Following an assessment of your symptoms electrotherapy may be offered as part of your treatment programme to reduce pain or improve healing and allow the physiotherapist to address the underlying cause of your symptoms.
TENS
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of pain relief that can help some people with long-term painful conditions.
A TENS machine is a small, battery-operated device that has leads connected to electrodes. You attach the electrodes to your skin using self-adhesive pads as directed by your physiotherapist. When the machine is switched on, small electrical impulses are delivered to the affected area of your body, which you feel as a tingling sensation. The electrical impulses can block or reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which can help reduce or relieve pain or muscle spasm. The electric currents can also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
There are several ways of wearing the pads and different settings, our physiotherapists will select the most appropriate setting for you and instruct you on the use.
Ultrasound
Is the use of ultrasonic sound waves to aid tissue healing, often used in acute injuries. Our physiotherapists may offer this as part of a treatment programme to address your problem and will discuss the potential benefits of its use with you.
