advantages vs risks of using electrotherapy on physiotherapy

You may have heard of electrotherapy or even had it recommended as a physiotherapy treatment.

Yet do you know what the advantages of electrotherapy are, and if there are any risk factors?

It sounds frightening at first, but technology has vastly improved the ‘electrical treatments’ of the past.

Whether you’re looking for treatment for yourself or want to find out more information for someone else, we’ll delve into the advantages and risks of using electrotherapy in physiotherapy. We’ll give you an overview of electrotherapy and how it works, helping you weigh up the pros and cons of electrotherapy.

Explore any risk factors preventing you from seeking electrotherapy as a suitable physiotherapy treatment.

First, let’s cover the basics!

What is electrotherapy?

Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy as a medical treatment (Electrotherapy - Wikipedia)

Sounds simple enough!

But what does electrotherapy do, and how can it help?

Electrotherapy uses a variety of modalities, but its main purpose is to stimulate, repair, and heal through the use of a gentle electrical current.

Physiotherapists use various electrotherapy treatments alongside exercise to aid:

• Muscle stimulation and strengthening
• Reduce swelling and irritation
• Alleviate chronic pain or nerve pain
• Increase blood circulation and range of motion

What can electrotherapy in physiotherapy treat?

There are many advantages of electrotherapy in physiotherapy. One of them is its versatility in application.

Electrotherapy can be used to treat:

• Acute or chronic joint pain
• Sporting injury
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Facial paralysis
• Post-surgical (stimulation, pain or trauma)
• Spinal osteoarthritis
• Neck or back pain
• Muscle rehabilitation (especially after trauma or stroke)

Benefits of Electrotherapy in Physical Therapy - prohealthcareproducts.com

Electrotherapy units usually emit a mild current to the affected area via electrode pads.

These sticky electrode pads are placed on your skin and connected to the electrotherapy unit by thin electrical wires.

When the unit is turned on, rhythmic pulses are sent to help the body prevent pain signals/receptors along the nerves.

This electrical stimulation has a profound effect on the brain. It helps release endorphins, which help improve circulation, boost mood, reduce swelling, and speed up recovery.

What types of electrotherapy treatments are there

Although we’ve covered the basics in answering ‘What does electrotherapy do, and how can it help?’. The fact is, the advantages of electrotherapy can range drastically.

This is due to the varying range of electrotherapy treatments, the ailment or injury sustained, plus being dependent on the individual’s response to the treatment received.

Before delving into the pros and cons of electrotherapy and any related risk factors, you need to know what electrotherapy treatment options are available to you.

Here are some types of electrotherapy treatments (but not limited to):

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS)
• Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)
• Interferential current (IFC)
• Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF)
• Galvanic stimulation (GS)

How Electrotherapy Works to Ease Pain (spine-health.com)

The range of treatments above is used with various other physiotherapy methods to achieve the best results.

Teamed with physiotherapy techniques and approaches, electrotherapy is effective in the treatment of (not limited to):

• Strains/sprains
• Fractures and splints
• Back/neck pain
• Arthritis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tendonitis
• DOMS (delayed-onset muscle soreness)
• Stroke, Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis patients
• Fibromyalgia
• Labour pain
• Tennis elbow
• Hip pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

With its wondrous advantages and versatility of application, there’s usually at least one (if not more) electrotherapy treatment type that will be suitable for your condition.

The pros and cons of electrotherapy

Although electrotherapy has many advantages, it’s essential to explore its disadvantages, too.

Here, we will discuss the pros and cons of electrotherapy, helping you decide if it is most beneficial for you.

PROS OF ELECTROTHERAPY:

(not limited to)

• Non-invasive and non-toxic method of treating chronic conditions
• Reduces nerve pain by blocking pain signals
• Lessons or removes the need for pain relief/narcotics
• Stimulates healing process
• Promotes preventing surgery
• Increased strength and muscle tone

CONS OF ELECTROTHERAPY:

(not limited to)

• Can cause skin irritation or burns
• Muscle soreness, swelling or bruising
• Induced fatigue or dizziness
• Not be used over infected or cancerous tissue
• Not suitable for pregnant women or children

Electrotherapy. Advantages and disadvantages - Healthy Sport Lifestyle

You don’t have to decide alone. It’s always advisable to talk with a chartered physiotherapist to discuss your options for treatment.

