Interferential therapy uses two medium frequency currents that intersect in tissues to create a low-frequency stimulation, effective for pain management and circulatory disorders. It employs methods like quadripolar and bipolar techniques for application and has various indications such as muscle reeducation and tissue healing. Contraindications include conditions like acute sepsis, tumors, and pregnancy, emphasizing the need for careful patient assessment.

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Interferential Therapy

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Contents
What is an Interferential Therapy.
Method of application of Interferential Therapy.
Malleable Electrode Application.
Use s of an Interferential Therapy.
Clinical Application
Treatment Parameters.
Electrode Placement.
Quadripolar technique.
Bipolar technique.
Indication
Contra-indication.
Summary
References

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Interferential therapy utilizes two medium frequency
currents which pass through the tissues
simultaneously.
They are set up so that their paths cross; and in simple
terms they interferewith each other.
 This interference gives rise to an interference or beat
frequency, which has the characteristics of low-
frequency stimulation

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The medium frequencycurrents penetrate the tissues
with very little resistance, whereas the resulting
interference current (low frequency) is in the range
that allows effective stimulation of the biological
tissues

7. PRODUCTION OF IFT

8. MEDIUM FREQUENCYA+ MEDIUMFREQUENCYB= low (therapeutic)
FREQUENCY C

9. METHOD OF
APPLICATION OF ITF
Plate Electrodes
Vacuum Eelectrodes'
Combined Electrodes(probe
electrode)
Quadripolar /bipolar method
Scanning/static
Constant/variable frequency

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SuctionElectrodeApplication
Suctionmachine
Suction electrodes
with moistened
sponges

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Malleable Electrode Application
Interferential
machine set up
with malleable
electrodes
Malleable
electrodes in
moistened sponge
pockets

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Electrodeplacement
Electrode placed so
that the
Two circuits produce
an interference
current and the
patient experiences
the tingling sensation
on and around the
site of their positionLeftknee

13. Electrodes placed above Thigh ,
Knee , Upper back & Lower back
Region

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The interferential current is used in
management of acute and chronic pain of
different origins.
 Especially post traumatic pain and
sympathetically-maintained pain as in
shoulder hand syndrome and Raynaud’s
disease (spasm of the digital arteries producing
pallor or cyanosis of fingers or toes).

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 Stimulation of the motor nerves to induce
contraction of musclecan be achieved with a
wide range of frequencies (10 – 50 Hz).
 Clearly, stimulation at low frequency (1 – 10
Hz) will result in a series of twitches, whilst
stimulation at 50 Hz will result in a tetanic
contraction.
The choice of treatment parameters will
depend on the desired effect.

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 Increased vasodilatation is noticed following
interferential stimulation due to its effect on the
parasympathetic nerve fibers for increased blood flow.
So , interferential stimulation is used in treatment of
circulatory disorders such as increases circulation in
Raynaud's disease.

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 Chronic post-traumatic edema can be
reduced by the use of interferential
stimulation. This effect may be produced by
enhancing of the venous and lymphatic
return through electrically-evoked
contraction.
The beat frequency is of approximately 15
Hz or a sweep of 10-25 Hz is often used.

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The interferential current accelerates ossification, so
may be used to enhance fracture healing.
 Furthermore, it may be used also to accelerate wound
healing by improving the cellular function and
increasing cell proliferation

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By manipulation of the input currents, it is possible to
achieve any beat frequencydesired to be used clinically.
Modern machines usually offer frequenciesof 1-150 Hz,
though some offera choice of up to 250 Hz or more.

21. Sreeraj S R
2
1

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•Poweron
•Time
•Base&peak
frequency
•Swingpattern
•Output

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The fourelectrodes are positioned around the target
area so that each channel runs perpendicular to the
otherand the current crosses at a midpoint.
The interference effect branches off at 45° from the
center of the treated area, in the shape of a four-leaf
clover.
The electrodes are positioned in a coplanar
arrangement to treat a flat surface

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When the IF current is applied using a bipolar
technique, the mixing of the two channels occurs
within the generator rather than in the tissue.
 This technique does not penetrate the tissues as deeply
as quadripolarapplication, therefore it tends to be of
more sensory

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if a longitudinal zone requires stimulation rather than
an isolated tissue area. When muscle contraction is the
goal of the treatment, bipolarelectrode placement is
used .

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The interferential current is applied by metal electrode
with water-soaked sponges.
The interferential
current is applied by carbon rubber electrodes with
conducting gel.
Suction unit can be connected to the interferential
machine. The electrodes are applied to the patient
through flexible rubbercups, which have a sponge pad
and electrode incorporated inside the cup to carry
interferential current.

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Suctionmachine
Suction electrodes
with moistened
sponges

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It varies widely according to the usual clinical
parametersof conditions (acute / chronic) and the type
of physiological effectdesired.
- Acute conditions: 5-10 minutes.
- Chronic conditions: 20-30 minutes.

32. Indications of
Interferential Therapy
 Interferential current is commonly used for
pain relief
 Relief of muscle spasm
 Promote tissue healing
 Relief from edema
 Re-education of deeply situated Muscles.

33. Indications
 Vasoconstrictive disease
 Venous insufficiency
 Delayed union
 Pseudo arthrosis
 Sudeck’s atrophy
 Muscle reeducation(PFM)

34. Contra-indication
 Acute sepsis -  risk of spread of infection
 Tumours -  risk of increased growth of activity
 Pregnancy – no treatment over uterus or its’ nerve
supply
 Cardiac disease – no treatment over the heart,
cervical ganglia or vagus nerve

35. Contra-indication
 Severe  or  BP – avoid lower cervical
region – BP control via cervical ganglia
 Acute inflammation, oedema,
haemorrhage or haematoma when using
suction cups
 Hypersensitivity or fear of electrical
treatment
 Patients who are unable to understand
the treatment or what is required of
them

36.  Burns – high intensity currents can cause
sufficient heating to cause a burn.
 Mains current shock – faulty equipment
 Electric shock – abrupt application of high
intensity current – turn current up/ down
slowly
 General malaise
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Dizziness / Faintness
 Migraine / Headache
 Neurological effects

37. Tens Med Fit Mini 4 Pole I
performing
interferential therapy
with suction pads to
reduce swelling and
alleviate pain.
A patient receiving ICT
(Interferential Current Therapy)
for pain in hand
Laser + Ultrasound + IFT Machine

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Electrode placement of interferential therapy in plantar fasciatis
Professional Interferential Unit WithAC Adap
Ultra IF - Interferential U

39. JPM Interferential Therapy &
Vacuum
Chronic Pain Suppressor CPS-2000
Interferential Current Therapy

40. Vectorsonic Vu720 Combination Interferential
Quattro 4-Channel Interfer
Interferential Current
Therapy Equipment

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Summary
Interferential therapy utilizes two medium frequency
currents which pass through the tissues
simultaneously.
It has 2 types of technique
Quadripolar,& bipolar technique
Uses of interferential therapy
Indications
Contra-indication
Dangers

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