In thermal power plants (interstitial electrical stimulation)
This short article provides basic information about the procedure of intratissue electrical stimulation (ITES). You can receive any additional information during a consultation with your doctor regarding your symptoms and condition.
ITES — is a physiotherapeutic procedure performed by a physician who has received special training in this treatment method.
About the name of the method:
- Intratissue — means that during the procedure, a disposable thin needle is used to deliver the therapeutic signal. This needle is inserted just slightly into the soft tissues, most often near the spinous process of a vertebra.
- Electrostimulation — means that a special modulated electric signal is used to achieve a therapeutic effect. This signal resembles those naturally present in our body but is significantly amplified.
Mechanism of the Procedure
The main mechanism of action in ITES is segmental stimulation. The peripheral nervous system in humans is organized segmentally. This means that each small segment of the spinal cord and the nerve roots exiting at that level innervate (control via impulses) specific tissues — skin, muscles, blood vessels, all soft tissues, and even the outer layer of bone.
Disease distorts these normal impulses from the spinal segment and nerve roots to the muscles and blood vessels they control.
During the ITES procedure, the signal spreads segmentally, restoring normal parameters. Microcirculation in the affected tissues improves, nerve conductivity increases, and pain subsides.
This procedure often surpasses many known physiotherapeutic treatments in effectiveness due to its key advantage: the signal delivered through the needle bypasses the skin and subcutaneous fat, resulting in 200–300 times stronger and more focused action. Importantly, ITES does not harm neighboring tissues or organs.
How the procedure is performed:
The patient lies comfortably on a soft couch. The doctor inserts a needle-electrode and uses a second electrode placed on the skin to direct the signal. Usually, the treatment covers several innervation zones belonging to one or two spinal segments. The duration of the session is 30–60 minutes. ITES is performed 1–3 times per week, and on average, 6–8 sessions are required.
Indications for treatment with Intratissue Electrical Stimulation (ITES):
- Spinal osteochondrosis, back pain;
- Small intervertebral disc hernias, pain and reduced strength in leg/arm after spine surgery;
- Leg pain caused by disc herniation or protrusion;
- Radiculopathy, radiculitis, sciatica, lumbago;
- Nerve injury (recovery accelerated 4–8 times);
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) — ITES is one of the few methods that effectively help in this condition.
Contraindications:
- Active phase of rheumatoid polyarthritis, infectious diseases;
- Pacemaker (cardiac rhythm stimulator);
- Pregnancy;
- Active oncological diseases.
Combination with other treatment methods
This technique works well in combination with other treatment methods used at the health resort (massage, therapeutic exercise, spinal traction, shockwave therapy, thermotherapy, manual therapy, etc.). Your physician will select the optimal treatment plan for you during the initial consultation.