Electrotherapy is commonly used to treat pain and muscle weakness caused by neurological conditions. The most common electrotherapies used by Manchester Neuro Physio are Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). Our physiotherapists also use other electrotherapies to initiate or enhance the tissue repair process.
Your physiotherapist may choose to use one of the electrotherapies below during as part of your treatment with Manchester Neuro Physio.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
TENS is a form of non-invasive pain relief often used in the treatment of chronic pain. This safe and effective technique involves the use of a battery operated device and is delivered across the skin via conducting pads. Two natural processes within the body are stimulated. The tingling sensation of the TENS inhibits the amount of pain signals received by the brain. TENS also increases the levels of the body's own natural pain killing substances called endorphins and enkephalins.
FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation)
FES or NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) are mainly used by physiotherapists to strengthen very weak muscle groups and in some cases, such as a nerve injury, maintain muscle strength and speed up recovery of the affected nerve. Other benefits are; reduction of swelling, relief of pain and wound repair. FES is similar to TENS in the way that it is electrical energy applied via conducting pads. Excitation is caused in the nerves supplying the muscle group or area to be treated and an excitation, or contraction, is, therefore, caused in the muscle tissue. FES is commonly used to treat conditions such as foot drop, peripheral nerve injuries and Bell’s palsy.
Interferential Stimulation
Interferential stimulation uses gentle medium frequency electrical currents passed through the affected tissues using conducting pads. This technique can relieve pain, reduce swelling and bruising, and promote healing by increasing circulation to the injured area.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound can be used on both chronic and acute conditions and is commonly used in the treatment of muscle, tendon and ligament injuries. High frequency sound waves are focussed around the site of an injury by gently moving an ultrasonic head over the affected area. These sound waves perform a ‘micro-massage’ deep inside the injured tissues speeding up the healing process.
PSWD (Pulsed Short-Wave Diathermy)
This non-invasive technique uses electromagnetic energy to promote healing within the affected area. Physiotherapists use PSWD to treat a variety of conditions including swelling, osteoarthritis, muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries.
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