Interferential Currents (IFC) in Physiotherapy Page 1 of 3

Interferential Currents
(IFC) in Physiotherapy

IFC uses the transcutaneous application of alternating medium-frequency

electrical currents, amplitude modulated at low frequency for therapeutic
purposes.

MEDIUM FREQ. 1 + MEDIUM FREQ. 2 = LOW FREQUENCY Combination

Medium frequency currents encounter less resistance than low frequency

currents and therefore are more comfortable at the higher intensities
necessary for treatment.

The electrical current is applied to the affected area using four electrodes.
The four electrodes are placed in such a way that the two currents produced
cross each other in the affected area. Where the two currents meet, they
actually 'interfere' with each other; hence the name "interferential". The
electrodes will usually be used with a damp sponge placed between the
electrode and the patient's skin or a conductive gel may be used. During
treatment you will feel a tingling or "pins and needles" sensation at the

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contact area of the sponges and may also feel the tingling sensation
throughout the area being treated. This sensation may continue for a brief
period following treatment as well. The intensity of the current should be
increased within the patient's comfort level. A stronger current will usually
have a more beneficial effect but the intensity should not be turned up so
high as to cause pain. This modality addresses the issues of pain, spasm,
and inflammation. it is important that you also address other issues
associated with your condition with an appropriate exercise and manual
therapy program as prescribed by your physiotherapist.

The physiological effects of IFC include:

1. An increase in localized blood

flow which can improve
healing by reducing swelling
(the additional blood flowing
through the area takes
edematous fluid away with it)
and as a result helps remove
damaged tissue and bring
nutrients necessary for
healing to the injured area
2. The stimulation of local nerve
cells that can have a pain
reducing/anaesthetic effect
due to potentially blocking
the transmission of the pain
signals (pain gate
mechanism) or by stimulating
the release of pain reducing
endorphins (opioid
mechanism).
3. Relaxation of muscle spasms can be achieved through external
application of an electrical current, overcoming some of the muscle
inhibition often caused by local injury and swelling.
4. Increased permeability of the cell membrane which helps ion
movement to and from cells thus promoting healing.

IFC is used to:

z Reduce muscle spasms and promote muscle relaxation

z Reduce inflammation
z Block pain
z Stimulate circulation

References

Jorge S, Parada CA, Ferreira SH, Tambeli CH. (2006) Interferential

therapy produces antinociception during application in various models of
inflammatory pain. Phys Ther. 2006 Jun;86(6):800-8.

Johnson MI, Tabasam G. (2003) An investigation into the analgesic

effects of different frequencies of the amplitude-modulated wave of

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Interferential Currents (IFC) in Physiotherapy Page 3 of 3

interferential current therapy on cold-induced pain in normal subjects.

Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2003 Sep;84(9):1387-94

Cheing GL, Hui-Chan CW. (2003) Analgesic effects of transcutaneous

electrical nerve stimulation and interferential currents on heat pain in
healthy subjects. J Rehabil Med. 2003 Jan;35(1):15-9.

Jarit GJ, Mohr KJ, Waller R, Glousman RE. (2003) The effects of
interferential therapy on post-operative pain, edema, and range of
motion of the knee. Clin J Sport Med. 2003 Jan;13(1):16-20.

Johnson et al. (2002) A single blind placebo controlled investigation into

the analgesic effects of interferential currents on experimentally induced
ischemic pain in healthy subjects. Clin Physiol & Func Im 187-196

http://www.greatlakes-physiotherapy.com/physiotherapy-ifc.html 10-Jan-2009