Interferential current regulation therapy (IFR) is a special form of electrotherapy that can be used, among other things, to treat venous and lymphatic congestion. The principle of action of interference current regulation therapy is based on modulation (influencing) of bioelectricity of body cells, which is characterized by a change in diseased tissue. In addition to the wide range of diseases for which this procedure can be used, IFR is characterized by the possibility of self-therapy.
Indications (areas of application)
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-the benign enlargement of the prostate gland that is a common symptom of aging-is treated by some therapists with this procedure. However, interferential current regulatory therapy is not a treatment option for malignant (malignant) conditions such as prostate carcinoma (prostate cancer).
- Degenerative joint symptoms – Diseases of the joints, such as gonarthrosis (knee joint osteoarthritis), can be treated with this procedure. Also a degenerative change of the spine is treatable by means of interference current regulation therapy.
- Diabetes mellitus type 2 – As part of the diseases, nerves and vessels are increasingly damaged. To mitigate this process, the interference current regulation therapy is used.
- Dermatological clinical pictures – Various diseases of the skin, such as psoriasis (psoriasis), can be treated by this procedure.
- Lymphatic and venous edema – Congestion caused by insufficiency of lymphatic drainage or venous insufficiency can be treated with interference current regulation therapy.
- Varices (varicose veins) – Varices are a special form of venous insufficiency of the superficial veins with nodular dilatation of the vessels. In this case, interferential current regulation therapy is an alternative to conventional treatment options, which are usually surgical. Sclerotherapy (sclerotherapy) or “stripping” of varicose veins, in which they are removed, are associated with significantly more complications. A comparison of the effectiveness is currently not possible due to the study situation regarding the interference current regulation therapy.
- Therapy after apoplexy (stroke) – Interferential current regulatory therapy is also used to treat the consequences of apoplexy to regenerate the misdirected bioelectricity.
- Trauma aftercare (aftercare of injuries) – Following the primary therapy of various traumas, hematomas (bruises) and congestion can be treated by interference current regulation therapy.
Contraindications
In the absence of an indication, the use of the procedure should be avoided. In complex diseases such as diabetes mellitus, therapy alone to slow progression and prevent late effects using interferential current regulatory therapy is by no means sufficient.
Before therapy
Before using the procedure, it is necessary to check the extent to which this therapeutic measure is suitable for treating the disease in question. Regular medical checkup should be performed before and during treatment in case of serious diseases.
The procedure
Interferential current regulatory therapy is based on the application of a 5,000 heart alternating current. This interference current does not cause relevant ion migration, so no complications can result from the current application. Interferential current regulation therapy, however, corrects the bioelectricity of the body’s cells, which can lead, among other things, to a normalization of the proliferation rate. Thus, in contrast to direct current application, which leads to ion migration, no complications can occur.
After therapy
Following the procedure, progression must be monitored. However, no special measures need to be performed after the therapy.
Possible complications
Due to the application of alternating current at 5,000 Hz, no complications can arise according to current literature.