Electrotherapy treatments can be helpful with providing some relief certain conditions. Chronic back or leg pain can be aided by electrotherapy, called PEMF, by promoting promoting bone growth and strength. Other forms of electrotherapy are used to help circulatory disorders, improve range of motion, and reduce muscle spasms. Both forms of electrotherapy help aid the healing process and promote faster healing times in cases of chronic or persistent pain conditions.
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, interferential current, and galvanic stimulation are some of the electrotherapy treatments that may be helpful in certain situations.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Aids in Bone Fusion
Improving cellular functioning and easing pain are typical goals for pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, or PEMF.
PEMF can be used after spinal fusion surgery to promote bone growth and enhance the strength of the fusion in individuals at risk of poor bone growth. By promoting fusion, PEMF therapy can avoid the need for a follow-up surgery. PEMF therapy is often used at home, and wearable devices are available for some conditions.
The medical literature also indicates the benefits of PEMF therapy for people with persistent back or leg pain following back surgery, a condition called failed back surgery syndrome.
In one research study, a third of participants who had PEMF therapy twice a day for failed back surgery syndrome for 45 days experienced more than a 30% reduction in pain intensity. Participants who had previously had a discectomy reported better outcomes than those who had undergone either fusion or decompression without discectomy.
Research studies also indicate PEMF’s ability to ease the knee pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. In one study, people using a wearable PEMF device for one month experienced a 25% reduction in pain, and an improved quality of life, compared with those who were given a placebo device. More than a quarter of the participants who had PEMF therapy stopped their pain medication.
Interferential Current Promotes Healing
Interferential current (IFC) can be considered a deeper form of TENS. Interferential current uses a high frequency (4000 Hz) carrier waveform, which penetrates the skin more deeply than a regular TENS unit, but with less user discomfort for the level of stimulation. This results in a TENS-like signal deeper under the skin than a standard TEN unit would allow.
IFC is used to treat circulatory disorders, improve range of motion, and reduce edema and muscle spasms. To promote faster healing, some patients may use interferential therapy multiple times a day for up to a month after surgery.
04/21/2017
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