Interferential current therapy

From MEpedia, a crowd-sourced encyclopedia of ME and CFS science and history

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[edit | edit source]

Evidence[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

  • 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[edit | edit source]

Risks and safety[edit | edit source]

Costs and availability[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  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.