INTERFERENTIAL THERAPY (IFT)

 

Interferential Therapy Modality

WHAT IS INTERFERENTIAL CURRENT 

Interferential current: is a low frequency current effect produced at the point of intersection of two medium frequency currents.




WHAT IS INTERFERENTIAL CURRENT THERAPY

Interferential current therapy: is the application of electrical energy through the body tissues where by alternating currents of two medium frequency of 4000Hz, with slightly different frequencies intersect and produce an Amplitude Modulated Current of low frequency by the effect of interference.



PRINCIPLE OF INTERFERENTIAL CURRENT THERAPY

The principle of interferential therapy: state that when two medium frequency currents of slightly different frequencies are passed through the body tissues, simultaneously. they interfere with each other and produce a low frequency current effect at the point of intersection.

4000 + 4100/2 = 4050Hz: this is the summation of the individual current amplitudes at any given point. which interfere to produce low frequency effect at the point of intersection.


PARAMETERS OF INTERFERENTIAL THERAPY

(1) Frequency: Amplitude modulated frequency/treatment frequency can be set as desired depending on the nature, location of the disorder, the stage of the disorder and also on the sensation felt by the patient.

Lower amplitude frequency: which has 50Hz with stimulation effect and excitation on motor nerves.

  • Range/mode (constant or rhythmic):
0Hz - 10Hz rhythmic used for muscle stimulation for re-education of muscle and to obtain movements in articular contractures.

25Hz - 50Hz used to produce tetanic (faradic) like contraction of muscle.

  • Frequency sweep:
Frequency sweep is achieved by:
(a) Varrrying the width of spectrum 
  • Broad spectrum superimposed  onto a low amplitude modulated frequency (for chronic/sub-acute problem).
  • Narrow spectrum superimposed onto a high amplitude modulated frequency (for acute problems).
(b) Varrying the mode of spectrum
  • The amplitude modulated frequency remains at the base frequency for one second and suddenly changes to high frequency, which is also for one second.
  • the basic frequency is remained for five seconds, and all the frequencies in the set spectrum are transversed in one second to high frequency, which will be maintained for five seconds. and also after one second change to low frequency value.
  • All frequencies are kept constant but are continuously changed.
  • Intensity of the current: It should be gradually increased till patient feels comfortable tingling sensation.
(i) For acute cases: low intensity with short period of time and short intervals, may be given daily or two times per day.
(ii) For chronic/sub-acute cases: high intensity with long treatment time may be given three or four times per week.
     
(2) Dosage

Effects of Interferential currents in pain relief

This therapeutic effect can be achieved by several mechanisms which include:

(1) Activation of the "Pain gate control mechanism"

(2) Activation of nociceptive fibers

(3) Physiological block

(4) Muscle contraction

(5) Increased blood flow

(6) Vasodilatation

(7) Absorption of exudates

INDICATIONS OF INTERFERENTIAL THERAPY

(1) Reducing of pain and muscle spasm 

(2) Hematoma

(3) Chronic edema

(4) Gynecological conditions

(5) Stress incontinence

(6) Contractures

(7) Other conditions like disuse atrophy, asthma, sports injury, insomnia, migraine, muscle weaknesss e.t.c.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF INTERFERENTIAL THERAPY

(1) Arterial disease 

(2) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

(3) Acute infections

(4) Pregnant uterus

(5) Malignant tumors

(6) In case of hemorrhage

(7) Artificial pacemaker

(8) During menstruation

(9) Unreliable patients

(10) Dermatological conditions

(11) Large open wounds.

DANGERS OF INTERFERENTIAL THERAPY

(1) Burns may occur due to:

  • Bare metal electrode against the skin
  • If the electrodes are lied close to each other of different polarity on the skin.
  • When intensity increased with skin current
  • Insufficient moisture in electrode pads

(2) Hematoma may occur due to:

  • Poor positioning of the electrode pads
  • Incorrect choice of frequencies
  • Poor balancing of the circuits.




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