Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy uses controlled electrical currents delivered through skin electrodes to relieve pain, reduce muscle spasm, and stimulate healing in injured or weakened tissue. Common forms include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain relief and neuromuscular electrical stimulation to activate weak or inhibited muscles after injury or surgery. The electrical impulses work by blocking pain signals, triggering the body's natural pain-relief chemicals, or directly stimulating muscle contraction. It is typically used as an adjunct to manual therapy and exercise rather than as a standalone treatment.

Electrotherapy is recommended for patients diagnosed with specific conditions where other approaches have been insufficient. Your Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation specialist will assess your suitability based on your diagnosis, health history, and treatment goals.

The typical duration is 15-20 minutes per session. This may vary based on the complexity of your case and individual response to treatment.

Recovery typically takes Pain relief is often felt during or immediately after the session, though the effect may be temporary and require repeated treatments for lasting benefit. A course of multiple sessions over several weeks is generally needed alongside exercise for meaningful, lasting improvement. Electrotherapy is not typically used as a sole long-term treatment but as part of a broader rehabilitation plan.. Your care team will provide specific instructions based on your response and overall health.

Side effects vary by individual and are detailed in the section above. Your specialist will discuss all risks and benefits with you before treatment begins. Serious adverse effects are uncommon but are part of the informed consent process.

Electrotherapy has a documented success rate of 70-80% pain reduction at accredited facilities. Outcomes depend on disease stage, patient health, and adherence to the treatment plan and aftercare instructions.