Interferential Current (IFC) is NOT the same as Dr Ho.
Interferential current is a non-invasive modality utilized by physiotherapists, which uses therapeutic currents to help reduce pain, illicit a muscle contraction and decrease local edema. It uses the application of two medium frequencies with alternating currents to produce an inference or therapeutic current at a desired site.
The effectiveness of IFC for pain relief is base off of the Gate Control Theory of Pain. This theory suggests that spinal nerves are like gates which open or close, therefore dictating which signals pass through to the brain. The introduction of a stimulus, such as IFC, would essentially “close” the gates, decreasing the pain signal that is sent to the brain. IFC is also associated with descending pain suppression, increased circulation, and block of nerve conduction.
Dr Ho is a brand name of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and/or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) devices. The goal of TENS is to decrease pain, whereas NMES is used to ellicit a muscle contraction. Both can be used for pain relief, but the mechanism in which this is achieved differs. IFC has an increased frequency of stimulation which leads to decreased resistance at the level of the skin, allowing the stimulation to reach deeper structures than TENS. The higher frequency and shorter pulse duration of IFC may also make IFC a more comfortable treatment than TENS.
IFC is a widely used modality in physiotherapy practice for several reasons.
The treatment is quite comfortable for patients
It is a generally safe physio treatment for most patients. Potential contraindication include seizure disorders or a pacemaker.
Treatment can offer both short term and long term pain relief
It is an effective treatment for most orthopedic issues: post-surgical conditions, fractures, low back pain, muscle strain/sprain, etc.
References
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Contemporary Perspectives in Rehabilitation. James W Bellew, Susan L Michlovitz, Thomas P Nolan, Jr. - Michlovitz’s Modalities for Therapeutic Intervention,, F.A. Davis Company, 2016
Fuentes JP, Armijo Olivo S, Magee DJ, Gross DP. Effectiveness of interferential current therapy in the management of musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phys.Ther. 2010 Sep 1;90(9):1219-38.
Gundog M, Atamaz F, Kanyilmaz S, Kirazli Y, Celepogu G. Interferential Current Therapy in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: Comparison of the Effectiveness of Different Amplitude-Modulated Frequencies Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2012;91(2):107-113.
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Ozcan J, Ward AR, Robertson VJ. A comparison of true and premodulated interferential currents 11No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit upon the authors(s) or upon any organization with which the author(s) is/are associated. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2004 Mar 1;85(3):409–15.
Principles of Rehabilitation Medicine- Mitra 2019- McGraw Hill Education Chp 76- Modalities
Pthealth.ca [Internet]. Toronto: Interferential Current Therapy; c2020 [cited 2020 July 2]. Available from: https://www.pthealth.ca/services/physiotherapy/treatment-modalities/electrical-stimulation/interferential-current-therapy/
Watson, T. Electrotherapy contraindications. Available from: http://www.electrostimulateursmanuels.fr/fichiers/publications/Contraindications-et-Precautions/contraindications.pdf