Physiotherapy service

Electrotherapy

Electrical stimulation as an adjunct option for short-term management of selected symptoms.

01 /Service description

Analgesic electrotherapy is a group of physiotherapy procedures utilizing electrical currents of various frequencies as adjunctive support for pain modulation and muscle tension. Our clinic offers three main types of currents, selected based on the depth and nature of the issue:

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): uses low-frequency currents to stimulate surface nerve endings.
Interferential Current (IFC): medium-frequency currents used for deeper joint or muscle-related concerns.
Diadynamic Currents (DD): low-frequency sinusoidal currents used as adjunctive support for pain, muscle tension, or swelling.

Watercolor sketch of a therapist placing electrotherapy electrodes on a patient’s shoulder.

02 /Indications & benefits

Who it is for.

Who it is for

Suitability depends on the diagnosis, treatment goal, and contraindications. Evidence varies by condition and current type; some clinical guidelines do not recommend routine TENS, interferential therapy, or other electrotherapies for low back pain, sciatica, or osteoarthritis. After individual assessment, it may be considered for:

selected musculoskeletal pain when the goal is short-term symptom modulation
muscle tension or reduced muscle activation when an appropriate form of stimulation is selected
some post-injury or post-operative situations as an adjunct to active rehabilitation

Key benefits

While each current type has specific advantages, the common physiological goals include:

Gate Control Theory: electrical impulses may influence the transmission of pain signals, primarily with TENS and IFC.
Pain modulation: in some patients, electrical stimulation may help reduce pain perception in the short term.
Muscle response: with suitable settings, stimulation can elicit or support a muscle contraction.
Movement tolerance: short-term symptom reduction may help some patients participate in exercise.

03 /Treatment process

How the treatment works.

Before treatment, we check skin sensation, contraindications, and the presence of electronic implants. The method is not suitable for everyone.

Electrode Placement: the physiotherapist applies electrodes (rubber pads with sponges or self-adhesive pads) to the skin, surrounding the painful area.
Current Selection: the appropriate current type is selected based on the diagnosis (e.g., IFC for deeper tissues, TENS for superficial pain).
Intensity Adjustment: the intensity is gradually increased until the patient feels a distinct but non-painful tingling or vibrating sensation. The sensation should always remain comfortable.
Duration: sessions typically last between 15 and 20 minutes.

Availability

Available as self-pay and insurance-covered (ZZZS).

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