Electrotherapy
Therapeutic use of electrical stimulation to manage pain, reduce nerve irritation, and support muscle activation and tissue healing.
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Advanced Pain Relief & Tissue Healing Support
Electrotherapy is a clinically proven treatment that uses controlled electrical signals to help reduce pain, promote healing, and support recovery. At PhysiMed Health, electrotherapy is commonly used when pain is acute, chronic, or not responding effectively to medication alone.
By influencing the way pain signals travel from the nerves to the brain, electrotherapy plays a vital role in pain management and rehabilitation.
How Electrotherapy Works
Electrotherapy interferes with the transmission of pain messages sent through the nervous system. By slowing down or distracting these signals before they reach the brain, pain perception is reduced. This process targets the body’s “Pain Gate”, a key mechanism in both acute and chronic pain episodes.
In addition to pain relief, electrotherapy can also:
Stimulate tissue repair
Improve circulation
Reduce inflammation and swelling
Assist muscle activation and recovery
Conditions That Can Benefit From Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy is widely used around the world for managing a variety of painful conditions, including:
Arthritis
Low back pain
Labour-related pain
Nerve-related pain, including phantom pain
It is often used as part of a broader physiotherapy or rehabilitation program.
TENS Therapy (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
TENS is one of the most common forms of electrotherapy and works in two distinct ways depending on the frequency used.
1. High-Frequency TENS (Conventional Mode)
Stimulates non-pain nerve fibres
Blocks pain signals before they reach the brain
Comfortable and suitable for longer use
Provides shorter-term pain relief
2. Low-Frequency TENS (Acupuncture-Like Mode)
Stimulates the release of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers
More intense sensation
Typically used for 20–30 minutes
Provides longer-lasting pain relief
Unlike many pain-relieving medications, TENS is non-addictive and has minimal side effects.
Who Should Not Use TENS?
TENS therapy is generally safe for most people, but it may not be suitable for individuals with:
Epilepsy
Pacemakers or certain heart conditions
Pain of unknown origin
Certain skin conditions
Pregnancy (except during labour and only when appropriate)
Your PhysiMed Health practitioner will assess whether TENS is suitable for you
Using TENS Effectively
Electrode placement plays a key role in treatment effectiveness. Electrodes may be placed:
Directly over the painful area
Around the painful area
Over the nerve supplying the pain
On the opposite side of the body
A trial period of several days with different electrode placements is often recommended. In many cases, a short home trial is the best way to determine whether TENS will be beneficial.
Interferential Therapy (IFT)
At PhysiMed Health, we also offer Interferential Therapy (IFT)—a deeper and more powerful form of electrotherapy.
IFT uses two high-frequency electrical currents that are slightly out of phase. When these currents cross within the body, they create a low-frequency “beat” effect deep beneath the skin, allowing more targeted treatment of deeper tissues.
What to Expect During IFT
Interferential Therapy is administered by a qualified physiotherapist. Damp sponge electrodes are placed on the body to deliver a mild electrical current, often described as a gentle pins-and-needles sensation. The therapist adjusts the current to precisely target the affected area.
Clinical Benefits of Interferential Therapy
IFT has been shown to be effective for:
Pain relief (similar to TENS but deeper)
Muscle stimulation to prevent muscle wastage
Muscle re-education and maintenance of joint range of motion
Increased local blood circulation
Reduction of swelling and oedema
Integrated Pain Management at PhysiMed Health
Electrotherapy is often combined with manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and other allied health treatments to deliver comprehensive pain relief and long-term recovery.
Book an Electrotherapy Appointment
If pain is limiting your movement or quality of life, electrotherapy may help. Contact PhysiMed Health today to book an appointment and find out whether electrotherapy is right for your condition.
Specialised In:
Aged care | NDIS home visits | Support at home (SAH) | Women’s health | Incontinence | TMJ dysfunction | Osteoarthritis | Falls prevention | Clinical Pilates
