Interferential Therapy

Interferential Therapy is a medium frequency current in which two medium frequency currents are used to produce a low frequency current called as Beat Frequency.

Frequency Modes

IFT is divided into two frequency modes i.e. constant and rhythmic which are further modified according to patients condition.

• Constant frequency (1–100 Hz) provides analgesic effect through conduction of sensory nerve ending to alleviate pain.
• Constant frequency (1–10 Hz) provides motor stimulation causes muscle contractions.
• Rhythmic frequency (1–100 Hz) induce relaxation in the tissue with hyperemia further  improves circulatory activity. It facilitate the healing process and relieve edema.
• rhythmic frequency (1–10 Hz)  causes a vasodilation of blood vessels thus facilitates the absorption of exudates.
• rhythmic frequency (90–100 Hz) is used for treatment of neuralgic pain by causing analgesic effect along with vasodilation.

IFT application methods

IFT has mainly three modes of application from which bipolar technique is useful in torque production. Its stimulation act deeply and is comfortable for patient while quad polar is more effective in terms of pain.

• bipolar (one channel/two electrodes)
• quad polar (two channels/four electrodes)
• stereo dynamic method (three-dimensional)

 

Types of electrodes:

(1) plate electrodes  which can be large or small in size causing deeper penetration and superficial respectively.

(2) Vacuum electrodes which are mostly used for the back and knees.

(3) Combined electrodes are applied at the same time in different areas of the body to achieve maximum benefit.

 

Application of IFT

• chronic low back pain treatment
• gastrointestinal dysfunction
• stress incontinence
• dysphagia i.e. it is used at the neck area which enhance airway protection and nutrition in patients who have dysphagia as a result of enhancing saliva production
• knee arthritis pain
• chronic neck pain

IFT Physiologic Effects

• reduce pain
• muscle stimulation
• cause vasodilatation
• edemas reduction
• improve bone healing

 

Contraindications

• arterial disease
• deep vein thrombosis
• infectious conditions
• pregnancy
• hemorrhagic patients
• malignant tumors
• artificial pacemakers
• open wounds
• dermatological conditions
• abnormal skin sensation
• epilepsy
• interference with the effect of drugs such as tramadol