Exploring Electrical Stimulation: TENS vs Interferential Current

In the realm of chiropractic and pain management, electrical stimulation has become a staple for relieving discomfort and aiding in rehabilitation. Two commonly used forms of electrical stimulation are Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Interferential Current (IFC). While both methods involve the application of electrical currents to the body, they differ significantly in their mechanisms and therapeutic applications.

Many people know what TENS is or have a TENS device at home to help with pain. In office we use Interferential Current (IFC); a powerful tool used to decrease pain in both chronic and acute pain patients.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS units work by delivering low-voltage electrical currents through electrodes placed on the skin. Here are the key features and benefits of TENS:

1. Pain Relief Mechanism: TENS units primarily function by stimulating sensory nerves, which can help in blocking pain signals traveling to the brain. This mechanism is often referred to as the "gate control theory of pain," where the electrical signals interfere with and override the pain signals.

2. Frequency and Intensity: TENS units typically operate at lower frequencies (ranging from 1 to 100 Hz) and are adjustable in terms of intensity. This adjustability allows therapists to tailor the treatment to the specific needs and sensitivity of the patient.

3. Applications: TENS is commonly used to manage acute and chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and post-surgical pain. It is non-invasive and can provide relief without the use of medications.

4. Portable and Easy to Use: Modern TENS units are compact, battery-operated devices that patients can use at home under guidance from healthcare providers. They are user-friendly and generally safe when used correctly.

Interferential Current (IFC)

IFC differs from TENS in several key aspects:

1. Crossing of Paths: Unlike TENS, which uses a single frequency, IFC utilizes two medium-frequency currents that cross paths and interfere with each other. This crossing creates a new frequency that penetrates the skin more deeply.

2. Pain Relief Mechanism: IFC is believed to work through a combination of effects, including pain gate control similar to TENS but also possibly through muscle stimulation and increased blood flow due to deeper penetration.

3. Frequency and Intensity: IFC operates at higher frequencies (typically 4000 Hz), which allows for deeper tissue penetration compared to TENS. This deeper penetration can be advantageous in treating conditions where the pain is located deeper within the body.

4. Applications: IFC is often used for treating deeper-seated pain conditions, muscle spasms, and soft tissue injuries. It is also used in cases where the patient may not respond adequately to TENS therapy alone.

5. Professional Settings: IFC machines are more complex and usually require administration by trained healthcare professionals in clinical settings. They are less commonly available for home use compared to TENS units.

In conclusion, both TENS and IFC are valuable tools in pain management and rehabilitation, each offering unique benefits depending on the therapeutic goals and patient needs. IFC has been shown to penetrate deeper than TENS and provide more long lasting pain relief. In one study patients average pain level was brought from a 55/100 to a 10/100. 75% of patients receiving IFC were able to stop taking NSAIDs such as Advil during the course of treatment. When coupling IFC with flexion-distraction we are able to reduce the patients pain and allow the body to start the healing process and reduce overall recovery time.

Dias, L. V., Cordeiro, M. A., Schmidt de Sales, R., Bieberbach, M., Korelo, R. I. G., Vojciechowski, A. S., & Brandt de Macedo, A. C. (2021). Immediate Analgesic Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Tens) and Interferential Current (Ifc) on Chronic Low Back Pain: Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies. https://doi-org.ezproxy.scuhs.edu/10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.005