What is Interferential
Therapy?
"Interferential" can be likened to being a
sophisticated form of TeNS, capable of deep
penetration with the added bonus of having
healing properties. It is a standard form of
treatment used by Physiotherapists.
Normal TeNS operates at frequencies up to around
150Hz. Its electrical current runs just below
skin level and the power that can be delivered
is limited by the users ability to accept the
strong tingling sensation it generates.
Interferential operates at very high frequencies
(around 4000 Hz). At these frequencies your
skin's resistance is significantly lower. This
allows the current to penetrate deep into the
tissue. The sensation, however, remains at a
very low and comfortable level. As a result
Interferential can deliver many times the
"power" of a TeNS well below skin level.
Pain control with Interferential is
significantly higher than with TeNS and it has
the important advantages of having long term
benefits by reducing swelling, reducing scar
tissue, increasing blood flow and promoting the
natural healing process. TeNS cannot claim these
benefits.
There are two methods of application:
In FOUR POLE mode Interferential uses two
pairs of electrodes. Each pair applies a high
frequency signal simultaneously. These signals
electronically oppose each other and they are
set to have a small and very precisely
controlled frequency difference between them.
Deep in the tissue they meet and "interfere"
with each other. Effectively, where they meet,
they cancel each other out but leave a "beat"
frequency equal to the controlled difference
between them. This "beat" frequency can be
varied and is usually set to equal a normal TeNS
frequency of 2 to 150Hz.
TWO POLE Interferential is easier to
explain. This mode uses just one pair of
electrodes. The signal still runs at around
4000Hz but the TeNS effect is achieved by
superimposing a modulation on top of the base
frequency.
Whichever method is employed the result is the
same: Interferential produces a very high
performance TeNS action deep into the tissue but
with a low and comfortable sensation to the
patient.
A fully functional Interferential provides a
choice of two or four pole treatment and have a
facility to enable the user to set the "beat"
frequency according to the condition being
treated.
Interferential is safe and unlike most drugs has
no known side effects.
Common uses include: Pain Relief (including all
TeNS applications), pre / post surgery, bone
fractures, sports injuries, carpal tunnel,
circulatory disorders, joint injury, cumulative
trauma disorders ... and much more.
Individuals with a cardiac pacemaker or who are
pregnant should not use Interferential without
first consulting their clinician / doctor.
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