The main purpose of Electrotherapy is to relieve pain and speed up the healing process. It has a long history and electrical stimulation has been helping patients, for example, from as far back as 63 AD in ancient Rome.
Using the appropriate equipment, Electrotherapy interferes with, slows, or alters the neural pain signals to the brain thereby reducing pain. Electrical pulses or sound waves (as used in Ultrasound therapy) changes the ‘pain gate’ in acute or chronic pain and can assist in accelerating the healing of tissue.
Skibbereen Therapy Centre provides a variety of treatments in this area:
TENS : Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Using sticky pads / electrodes, electrical pulses are sent through the skin to the nervous system, thereby reducing its ability to transmit pain signals to the spinal cord and brain. The appropriate frequency and duration is selected dependent on the type of pain or injury requiring treatment.
At low-frequency settings endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, are released. Some find that their pain is relieved quickly using TENS whilst others benefit from repeated use over a longer period.
TENS is typically used for, but not limited to, conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- Low back pain
- Labour pain
- Nerve related pain
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses ultra high sound waves which cannot be heard in the normal hearing range. The high frequency range and pulse rate can be varied to stimulate, heat and, if necessary, break up the tissue.
Particularly effective for chronic injuries, reducing inflammation and providing deep healing, Ultrasound is often used to treat muscles, tendons, ligaments, or joints.
Laser Therapy
Low level Laser therapy uses the healing power of light as an alternative therapy. It can help to regenerate tissue, reduce inflammation, decrease pain and increase immunity.
It can be used for conditions such as:
- Plantar Fascittis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
- Skin conditions
- Stroke
- Brain injury
All our therapists are fully trained and qualified to use various types of Electrotherapy equipment.