CK Physio understands it’s essential for you to feel comfortable with your decision and strives to ensure you have all the available information to hand in order to make so.

What are the risk factors of electrotherapy has

We discussed the advantages and cons of electrotherapy and weighed them.

Although electrotherapy is predominantly a noninvasive and safe treatment, like all treatments, it carries risk factors. There are only a few instances where it cannot be used.

ELECTROTHERAPY IS NOT SUITABLE WHEN:

• Pregnant
• Epileptic
• Have an electric implant
• Cardiovascular disease
• Have cancer
• Recently received radiotherapy

(there are exceptions when the advantages of electrotherapy can be received with the above conditions)

ELECTROTHERAPY SHOULD NEVER BE USED IF:

• Skin is broken or irritated
• Infection or bleeding is present
• On sensitive areas

Despite the above recommendations, electrotherapy treatment may still be suitable under strict guidance.

Here at CK Physio, we have many physiotherapy treatments for patients and are available to discuss these with you.

To avoid electrotherapy risk factors, always consult a trusted, chartered physiotherapist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrotherapy

How long does a typical electrotherapy session last?

The duration of an electrotherapy session can vary depending on the specific treatment and your condition. Generally, sessions last between 15 to 30 minutes. Your physiotherapist at CK Physio will determine the appropriate length based on your individual needs and treatment plan. Some treatments, like TENS, may be applied for longer periods, especially in cases of chronic pain management.

Is electrotherapy covered by insurance?

Coverage for electrotherapy can vary depending on your insurance provider and plan. Many insurance companies cover electrotherapy when it's part of a physiotherapy treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare professional. It's best to check with your insurance provider directly about your specific coverage. At CK Physio, we can provide you with the necessary documentation to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.

Can electrotherapy be combined with other physiotherapy treatments?

Yes, electrotherapy is often used in conjunction with other physiotherapy techniques for a comprehensive treatment approach. At CK Physio, we may combine electrotherapy with:

• Manual therapy techniques
• Exercise programs
• Heat or cold therapy
• Ultrasound therapy

How soon can I expect to see results from electrotherapy?

The timeline for experiencing results from electrotherapy can vary depending on your condition and individual response to treatment. Some patients report immediate pain relief or improved mobility after a session, while others may notice gradual improvements over several treatments. For acute conditions, you might see significant improvement within a few sessions. Chronic conditions may require more treatments before substantial effects are noticed. Your physiotherapist at CK Physio will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal results.

Are there any preparations I need to make before an electrotherapy session?

To prepare for your electrotherapy session at CK Physio:

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area
• Ensure your skin is clean and free from lotions, oils, or powders in the treatment area
• Inform your physiotherapist of any changes in your medical condition or medications
• If you have sensitive skin, mention this to your physiotherapist before treatment
• Stay hydrated before and after your session

Can I drive after an electrotherapy session?

In most cases, you can drive after an electrotherapy session. The treatment doesn't typically cause any impairment that would affect your ability to drive. However, if you're receiving treatment for a condition that already affects your driving, or if you experience any dizziness or fatigue after treatment, it's best to arrange alternative transportation. Always communicate any concerns or unusual sensations to your physiotherapist at CK Physio, who can advise you based on your specific situation and treatment.

How to access the advantages of electrotherapy

At CK Physio our main aspect is to bring accurate and informative guidance; to help you make informed decisions for yourself when seeking physiotherapy treatment.

Within this blog, we have covered many modalities of electrotherapy treatment and hope that you feel more comfortable exploring the advantages of electrotherapy to aid in your healing process.

Contact us today for a virtual consultation to gain more information regarding electrotherapy, and discover if it’s a suitable treatment for you.