Electrotherapy is a method of stimulating nerves and is a device to help control pain. Electrotherapy is also used to stimulate 'muscle pump'. This treatment improves the circulation of blood causing old blood to be pumped out, and allowing fresh blood to replace it. Both methods involve the use of a small battery-powered stimulator that delivers pulses of electrical activity from surface electrodes attached to the skin.
Electrotherapy works by altering the way pain is transmitted within the body. It is also stimulating the body's own pain control system by causing the body to produce Endorphin-like substances, which act as pain relievers.
The machine used for electrotherapy has a variety of waves and frequencies for different types of pain. Your physiotherapist may try out different combinations to find out which combination is most suitable or effective for you pain.
You should feel a strong but comfortable sensation. Please advise your therapist if any irritation or burning feeling occurs.
Please inform your physiotherapist before recieving treatment if you have any of the following:
- Epilepsy
- Skin Lesions
- Cardiac Arrhythmia
- Cardiac Pace-Maker
- Reduced Skin Sensation
- If you are, or may be, pregnant