Electrotherapy and ultrasound
Pain and oedema control
“Electrotherapy” covers more than one electrical treatment, each used for different purposes. For example, TENS-type methods may be used in some patients to support pain control, while neuromuscular electrical stimulation may be used, where appropriate, for muscle activation and muscle re-education.
Therapeutic ultrasound is a different physical agent, applied by transmitting sound waves into the tissues. Depending on the settings used, it can produce thermal and mechanical effects and may be chosen as a supportive method in selected musculoskeletal problems.
With electrotherapy, you usually feel tingling, vibration or a muscle contraction, and the intensity is adjusted to your tolerance. With therapeutic ultrasound, gel is applied to the skin and the probe is moved over it; in most applications there is no noticeable sensation, though mild warmth may be felt at some settings.
The purpose and the level of evidence differ between these methods. They are not used as methods that bring about recovery on their own, but as part of a broader rehabilitation programme in suitable patients, for pain control, muscle activation or to make exercise easier to carry out.
Contraindications and precautions are not the same for electrotherapy and ultrasound, and they also vary with the treatment area. Be sure to report conditions such as a pacemaker or other electronic implant, pregnancy, active or recent cancer, clotting or blood vessel problems, loss of sensation, open wounds or infection during the assessment. The physiotherapist will also separately assess whether the method and the treatment area are safe.
Who provides it
Cem Yazgan, Yıldız Cöcen Y., Görkem Paşa