Electrotherapy makes use of the effects of electricity on the human body.
Depending on the reason for electrotherapy, either individual parts of the body or several parts of the body are treated. The intensity of the current and the duration of the current stimulus are determined individually.The following currents are used:
- Galvanic currents – pain relief, stimulation of blood circulation, stimulation of metabolism.
- Low-frequency stimulation currents (1-1,000 Hz) – muscle contraction in weakened or partially paralyzed muscles.
- Medium-frequency alternating currents / interference currents – blood flow promotion, relaxation, swelling reduction, pain relief.
Main applications of electrotherapy are:
1. low frequency range
Spine and joints
- Degenerative joint diseases
- Inflammatory diseases of the spine
- Arthritis (inflammation of the joints)
- Lumbago (lumbago)
- Blunt injuries to joints
- Osteoarthritis (signs of wear and tear) of joints and spine
Muscles, ligaments, tendons
- Treatment of paralyzed muscles
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Painful frozen shoulder
- Tendinosis (tendon irritation)
- Blunt injuries of muscles
- Thrombosis prevention
- Prevention of muscle breakdown during immobilization.
- Prevention of muscle breakdown during temporary paralysis.
Nerves
- Nerve root irritation syndromes of arms and legs – e.g. sciatica.
Other indications
- Abdominal wall weakness
- Hematomas (bruises)
- Rheumatic diseases
- Fecal and urinary incontinence
- Excessive sweat production on the hands and feet
2. medium frequency range
- Muscular disorders – after injury or surgery.
- Muscle atrophy due to immobilization
- Muscle tension
- Muscle weakness
- Neuropathy (nerve dysfunction).
- Soft tissue rheumatism
3. radiofrequency therapy diseases where heat is appropriate:
- Osteoarthritis (wear and tear) of joints and spine.
- Chronic muscle and tendon problems (tendinosis).
- Chronic adnexitis (ovarian inflammation).
- Diseases of the muscle mantle of the joints
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
Depending on the type of current and frequency, electrotherapy can have either a relaxing or contractile effect on the muscles, making this treatment versatile.
