Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) is a noninvasive electrical therapy that is used for the symptomatic relief of chronic intractable pain. It provides a safe and effective alternative to pharmacological approaches to pain control. IFC has minimal side effects.





How it works



When two medium-frequency circuits of slightly different cycles per second are superimposed, interference is formed which blocks the transmission of pain messages at the spinal cord level. This interferential stimulation is concentrated at the point of intersection, deep in the tissues, between the electrodes.


IFC modulates a high frequency (4000 Hz), versus TENS which typically delivers at 125 Hz. When current is applied to skin, skin resistance decreases as pulse frequency increases. Thus, IFC crosses the skin with greater ease and with less stimulation than with TENS. Interferential current reaches greater depths and over a larger volume of tissue than other forms of electrotherapy.





Clinical Application



Interferential current therapy has been used extensively to help manage pain, edema, and inflammation due to soft tissue irritation from trauma or degenerative changes. IFC can be used for pain associated with several conditions including:




     •     Back pain (most common)


     •     Arthritis


     •     Strains and sprains


     •     Neuralgia


     •     Shingles


     •     Degenerative joint disease


Interferential Therapy