What electrotherapy is
Electrotherapy is the application of controlled electrical currents to reduce pain, speed up healing and improve tissue function. It isn’t a single method — it’s a group of different procedures that use currents with different characteristics: frequency, intensity, pulse shape. Each type of current has a different mechanism and different indications.
At Via Fizio we use electrotherapy as part of an individual protocol — on its own or combined with manual work and other modalities.
Types of current and when they’re used
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is the most commonly used method for pain control. Electrodes placed on the skin send a pulse that blocks the transmission of pain signals to the brain and stimulates the release of endorphins. The effect kicks in quickly and lasts longer than the session itself. We use it for chronic pain, lumbar syndrome, neck pain and nerve-related pain.
Interferential current is created by crossing two currents of different frequencies that “interfere” inside the tissue. It penetrates deeper than TENS and has an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing effect. Effective for joint pain, periarthritis, bursitis and post-injury conditions.
Diadynamic currents (DD currents) — low-frequency currents with a fast analgesic effect. We use them for acute and subacute pain, post-traumatic swelling and bruising.
Galvanic current — direct current that penetrates deeply and acts on nerves and tissue. Particularly useful in neurorehabilitation — it speeds up the recovery of a peripheral nerve after paresis and in neuropathies.
Conditions electrotherapy is effective for
- Neck and lower back pain — cervical and lumbar syndrome, herniated disc
- Inflammation around joints — bursitis, tendinitis, periarthritis
- Arthrosis of the knee, hip and hand — reducing pain and improving movement
- Post-traumatic swelling and bruising — speeds up reabsorption
- Neuralgia and neuritis — pain along a nerve, sciatica
- Preparation for manual work — relaxing tissue before physical therapy
What the treatment looks like
Electrodes are placed on the treated area or along the nerve causing the pain. The patient feels a mild tingling or pulsing sensation — never pain. The intensity is carefully adjusted throughout the session.
A single session usually lasts 15–20 minutes. Electrotherapy is almost always combined with other methods as part of a complete plan.