The term “electrotherapy” denotes the use of electrical energy in all its forms for therapeutic purposes. From direct current to variable currents. In particular, direct current is the so-called galvanic current. It can also exploit the properties of certain drugs that are delivered, through the current itself, to the area to be treated (iontophoresis).

Variable currents, on the other hand, include excitomotor currents, those with antalgic effect (diadynamic currents and TENS) and those with thermal effect. Electrotherapy is indicated for muscular, painful and nervous disorders (especially neuritis) and radiculitis (sciatalgia, cruralgia etc.). It is not indicated, however, for patients with pace-makers, pregnant women, peri-cardiac stimulation and any established allergic reaction to current.

Stimulating electrotherapy

The contraction of a muscle or certain fibers caused by certain types of currents is called stimulating electrotherapy. Among the currents called upon in this process are: interrupted direct current, faradic current, and pulsing currents with adjustable pulses.

The former is almost never used in physiotherapy because it is limitedly tolerated, while the others are successful in stimulating normally innervated muscles. Muscle stimulation proves effective provided:

• the current is sufficiently intense
• the change in intensity is rapid
• action takes place for a certain time according to well-defined ratios.

Stimulation usually takes place with an electrode connected to the positive pole (indifferent electrode) and a smaller electrode connected to the negative pole (active electrode ), to be placed on the motor point of the muscle to be treated.The choice of pulse duration is made according to the patient’s tolerance. In any case, a clearly visible contraction is important in order to achieve valid stimulation.

This type of therapy is indicated in cases of hypotrophy from nonuse and muscle strengthening in athletics. However, it is not suitable in cases of pace-makers and in cases of intolerance to the current used.

Analgesic electrotherapy

The term “electrotherapy” is used to refer to the use of electrical energy in all its forms for therapeutic purposes. Specifically: direct current and variable currents. The first is the so-called galvanic current, which can also exploit the properties of certain drugs that are delivered, through the current itself, to the area to be treated (iontophoresis). The second includes both excitomotor currents and those with an antalgic effect (diadynamic currents and TENS ), as well as those with a thermal effect.

Microcurrent electrostimulator with auricular electrotherapy

The Alpha Stim is a precision analgesic stimulator used for the treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. It consists of a non-invasive method that does not require the use of drugs. The Alpha Stim allows the application of two therapeutic methods related to different types of current:

• MET microcurrent electrotherapy, a term used to describe a low level of current used to relieve pain. Self-adhesive electrodes or specific probes are used for this purpose for more localized treatment
• auricoloelectrotherapy by application of auricular clip electrodes: synergistically exploits with MET the antalgic action at the level of nerve endings located on the auricular lobe.