You may have seen ICT offered as a service on our website and wanted to know more, so we thought we’d share some insights into this fantastic therapy.
Interferential Current Therapy (ICT) is a form of electrotherapy used in physiotherapy and sports therapy clinics for the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injury and management of chronic pain related conditions. Similar to the use of a TENS machine, it uses electrical currents to target a painful area.
However, ICT is actually far more advanced in the management of pain, due to the numbing effects of stimulation received from the treatment.
The main feature of an ICT unit is to provide pain relief. How ICT targets pain is based on medical research, and referred to as the pain gate theory. When human beings experience pain we feel it instantly, but the sensation of pain still has to travel across narrow sensory receptors that are linked to the central nervous system located in the thoracic spine at approximate speeds of 70-120 meters per second, depending on the intensity of the pain. In comparison, the stimulation effects from ICT travel faster than the pain receptors, reaching the central nervous system first and subsequently blocking the pain.
Stimulation received from ICT can block or reduce pain for several weeks, depending on the intensity of the painful condition.
The other main feature of ICT is the promotion of blood flow to an injured area, particularly tendon ruptures, ligament ruptures and cartilage tears as these structures do not receive a lot of blood supply and are situated around a joint. With the increased blood flow to the injured area encouraged by ICT treatment, the self-recovery process of healing cells can be enhanced and made more efficient, as faster removal of waste products and dead cells can take place.
ICT can block pain received from injury, and can ease the suffering of chronic painful conditions in joints of the ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist including the upper and lower back complex and muscle pain. It can help with conditions including:
- Tendonitis
- Tendinopath
- Cartilage tears
- Ligament Strains
- Muscle Strains
- Epicondylitis
- Sprains
- Fracture Healing
- Bursitis
- Impingement Syndrome
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Repetitive Strain Injury
- Occupational Injury
- Sporting Injury
- Running Injury
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Multiple Sclerosis
Look at our patient reviews below for their feedback on using ICT;
Jamie A McKay
“A real proper professional sports therapy session, recognised the issues with skilful assessment and great treatment, initially with his interferential current therapy machine, then actual deep sports massage, spot on to the problem areas. Unexpectedly followed up with a series of recommended stretches to supplement the treatment. Really helped my longstanding problems and will now confidently be back for more, as for once someone who seems to know what they are doing and gave me the results I’ve been looking for, for ages!”
Nyree
“Chris came highly recommended for a recurrent knee issue that no-one was getting to the bottom of. He’s worth his weight in gold and keeps me mobile. Sports massage is combined with ICT which is a major benefit to just going for a massage. The problem area can be focused on with the treatment as well as looking after the rest of you! This has definitely helped my recovery and got me back out running a lot quicker when i’ve picked up any little niggles!”
Thabo Nhlangano
“I came to visit Chris for patella femoral pain syndrome. He gave me an accurate consultation and diagnostics and after one session of sports massage and interferential current therapy I am pain free. Highly recommended.”
Ronan Doherty
“I have had two sessions with Chris concerning chronic shoulder pain. Through Chris’ excellent and thorough use of inferential current therapy, followed by sports massage, my shoulder pain has been drastically alleviated. I am now enjoying everyday activities without being hampered by discomfort; a problem that plagued me for years.
Chris is thoroughly diligent in explaining both the anatomy of the injury and the benefits of the relevant treatment. For post-session up-keep, I was given stretches which have helped tremendously in ensuring that my injury stays pain-free.” Would thoroughly recommend.”
Mark Slorance
“Been attending regular sessions with Chris for lower back pain and leg tension. Chris is highly knowledgeable in anatomy and pain management. He uses a combination of Sports Massage, Therapeutic Exercise and Electrotherapy, a device that manages pain, commonly referred to as Interferential Current Therapy. The treatment protocols are great with instant effect for chronic pain, be it occupational/sports injuries or other pain conditions. Highly recommended.”
Tracy McIlwraith
“I’ve been to Chris a few times now for treatment relating to a rotator cuff injury. Chris is very professional and knowledgeable and really takes his time explaining what he is going to do. I’ve been receiving electrotherapy along with a sports massage. I can definitely feel the benefits and the pain I was experiencing has reduced significantly. I’ll continue to visit Chris and would highly recommend him.”
If you’d like to try ICT for yourself and experience the positive effect it can have on your injuries or pains, click here to book an appointment now.