Electrotherapy and Ultrasound

What is electrotherapy? 

Electrotherapy is a medical treatment that uses electrical stimulation to relieve pain and improve physical function. It includes a range of techniques that apply electrical impulses to the body to achieve therapeutic outcomes, such as TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation), and Iontophoresis. Electrotherapy is commonly used in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and sports medicine to aid in the healing process and manage chronic conditions.

Which conditions benefit from Electrotherapy 

  • Musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis, back pain, and sciatica
  • Neuropathic pain, including conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and phantom limb pain
  • Chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia and chronic regional pain syndrome
  • Rehabilitation after surgery, injury, or stroke
  • Muscle weakness and spasticity, including conditions such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy
  • Wound healing and tissue repair 
  • Migraines and headaches

what is therapeutic Ultrasound

Ultrasound therapy is a type of physical therapy that uses high-frequency sound waves to treat various conditions and injuries. The sound waves produce deep heat within the tissues, which can help to reduce pain and swelling, promote healing, and increase mobility. Ultrasound waves have a high energy level, and are best absorbed within the tissue of high collagen
content: tendons, ligaments, fascia, joint capsule and scar tissue. Mechanical vibration in the tissue create heat, which increases blood flow, vasodilation, extensibility of collagen, tissue metabolism and pain relief.

While ultrasound therapy is generally considered safe and effective, it is not appropriate for all conditions. For example, it should not be used over certain areas of the body, such as the eyes or the brain, over pacemaker as the sound waves can cause damage. It is also not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as certain types of cancer, and for women who are pregnant. Using ultrasound over growth plates in children is also contra-indicated.

Which conditions benefit from ultrasound treatment? 

  • bursitis
  • tendonitis
  • muscle strain/ tears
  • osteoarthritis
  • ligament and tendons injuries.