Interferential Current (IFC)

Question 1

What is IFC

Answer 1

It is a beat amplitude-modulated sinusoidal ALTERNATING current

Low frequency (less than 1000 HZ) amplitude modulated electrical current that results from the interference caused by crossing of two or three medium frequency ( b/w 3000-5000 HZ) to overcome skin resistance

Question 2

Beat frequency

Answer 2

1-2000 beats per second

Question 3

Methods of delivery

Answer 3

Bipolar ( 2 electrodes )
Quadripolar (4 electrodes)
Quadripolar with automatic vector scan
Stereodynamic

Question 4

Bipolar (premodulated mode)

Answer 4

2 electrodes on target area

Premodulated means interference occurred within the device

Question 5

Quadripolar ( true interferential) mode

Answer 5

4 electrodes

True means interference occurred within soft tissue

Question 6

Quadripolar with automatic vector scan mode

Advantage / disadvantage

Answer 6

Advantage:
-Covers more tissue area due to vector scan sweep
- equal field distribution
- prevent nerve habituation

Disadvantage:
Effective time is not enough due to distribution

Question 7

Stereodynamic mode

Advantage?

Electrodes?

Answer 7

Advantage:
Less adaptation and more effectiveness

6 electrodes
Either:
- 3 pairs of 2 electrodes
- 2 pairs of Y shaped electrodes

Question 8

Indications

Answer 8

Pain
- acute pain
- post-operative pain
- chronic pain

Urinary and rectal incontinence

Muscle spasm

Trigger spots in myofascial syndrome

Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Re-educate muscles

Delayed fracture union

Swelling or hematoma

Question 9

Contraindications

Answer 9

Over pelvic, lumbar, and abdomen region of pregnant woman (induces contractions and affect fetal development)

Over anterior trans cervical region
( stimulate vagus + phrenic nerves and carotid sinuses)

Over venous thrombosis (Embolism)

Over or around malignancy

Impaired sensation

Over chest region (disrupts heart function)

Over head ( affects brain function)

Over hemorrhagic area ( increase bleeding)

Electronic implants (interference)

Unreliable patients

Question 10

Therapeutic uses

Answer 10

Increase local circulation

Stimulation of soft tissue healing and repair
- accelerates ossification : fracture healing
- accelerates cellular function and proliferation: wound healing

Decrease incontinence
- re-educated pelvic floor muscles and sphincters

Muscle stimulation

Question 11

Mechanism of analgesic effect

Answer 11

Gate theory (90-100 hz)
- activity of A-beta fibers may block synaptic transmission of small A delta and C fibers thus blocking pain

Central biasing theory (90-100 hz)
- direct block of nociceptive activity by intense stimulation of small C fibers

Opiate control theory (10 hz)
- stimulation of sensory nerves me stimulate the release of enkephalin, B-endorphins.

Question 12

Electrode type

Answer 12

Question 13

Electrode fixation

Answer 13

Question 14

Coupling media

Answer 14

Question 15

Suggested frequency and duration for certain conditions

Answer 15

Question 16

Dangers of IFC

Answer 16

• 3 meters away from short wave diathermy SWD
• contact dermatitis
• burns
• temporary bruising or hematoma
• muscle damage (repeated mechanical stress)

Question 17

Expected feeling

Answer 17

Mild pleasant tingling feeling

Should not feel heat or burning sensation

No pinching sensation with suction electrodes