What is IFC
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
Beat frequency
1-2000 beats per second
Methods of delivery
Bipolar ( 2 electrodes )
Quadripolar (4 electrodes)
Quadripolar with automatic vector scan
Stereodynamic
Bipolar (premodulated mode)
2 electrodes on target area
Premodulated means interference occurred within the device
Quadripolar ( true interferential) mode
4 electrodes
True means interference occurred within soft tissue
Quadripolar with automatic vector scan mode
Advantage / disadvantage
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
Stereodynamic mode
Advantage?
Electrodes?
Advantage:
Less adaptation and more effectiveness
6 electrodes
Either:
- 3 pairs of 2 electrodes
- 2 pairs of Y shaped electrodes
Indications
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
Contraindications
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
Therapeutic uses
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
Mechanism of analgesic effect
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.
Electrode type
Electrode fixation
Coupling media
Suggested frequency and duration for certain conditions
Dangers of IFC
- 3 meters away from short wave diathermy SWD
- contact dermatitis
- burns
- temporary bruising or hematoma
- muscle damage (repeated mechanical stress)
Expected feeling
Mild pleasant tingling feeling
Should not feel heat or burning sensation
No pinching sensation with suction electrodes
