The stimulator in physiotherapy is a device in the electrotherapy treatment group that produces electric currents with adjustable voltages, multiple repetitive pulses at a certain frequency.
The operation of the stimulator device
The currents produced in the stimulator device are transferred to electric pads through cables and after connecting the pads to the treated area, they are used for electrical stimulation through the skin. That is, by conducting regular electric pulses at different intervals, through the skin, it stimulates the nerve or muscle of the treated area. These devices usually work with a frequency between 50 and 150 Hz.
Types of physiotherapy stimulator currents
The following currents are available as standard therapeutic currents in physiotherapy stimulator devices:
- TENS
- IF
- FES
- FAR
Below we discuss the types of physiotherapy streams:
1. TENS Flow
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) refers to the electrical stimulation of the nerve through the skin using an electric current of 50-150 Hz frequency and 12-30 mA intensity to stimulate the nerve. In the desired area, this stimulation is usually in various forms of natural and pulsed electric current, and the pain stops when the pain valve closes and endorphins are released.
Therapeutic effects of Tens flow
- Reducing nerve pain
- Reduction of spasms and point cramps
- Reduction of pain and complications following surgery
- Reducing the pain that occurs due to accidents and sports injuries.
- Reduction of chronic and continuous pains such as neck pain, headache, back pain
Types of TENS currents
- Normal: This form of electrical current is delivered as a straight and continuous waveform.
- FM (Frequency Modulated): In this form of electric current, the current frequency is sent as a variable
- CM (Continuously Modulated): This form of electric current is a combination of direct waves and variable frequency.
- WM (Width Modulated): In this form of electric current, the width of current pulses is sent as a variable
- SD (Strength – Duration): In this form of electric current, the frequency and width of current pulses are both variable
- RND (Random): In this form of electric current, random changes in frequency and current intensity are sent.
- Burst: In this form of electric current, current pulses are sent in batches. Each category includes Reciprocal: In this form of electric current, two channels are used, one channel is alternately stimulated and the other is in a resting state.
What diseases is the stimulator effective in treating?
Electrotherapy by stimulator device is one of the most common physiotherapy treatments which is effective in treating many diseases and disorders, for example:
- Neck Pain
- shoulder pain
- shoulder pain
- elbow pain
- wrist pain
- Back and chest pain
- back ache
- hip pain
- Knee Pain
- ankle pain
Side effects of electrotherapy with stimulator
Although electric currents are very useful, the strength of the current must be considered. If the intensity of the current is not controlled, it can cause burns, skin peeling and deep and long-lasting pain. Physiotherapists usually adjust the intensity of the current based on muscle volume, the patient’s tolerance level and the sensitivity of the injured tissue.
This treatment method, which is mostly used in physiotherapy, has no side effects if used correctly.
Prohibition of using a stimulator device
Relative and absolute prohibitions of using electrotherapy treatment with stimulator are:
- On wounds and open areas
- on numb areas
- In areas with tumor, mass, infection and cancer
- On the genitals and breasts
- On broken bones with the opinion of a physiotherapist
- In parts of the organs that have metal implants
- People with heart batteries
- pregnant women
- People with diabetes
Does physiotherapy treatment with a stimulator cause pain?
not at all. Otherwise, this treatment creates a pleasant and favorable feeling due to vibrations or small movements under the tissue and creates a sensation similar to tingling in the patient.
2. IF Flow
IF refers to interference electrotherapy, which creates a low-frequency modulated current through the interference of two high-frequency currents and their 2000 Hz waves to strengthen deep muscles and 4000 Hz waves to relieve pain and reduce spasms.
Therapeutic effects of IF current
- pain relief
- Reduce inflammation and swelling
- Deep muscle strengthening
- Reduce edema
- Muscle retraining
- Urinary incontinence treatment
3. FES Flow
FES refers to functional electrical stimulation, which is achieved by electrically stimulating paralyzed or disabled muscles using electrodes attached to the skin of the affected limb, despite the occurrence of small contractions. And the example of exercise simulator repetition of movements leads to retraining and recovery of injury as well as muscle endurance.
Therapeutic effects of FES flow
- Improving blood circulation in the lower body
- Reduces spasms
- Increase of plasma endorphins (feeling of vitality after exercise)
- Maintaining muscle mass
- Improving bone density
4. FAR Flow
FAR (FARADIC) is a direct current component with a very short pulse duration of 0.1 to 1 millisecond and a frequency of 50 to 100 Hz. Faradic current is used to induce muscle contraction and strengthening. A quick and effective way to change the shape and strengthen the muscles of the body, which creates an involuntary contraction by creating a special wave shape (flame) in the muscle and can target the superficial and deep muscles of the whole body.
Therapeutic effects of faradic current
- Improvement in the movements of people with a history of stroke
- Muscle stimulation of disabled patients
- Return of function in people with a history of tendon transfer surgery
- Stimulation and recovery of muscle function in the elderly
- Improving the function of mild neuropathies and myopathies
Stimulator device in Mahan Physiotherapy Clinic
Mahan Physiotherapy Clinic is ready to provide specialized services with a stimulator under the supervision of experienced and skilled physiotherapists for you dear patients.