Electrotherapy Leeds - Yorkshire Physiotherapy Network
Electrotherapy Services Leeds
Electrotherapy is used by our physiotherapists to help provide pain relief and to promote healing. The methods of electrotherapy used by our physiotherapists are as follows:
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is one of the most popular forms of electrotherapy used in common practice. In truth, it is not a form of electrical energy, but a mechanical energy. Mechanical vibration at increasing frequencies is known as a sound energy. The normal human sound range is from 16Hz to something approaching 15-20,000Hz (in children and young adults). Beyond this upper limit, the mechanical vibration is known as ULTRASOUND. The frequencies used in therapy are typically between 1.0 and 3.0MHz (1MHz= 1 million cycles per second).
When particles of a material are exposed to a sound wave they oscillate about a fixed point rather than move with the wave itself. This increase in the molecular vibration of the tissue can result in heat generation, and ultrasound can be used to produce thermal changes in the tissues. In addition to this, the vibration of the tissues appears to have effects which are generally considered to be non thermal in nature, though, as with other modalities (e.g Pulsed Shortwave) there must be a thermal component however small. As the ultrasound wave passes through a material (the tissues), the energy levels within the wave will diminish as the energy is transferred to the material. When this energy is absorbed it is suggested that injured tissue will be positively effected, increasing the rate of healing and enhancing the quality of repair.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
This is a very safe method of electrotherapy which we use both in the clinic and loan for home. It provides pain relief by blocking nerve signals carrying pain messages to the brain. TENS also stimulates the production of endorphins – our natural pain relieving hormones.
Interferential Therapy
This involves the passing of two currents through the tissues. Where the currents intersect a new current is set up. These currents can activate the pain gate mechanism to help relieve pain or can work directly on nerve fibres causing endorphin release. If you are suffering from severe pain we may use this type of electrotherapy to be able to achieve the maximum benefits from our manual therapy. These currents can also cause muscle contraction which in turn will cause a local increase in fluid flow and exchange.
Heat
We use heat pads if we want to stimulate an increase in blood flow. Heat is also used in combination with manual therapy to reduce joint stiffness and enhance relaxation.
Ice Therapy
Ice is applied to very acute injuries to help decrease bleeding and minimise swelling and thus in turn reduce pain and help us to be able to start rehabilitation.
For further information on therapeutic ultrasound, visit electrotherapy.org
Please contact us for further information.