Electrotherapy uses physical energy (like heat, light, sound waves as well as electrical current) to cause a change in the body that is used to relieve pain and swelling.
The term Electrotherapy covers a range of tools used by Physiotherapists that use physical energy like infra-red (heat) and high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) as well as electrical current pads and low level lasers (light waves) to promote underlying changes in the body. They are mainly used to promote healing, reduce localised pain (especially spinal pain) and help to reduce swelling due to inflammation.
First4Therapy Physiotherapists are trained in the use of electrotherapy and aware of the health benefits and risks of its use.
We are able to provide ultrasound, low level laser therapy, interferential therapy and pulsed short wave therapy.
To see the full research for all different types of electrotherapy, visit www.electrotherapy.org.
First4Therapy, run by Vinita Sood, are a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), The Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists and The Health Professions Council.
We are committed to ensuring the best practices across the range of healthcare services we offer and helping our clients achieve the best outcomes from all of our treatments.
No. While in some cases a therapist may use a gel (for instance using Ultrasound) you should not be able to feel the machine working at all, meaning there is no pain or discomfort. If using TENS then in some cases there may be slightly strange feelings as muscles contract but the pulses are not enough to be painful.
Yes, it is safe when recommended following a thorough verbal and physical assessment by your physiotherapist. There are some conditions and situations where pulsed electrotherapy may not be appropriate. During assessment the physiotherapist is ensuring that any treatment offered is safe for your condition, taking into consideration all other aspects of your general health.
Ultrasound Therapy: Ultrasound devices pass vibrations through the soft tissue in order to increase the heat within the tissue, which in turn increases blood flow and reduces pain. The heat produced also relaxes muscles and improves the ability of soft tissues to stretch. In a study published in the Journal of Zhejiang University Science found encouraging evidence that ultrasound can be used to stimulate tendon-bone healing.
Pulsed Shortwave Therapy / Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy (PSWD): Special devices use a high-frequency electromagnetic current to promote tissue healing and ease pain. This type of therapy has thermal (mild heating) and non-thermal effects and is effective at treating muscles, nerves, and areas of swelling.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): A TENS machine is a small, battery-operated device that has leads connected to sticky pads called electrodes. Pads are attached directly to skin and small electrical impulses are delivered to the affected area of your body, which is felt as as a tingling sensation.
Electrical impulses can reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which may help relieve pain and relax muscles. They may also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
The Physiotherapist will need to see the skin of the area to be treated. If you agree to having electrotherapy treatment, you should bring clothing that will make examination and treatment of the area more comfortable for you.
First4Therapy are a Chartered Physiotherapy and Acupuncture Clinic based in Laindon. We also treat patients from the surrounding areas including Basildon, Horndon, Billericay, Brentwood and Stanford-le- hope.
We provide physiotherapy and acupuncture for a wide range of conditions. Our chartered and state registered physiotherapists will provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment that is tailored to resolve your particular problem.
First4Therapy are a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy; Health Professions Council; Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists; Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists; British Association of Hand Therapists.
Registered Physiotherapy provider for BUPA, AXA PPP, WPA, Exeter Friendly, Aviva, Cigna and Vitality Health.
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