Electrotherapy uses weak electric currents to reduce pain. The current is delivered through electrodes on the skin and “drowns out” pain signals along the nerves. Some types of current also improve blood circulation in the area. Electrotherapy for pain is a quick, painless treatment that is often done before exercises to make it easier to move.
What to expect
Kaloyan places the electrodes around the painful area and chooses the type of current according to the problem. With TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) you feel a rhythmic tingling or tapping. With interferential current you feel a light vibration deeper in. The device also works with other types of current, for example diadynamic and galvanic. Kaloyan turns up the intensity until the sensation is clear but pleasant. During the treatment you lie or sit comfortably.
After the session the pain often eases for a few hours, so it’s a good time to do your exercises. On its own, electrotherapy doesn’t remove the cause of the pain. It helps while kinesitherapy (exercise and manual therapy) works on the cause. A course is usually 4–8 sessions.
What it helps with
- Lower back and neck pain
- Sciatica and other nerve pain (neuralgia)
- Joint pain, for example in the knee or shoulder
- Pain after an injury or operation
- Muscle spasms and tightness
Who it’s for
- Pain stops you doing your exercises.
- You have chronic pain and want relief without increasing your medication.
- You are recovering from an injury and want to combine the treatment with exercises.
When it isn’t suitable
- You have a pacemaker or another implanted electronic device.
- You are pregnant, if the area is the abdomen or lower back.
- You have a blood clot (thrombosis) in the area.
- You have a wound, a skin condition or reduced skin sensation under the electrodes.
- You have cancer in the area.
- If you have a metal implant in the area, tell Kaloyan. It rules out some types of current.
