What frequency is used for IFC?
3000-5000 Hz
What is the treatment frequency dependent on?
type of pain
==>acute, subacute, chronic
What are the types of wave interference?
- constructive
- destructive
- heterodyne
What is constructive interference?
when two sinusoidal waves that are exactly in phase combine
==>supplement each other
What is destructive interference?
when two sinusoidal waves are exactly out of phase
==>cancel each other out
What is heterodyne interference?
combination of constructive and destructive interference
==>wave with beat effect
What is heterodyne also called?
true interferential current
What are the four methods of IFC?
- true interferential current
- premodulted IF
- vector scan
- stereodynamic
True interferential
- 2 channels, 4 electrodes
- applied quadripolar
- cloverleaf pattern
- most intense where currents cross
Premod Current
- interference occurs in machine, not body
- pain relief
- small treatment areas
- use 2 electrodes
- more accurate
Vector scan
- quadripolar placement
- uses IF current
- amplitude varies
- cloverleaf
- larger area
Stereodynamic
- 3 channel
- 6 electrodes
- 3D interference pattern
Effects of IFC
- pain reduction
- muscle strengthening
- increased circulation
- slow bowel transit
What are the contraindications?
- cancer
- anterior neck
- through chest
- through head
- pacemakers, ICD
- abdomen, lumbar, pelvis in pregnant women
- metal implants
- epilepsy
- areas of hemorrhage
- confused and unreliable patients
- damaged skin
- unknown etiology
What is the frequency for acute pain?
80-150 Hz
What is the frequency for chronic pain?
1-15 Hz
What is the amplitude for interferential current?
patient comfort
What are the parameter settings for muscle strengthening?
- patient tolerance
- 40 - 60 Hz
- Premod IFC with bipolar electrodes
- Duty cycle 10:50
- use ramp time
