Interferential Therapy (IFT)

IFT Physiotherapy Treatment for Pain Relief & Muscle Recovery. ReLiva physiotherapists aim to promote natural healing with Interferential therapy in order to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

What is Interferential Therapy (IFT)?

Interferential therapy or IFT is a type of electrotherapy treatment applied in physiotherapy. It is a non-invasive physical therapy for pain relief and tissue repair. Physiotherapists use a modality, namely IFT machine to deliver low-frequency electrical currents (called Interferential current) to prevent pain signals from being transmitted to the brain.

Types of Interferential Therapy Treatments

IFT or Interferential Therapy may be classified into various types based on the way electrodes and the frequency of current are used to achieve different results with managing pain, inflammation, and healing.

When used at Constant frequency, interferential therapy can be of two types.
1. Static IFT – The electrodes stay in one place, targeting a specific area of pain or injury.
2. Dynamic IFT – The electrodes are moved around the area to cover a larger treatment zone.
Vector IFT when a therapist changes the intensity within a treatment area to focus more on certain spots. It is often used when pain is not in one specific point.
Sweep IFT when the frequency is varied to prevent the body from getting used to the stimulation, making it effective for long-term pain relief.
When number of electrodes used vary, both vector and sweep IFT can be classified as:
1. Four-Pole IFT (Quadripolar) – Uses four electrodes placed in a square to create a crossed current at the center, helping to focus on deeper pain areas
2. Two-Pole IFT (Bipolar or Pre-modulated IFT) – Uses two electrodes, often for smaller, targeted areas and deeper penetration isn’t needed.

How Does Interferential Therapy Help in Pain Management?

For effective pain management, physiotherapists often use Interferential therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis, back pain, and sports injuries. It is a safe and effective therapy that can be combined with other treatment modalities to help patients achieve great results.

In physiotherapy, Interferential Therapy (IFT) helps in pain management by sending low-frequency electrical currents through the skin to deeper tissues.

These currents block pain signals from reaching the brain, helping to reduce pain.
They also boost blood flow to the area, which lowers inflammation and supports healing.
This relaxes muscles and encourages the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, providing further pain relief.

Conditions Treated by Interferential Therapy (IFT)

Given the versatility of Interferential Therapy (IFT) treatment, it is used by physiotherapists to treat a variety of conditions, including:

Chronic pain - such as back pain, neck pain, and heel pain
Arthritis pain, knee pain
Muscle sprains, and strains
Post-surgical pain and inflammation
Sports injuries - tendonitis, frozen shoulder

Edema and swelling, to decrease fluid buildup and inflammation
Sciatica pain and numbness in the lower back and legs
Fibromyalgia and Nerve pain
Plantar Fasciitis and Carpal tunnel syndrome
Disc Herniation and spinal stenosis

How is Interferential therapy different from TENS therapy?

From a treatment perspective, both IFT and TENS are electrotherapy and work by blocking the sensation of pain. However, the differences lie in the details.

IFT sends currents to a deeper level in the body where the electrodes overlap, while TENS sends currents through leads to electrodes placed on specific spots on the skin.
IFT focuses its function primarily on blocking the pain message on the peripheral nerve fibers. On the other hand, a TENS unit’s electric reactions are for the sensory and motor nerve fibers.
IFT can reach deeper tissues than TENS.
IFT stimulates circulation, and TENS can stimulate endorphin production.
IFT aids healing and repair of tissues while TENS only focuses on controlling pain.

Skilled physiotherapist knows when and how to use IFT or TENS therapy for the best results. Let your physiotherapist guide your treatment for safe, effective pain management.

Why Choose ReLiva Physiotherapy for Interferential Therapy?

ReLiva Physiotherapy & Rehab propagates advanced therapy and modern treatment techniques. Reliva physiotherapists across locations are trained in safe, effective techniques including IFT therapy. They understand when and how to apply interferential physiotherapy for the best results.

ReLiva’s personalized approach ensures that every session targets your unique needs, and best possible therapy (including IFT therapy) is appropriately utilized, helping to reduce pain and accelerate recovery. We prioritize patient comfort and effective results, supporting you through every step of your treatment.

If you are looking for IFT physiotherapy near me, contact us now to plan a treatment session conveniently!

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FAQs

How does Interferential Therapy help with pain relief?

For pain relief, Interferential Therapy helps by using electrical currents to block pain signals, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation. It also relaxes muscles and stimulates endorphin release, providing natural pain relief and supporting faster healing.

Is Interferential Therapy safe for everyone?

For most people, Interferential Therapy is generally safe. But it is not recommended for pregnant women, people with pacemakers, or those with certain heart conditions. Always consult a physiotherapist or doctor before starting treatment to ensure it is appropriate for your condition.

How many sessions of IFT are needed for pain relief?

IFT is best used as a part of a bigger comprehensive physiotherapy treatment plan. The number of IFT sessions will be decided by your physiotherapist depending on the condition and severity of pain. Your physiotherapist will adjust the plan based on your progress.

Can Interferential Therapy be combined with other treatments?

Research suggests that IFT alone may not be significantly effective in the management of musculoskeletal pain. That is why it is often used in physiotherapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis, back pain, and sports injuries. It is a safe and effective therapy that can be combined with other treatment modalities to help patients achieve great results.

What to expect during IFT therapy session?

During an IFT treatment session, the physiotherapist will place the electrodes on the skin over the affected area. The electrical current at a specific frequency and intensity is then delivered through the electrodes into the body. The patient may feel slight tingling or buzzing, but the treatment is not painful. It is important to keep the therapist informed in case any discomfort is experienced.

For how long do I need IFT physiotherapy treatment?

Treatment times vary widely according to the acute/chronic conditions & the result desired. In acute conditions, shorter treatment times of 5-10 minutes may be sufficient to achieve the effect. In other circumstances, it may be necessary to stimulate the tissues for 20-30 minutes. Your physiotherapist is best placed to identify the type and duration of interferential therapy best suited for your overall treatment plan.

Therapies available at ReLiva Physiotherapy & Rehab

Physiotherapists use a combination of advanced and specialised therapies for effective pain relief, improved movement and faster recovery.

Cryotherapy

Cupping Therapy

Dry Needling Therapy

Heat Therapy

Interferential Therapy (IFT)

Kinesio Taping Therapy

Laser Therapy

Manual Therapy

Matrix Rythm Therapy

Shockwave Therapy

TENS Therapy

Ultrasound Therapy