Interference therapy
Interferential therapy is one of the electrotherapy methods, based on the application of medium- and low-frequency sinusoidal currents. It is similar to Amplipulse therapy, as both belong to the group of low-frequency electrotherapies. During interferential therapy, the patient is exposed to two types of alternating currents that interact with each other. The very name “interference” implies their overlapping — this is the core principle of the method.
To ensure effective interaction, the pathological focus must be located in the area where the current lines intersect. As a result of this interference, a new low-frequency current is generated within the tissues.
In interferential therapy, alternating currents with frequencies ranging from 3000–5000 Hz are used. One current has a fixed frequency, while the second can be manually adjusted to differ from the first by 1–200 Hz.
Therapeutic Effects of Interferential Therapy
The interacting currents penetrate deep into the tissues without irritating receptors or causing discomfort during the procedure — making this physiotherapeutic method suitable for both elderly patients and children. The stimulating effect occurs exactly where the low-frequency current is formed — in the deeper tissue layers.
Interferential currents provide a massage-like effect through muscle contractions they induce. These contractions improve peripheral blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. This is the main therapeutic impact of the method: enhanced blood flow improves tissue oxygen supply, supports toxin elimination, reduces swelling, and provides pain relief.
The therapeutic benefits of interferential therapy can be summarized as follows:
- Vasodilation (widening of blood vessels);
- Raised pain threshold;
- Pain reduction;
- Muscle spasm relief.
On one hand, interferential therapy offers excellent results in treating various acute conditions. On the other, its effectiveness may decrease over time due to the body’s rapid adaptation. Therefore, it's recommended to combine interferential therapy with other procedures such as electrophoresis, Amplipulse therapy, or galvanization.
How an Interferential Therapy Session Proceeds
An interferential therapy session externally resembles other forms of electrotherapy. The patient lies or sits comfortably on a couch while two pairs of electrodes are placed on special damp pads on the body. A key difference from other procedures is that the currents must cross directly at the most painful area.
The procedure is completely painless — only a mild vibration or "tingling" sensation may be felt under the electrodes. The duration of sessions varies depending on the condition and individual factors — from 5 to 30 minutes daily. A full course typically consists of 6 sessions for acute conditions and up to 20 sessions for chronic ones.
Indications and Contraindications for Interferential Therapy
A course of interferential therapy is indicated in the following cases:
- Diseases of the nervous system;
- Varicose veins;
- Osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis, and other musculoskeletal disorders;
- Inflammatory diseases of female reproductive organs;
- Gastrointestinal tract disorders;
- Certain skin conditions; and more.
Interferential therapy is not only widely used in medicine but also in cosmetology — particularly as a lipolytic treatment for cellulite, obesity, and edema reduction.
Contraindications are generally the same as for most physiotherapeutic procedures:
- Tuberculosis;
- Acute inflammatory processes;
- Acute infections;
- Malignant tumors;
- Bleeding tendencies;
- Pregnancy; and others.
For acute conditions, interferential therapy is best combined with electrophoresis, Amplipulse therapy, or galvanization.
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