Interferential Therapy

Interferential Therapy first appeared in the mid 1950's. Originally developed in Europe by Dr. Hans Nemec of Vienna, Austria.

The name Interferential Therapy stems from the concept of two currents "Interfering with each other", readily apparent when one views the four electrodes that are necessary to produce the standard interferential effect in a patient.

As it shares much in common with other forms of electrotherapy, it has a number of advantages available for the treatment of patients, mainly the ability to facilitate healing of damaged tissues, using a bio-electrical effect.

Indications for use of Interferential Therapy include:

• Reduction of muscle spasm by repeated contraction and relaxation of the muscle which fatigues the muscle and promotes relaxation, interrupting the pain-spasm-pain cycle.
• Increasing local blood circulation by contracting muscles and creating muscle pumping, supplying circulatory nutrients to muscles and carrying away metabolic waste products.
• Maintaining or increasing range of motion by contracting muscles to move a joint through its' normal range of flexing and extending, improving muscle function and flexibility.
• Re-educating muscles by stimulating motor nerves and contracting muscles, replicating volitional activity, re-learning normal muscle movement and control.