Electrotherapy is a term used to describe a number of different treatment options which use small electrical impulses, sound waves or infrared light to help decrease pain and speedup/improve the healing process. Electrotherapy is a safe and effective treatment option and is regularly utilised by physiotherapists at Leeds Physiotherapy.
At Leeds Physiotherapy our expert physiotherapists are able to offer all major types of electrotherapy. You will be taken through a comprehensive assessment of your condition to ensure you would benefit from one of the electrotherapy options before completing any treatment. The electrotherapy modalities we use here at Leeds Physiotherapy include:
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS machine)
- Ultrasound (US)
- Low intensity pulsed ultra sound (LIPUS)
- Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
- Pulsed Short Wave Therapy (PSWT)
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS machine)
TENS machines are small battery powered units which provide a small current to the skin through adhesive electrodes. TENS machines are controlled manually by the user who determines the intensity of the electrical current. TENS machines are an effective method of reducing pain and they do this by dampening down the pain signals being sent to the brain. These can be purchased form the clinic for use at home.
Ultrasound (US)
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce a number of clinically beneficially effects. The benefits of ultrasound include decreasing inflammation and swelling, breaking down scar tissue and improving the rate at which tissue heals. It is mainly used for soft tissue injuries such as sports injuries and overuse injuries. Leeds Physiotherapy is able to offer a comprehensive ultrasound service to help with your speedy recovery.
Low intensity pulsed ultra sound (LIPUS)
LIPUS is a form of ultrasound which uses a lower intensity than the regular form. It has recently been shown to help speed up fracture healing and even stimulate tooth regrowth. It is often used to treat elite athletes to help them recover from stress fractures, condral bruising following ligament damage and to improve the healing of connective tissue.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
FES uses a small electrical current to stimulate muscle contraction on specific sites of the body. This can be used in two ways, to provide a training effect by strengthening weak and unused muscles or to help overcome functional problems such as foot drop. Leeds Physiotherapy commonly provides neurological clients with equipment such as ODFS pace unit to help overcome foot drop and increase their independence.
Pulsed Short Wave Therapy (PSWT)
PSWT aims to help speed up tissue healing. It does this by improving the way in which the cells within the damaged area work. It can help with soft tissue injuries such as sports and overuse injuries. It tends to be used on muscles and can help reduce swelling and bruising.
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