E&I 2: Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) – Flashcards
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Interferential Current
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Low frequency, amplitude modulated current
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What is Interferential Current created by?
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The superimposition/interference of 2 medium-frequency (3000-5000 Hz), sinusoidal alternating currents generated by independent oscillatory circuits incorporated into the Interferential device
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What is the IFC current delivered in?
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Delivered in BEATS of Interferential current at a low-frequency range (1-200 beats per second)
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How many medium frequency ACs intersect within the tissues?
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2
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What does the interaction of the 2 frequencies give rise to?
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Gives rise to an interference current (or beat frequency) which has the characteristics of low frequency stimulation
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What does the interference mimic?
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A LOW FREQUENCY STIMULATION
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What are the proposed advantages of IFC?
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Alternating sinusoidal currents with frequencies exceeding 1 KHZ penetrate the skin easier due to reduced skin impedance (reality=short pulse duration) Amplitudes of the two currents summate in the deeper tissues, bypassing the superficial sensory nerves, creating a Beat frequency Beat Frequency can be selected that is similar to other waveforms for muscle strengthening and pain reduction
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What is the unit of measurement for IFC?
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Unit is bps, compared to pps
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What is the range of IFC beat range for therapeutic response?
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1-200 beats per second
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What is the basic principle of IFT?
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To utilize the significant physiological effects of low frequency (<250pps) electrical stimulation of nerves without the associated painful and somewhat unpleasant side effects sometimes associated with low frequency stimulation.
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What is the beat frequency?
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The difference between the two initial frequencies
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Intereferential stimulation is concentrated where?
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Interferential stimulation is concentrated at the point of intersection, deep in the tissues, between the electrodes
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Is IFC frequency higher than TENS?
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IFC modulates a higher frequency (4000 Hz), versus TENS which typically delivers at 125 Hz.
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Why would you choose IFC over other forms of electrotherapy?
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Interferential current reaches greater depths and over a larger volume of tissue than other forms of electrotherapy. IFC also increases circulation as well.
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What are the advantages and effects of IFC?
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Safe and effective alternative to pain control medications None addictive and minimal side effects Induces analgesia Produces muscle contractions Reduces edema
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IFC Has been used to manage
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pain edema inflammation urinary incontinence muscle weakness
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IFC promotes what?
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less dependence on narcotics.
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Painful conditions that IFC can help include
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Back pain (most common) Arthritis Strains and sprains Neuralgia Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Shingles Degenerative joint disease Interstitial Cystitis
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Methods of IFC Delivery
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Bipolar-Feature on IFC machines Quadripolar Quadripolar with automatic vector scan Quadripolar with sweep Quadripolar with swing
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Bipolar/Premodulated IFC: Features of IFC Machines
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Results from the interference within the machine circuitry of 2 medium-frequency sinusoidal currents with different frequencies Uses 2 PAD placement
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What is the Quadipolar Method of IFC?
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When the 2 currents intersect at 90 dgs from each other, the maximum resultant amplitude of the interferential current field is halfway between these 2 lines of current (in this case, at 45 dgs diagonally from each circuit)
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What shape is the quadipolar method field current?
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Four-leaf clover-shaped field of interferential current
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What is continuous sweep?
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Results in a beat frequency that progressively increases and decreases between the lowest to highest beat frequency selected
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What are the benefits of continuous sweep?
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Modulated vs. fixed beat prevents accommodation High & Low frequency stimulation within the same treatment
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Dosimetry of IFC is dependent on what?
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current amplitude modes of delivery & beat frequency treatment duration
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Dosimetry Goals of Treatment
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pain relief increased circulation muscle stimulation edema control
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Considerations for Application
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Simulator Type Electrode Type Electrode Placement Pad Placement
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What should you do before the electrode placement?
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Clean the skin
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Where should you place the electrode pads?
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Over targeted treatment area Around targeted treatment area, such that the resulting IF current field intersects the targeted treatment area
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What are the two modes of delivery?
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Constant Sweep
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Constant Delivery
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Pre-set beat frequency that is kept constant for entire treatment (ie 80 bps)
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Sweep Delivery
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Predetermined beat frequency range allowing the beat frequency to automatically sweep giving the sensation of a more dynamic and rhythmic stimulation (Example: 80 - 150 Hz or 10-150 Hz full spectrum)
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When utilizing muscle stimulation, either mode allows for what?
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Either mode, when utilizing muscle stimulation, allows for the muscle to contract for the entire treatment duration as opposed to benefiting from periods of rest
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Acute Condition Treatment
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5-10 minutes
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Chronic Condition Treatment
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20-30 minutes
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Chattanooga Machine Protcols
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IFC Gate Mechanism- 20 minutes, Freq-4000HZ IFC Opiate- 30 minutes, Freq-2500Hz
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Frequency Parameters for Pain
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Sweep between 80-150 bps
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Frequency Parameters for Edema
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Sweep between 1-10 bps
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Frequency Parameters for Muscle Rehab/Urinary Incontinence
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Sweep between 10-100 bps
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Precautions
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Using with patients suffering from severe cardiomyopathies or mental confusion In proximity to shortwave and microwave diathermy machines Over metal implants Electrode placement over excess hair Use of vacuum electrode over fragile skin
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IFC Electrodes
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Cups provide rhythmic negative pressure Provides mild massaging effect Stimulates cutaneous nerves Causes slight vasodilation
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Contraindications
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Over any of the following: Lower abdominal, lumbosacral, and pelvic areas during pregnancy Transthoracic area Transcranial area Hemorrhagic area Arterial and venous thrombosis Malignancy With all types of electronic implants Where active motion is contraindicated (for muscle contraction)
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Documentation
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Type of machine Electrode number (2 pad, 4 pad) and placement Frequency applied Sweep settings employed (if applicable) Current intensity applied (or patient reported sensation) Treatment duration Position of Patient during treatment & BODY PART TREATED
