Learn more about the ComfortWave and its treatment options.

Interferential

Interferential stimulators are portable, yet full featured devices capable of therapeutic treatment by patients at home or at work. The unit enables the patient to receive numerous treatments without the cost and time needed to achieve the same level of therapy with daily visits to a physician’s office or physical therapy clinic. Interferential stimulators allow several daily treatments, providing more rapid relief and recovery.

Therapy

Interferential current therapy is an anti-inflammatory-based treatment modality. The interferential stimulator crosses two medium frequency alternating currents which net to a biologically effective spectrum that penetrates deep into soft tissue and bone and produces a wide range of physiological effects. The portable interferential is a system which is used intra-operatively, post-operatively, or as a conservative non-surgical form of patient care. It is important to understand that interferential current therapy is unique in its pain management capabilities and its associated capabilities to control edema, inflammation and muscle spasms, increase blood flow, stimulate soft tissue healing and increase range of motion. An interferential stimulator should not be confused with, or compared to, a TENS unit, muscle stimulator or any other electromedical device, either in the physiological results or cost.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS is strictly a noninvasive pain management tool. TENS stimulates peripheral nerves producing a tingling sensation which interferes with pain. TENS masks pain by blocking nerve impulses on the sensory nerve (Gate Control Theory). TENS has no other physiological effect.

How Does Interferential Therapy Differ From the other Electromedical Devices?

The interferential stimulator minimizes impedance levels in the body by delivering medium frequency current of 4000Hz to 4150Hz. This current has the force to pass through the peripheral layer with very little stimulation of the sensory or motor nerves. This current can penetrate deep within the tissue creating physiological effects at the cellular level. The interferential unit operates on an ionization theory, capable of changing the permeability of the plasma membrane through graded potentials. These graded potentials change the electric potential difference of intracellular fluid enough to allow sodium ions (Na+) to cross the plasma membrane and active transport by activation the Na/K+ pump. The pump will begin to control the concentration gradients of sodium (NA+) and potassium (K+) ions within the interstitial fluid. This activity will directly affect the cell content and force the displaced water to exit the swollen cell which will eliminate edema. Inflammation will also be reduced as sodium (Na+) ion activity increases. The blood proteins which were trapped in the extra cellular fluid will be removed by eliminating the sodium (Na+) ion imbalance and increasing oxygen to the area. The oxygen will remove the bradykinin and histamines which cause instant inflammation and remove prostaglandins, a natural pain substance of the body.

Pain Control by Interferential Therapy

Besides the associated pain relief proven by the reduction of edema and inflammation, the interferential stimulator initiates endorphin release at the cellular level. As sodium (Na+) ion activity increases, an action potential is propagated and travels on the neuron to the receptor site causing 20 different types of neurotransmitters to be released. Endorphin, a morphine-like substance, is one of the neurotransmitters produced which creates an euphoric state and carry over effect of pain relief. The speedy release of endorphins is accomplished with interferential therapy because it is initiated at the cellular level versus motor point therapy or “bulk flow therapy”.

Synopsis

The interferential stimulator does not create physical movement or patient discomfort because it delivers stimulation at medium frequencies which will not stimulate motor or sensory nerves. The interferential stimulator will not generate heat or damage new tissue growth because it delivers electrical current at a frequency of 4000Hz to 4150Hz. The interferential unit will not attract metals because it delivers pure alternating current which is not positively or negatively charged. Therefore, the interferential unit can be used intra-operatively, post-operatively and in conjunction with metal fixation, screws or plates.

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