducing the pain signals to the brain. There is also some indication that they help produce endorphins which are the body’s natural painkillers.

During my training a TENS machine was placed on my thigh muscles and when the current was turned up you could physically see the muscle contracting, it was a strange sensation but there was no discomfort or pain.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens/

Evidence is split as to whether they are entirely effective, but it does help some people and if all else fails then it has no side effects and isn’t painful to use.

There are some contraindications to its use (reasons not to use it – eg. People with pacemakers, cancerous tumours etc. but your therapist would check this before use – hence why it is important to complete your consultation forms correctly and thoroughly).

Pros

Cheap, some effectiveness in reducing pain whilst in use, potential increase of endorphins

Cons

Only works whilst on body, no long lasting effects and only masks the pain – evidence to support full effectiveness is limited.

Ultrasound

As the name suggests Ultrasound uses the electric current to create sound waves which hit the tissue creating a micro massage effect and creating a heating/thermal effect. Unlike the TENS where you could feel a tingling or see a contraction you cannot hear or feel anything when using a Ultrasound – it is important the therapist is trained as burns can occur if used incorrectly.

Usually, an ultrasound has a circular head (various diameters) which has ceramic crystal inside which vibrate causing the sound waves at frequencies of either 1mHz or 3mHz (no time for a physics lesson here but feel free to ask and I can go into more detail).

A water based gel is placed on the clients injured area and the therapist treats in a circular motion in several zones around the injured area for about 5 minutes.

As with TENS there are similar contraindications so give the therapist as much information as possible on the forms to ensure your safety.

Pros

Evidence to support it helps with tissue repair (muscles, ligaments and tendons), relatively cheap, safe and painless to use in trained hands.

Cons

Potential for burns if used incorrectly, would require a series of at least 3 treatments in combination with rehabilitation exercises, doesn’t work for everybody.

NB: Not to be confused with a visual ultrasound (a sonogram) used by your midwife during a pregnancy scan – they take pictures but do not generate heat in the same way.

Other Electrotherapy Treatments (not currently available at Kinisi)

Microcurrent Therapy – uses a low-level electrical current in an attempt to lower pain by potentially reducing swelling and inflammation as well as assist in the repair of damaged tissue.

It can be used to treat such as IBS, Fibromyalgia, Tendinopathies, Musculoskeletal injuries and many others.

Although this type of therapy is typically painless and effective the equipment required is generally quite expensive and I do not currently offer this as part of any treatments.

Shockwave Therapy – this uses short intense energy sound waves, causing microtrauma, increases blood flow and stimulates an acute inflammatory response which assists in the healing process.

Quite a popular treatment for achilles tendinopathies with good success, however it is quite an uncomfortable treatment and the equipment is very expensive. 

If interested in learning more about Electrotherapy techniques ask about them at your next treatment and we can discuss further.

Thanks for reading.

Paul