Interferential current therapy

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Revision as of 22:46, January 16, 2022 by Notjusttired (talk | contribs) (expand)

Interferential current therapy or IFC is treatment involving applying an electrical current to the skin using an alternating current.[1] IFC is well-established treatment and is typically used for pain relief, muscle stimulation, to reduce swelling and to activate the autonomic nervous system (ANS).[2] It is most commonly used in combination with other treatments such as ultrasound treatment.[2]

Theory

Evidence

Very few studies have conducted trials of interference current therapy in patients with fibromyalgia that included a control group, but there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of IFC for pain and sleep problems in fibromyalgia.[3]

Notable studies

  • 2008, Potential Benefits of Non-Pharmacological Therapies in Fibromyalgia[4] - (Full text)
  • 2018, Effect of interferential current in patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review[3] - (Abstract)

Clinicians

Risks and safety

Costs and availability

See also

Learn more

References

  1. "What is interferential current therapy (IFC)?". Medscape. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Goats, G. C. (June 1, 1990). "Interferential current therapy". British Journal of Sports Medicine. 24 (2): 87–92. doi:10.1136/bjsm.24.2.87. ISSN 0306-3674. PMID 1702337.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Silva, Mayara Tavares da; Araújo, Fernanda Mendonça; Araújo, Mayara Ferreira; DeSantana, Josimari Melo (2018). "Effect of interferential current in patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review". Fisioterapia e Pesquisa. 25: 107–114. doi:10.1590/1809-2950/17276725012018. ISSN 1809-2950.
  4. Sueiro Blanco, F.; Estévez Schwarz, I.; Ayán, C.; Cancela, JM.; Martín, V. (January 24, 2008). "Potential Benefits of Non-Pharmacological Therapies in Fibromyalgia". The Open Rheumatology Journal. 2: 1–6. doi:10.2174/1874312900802010001. ISSN 1874-3129. PMC 2577947. PMID 19088863.