Electrotherapy
Since the discovery during the Roman era that standing on an electric fish could produce pain relief, electrotherapy has played an increasing role in various branches of health care. It has become a core component of medical imaging technology as well as a part of a wide range of modalities designed to reduce pain or promote faster healing.
Electrotherapy is employed in medical ultrasound imaging that is used to help diagnose injuries or other abnormalities affecting soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons and muscles. In addition, it is used in TENS or IFT machines to introduce electrical signals into the body in order to reduce pain by overwhelming the channels used to transmit pain signals to the brain.
Electrical signals may also be passed through muscle tissues in order to re-educate atrophied muscles that have been underused for prolonged periods as a result of injury or disease.
Laser technology is another key application of electrotherapy that has been rising noticeably in recent years. Laser ( Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) uses high intensity light beams of specific wavelengths for pain relief and other therapeutic benefits.
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Combination Units3 Products
Our combination units offer you the opportunity to combine multiple modalities in one convenient space saving unit. These modalities include ultrasound, EMS and even laser therapy. Although the cost of the combination units may be significantly greater than that of a single modality unit, you will likely find that there are economies in combining multiple specialized units in a single combination unit. You will need to carefully analyze your clinic's current needs as well as how they may evolve over the lifetime of the unit before making your choice.It may make sense to get a combination unit that offers modalities that you do not yet need instead of getting another stand alone unit at a later date. We can offer attractive lease options for these units that can significantly increase the ease of acquisition and provide other financial benefits. -
Electrical Muscle Stimulation1 Product
Electrical Muscle Stimulation is a form of therapy that uses electrical signals to elicit muscle contractions. There is a wide range of potential applications, including strength training, evaluation of muscular function and rehabilitation. Its use in rehabilitation focuses on prevention of muscle atrophy which can occur after prolonged disuse of muscles after experiencing an injury. It differs from transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which instead focuses on the use of electrical signals for pain reduction. Within the broad category of electrical muscle stimulation, there are several subtypes. These include, but are not limited to, the following:- Russian stimulation employs high frequency sinusoidal waveforms. Doctors may use it to strengthen muscle size, endurance and overall performance.
- General Electrical Muscle Stimulation uses lower frequency rectangular waveforms. It has similar objectives to Russian stimulation but doctors may also use it to induce stronger muscle contractions.
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Electrodes3 Products
Electrodes are central to all branches of electrotherapy. Their role is to facilitate the transmission of electric signals into the body. They do this by achieving a sound electrical contact between the patient's skin and the device that is generating the electrical signal (TENS, ultrasound unit, etc). In the broadest sense, medical practitioners use electrodes in four branches of electrotherapy - ECG, EEG, defibrillation and blood gas measurement. You can also classify them into four broad design categories - reusable disc, saline based, disposable and headband electrodes. Probably the most important factor in choosing the correct electrode is size. The correct size in any particular case depends on the area of the body that will be treated. The main objective will be to make good electrical contact throughout the surface of the electrode. You may find that a smaller electrode works better on more contoured body areas. The shape of the electrode can also be an important factor in ensuring good electrical contact. -
TENS, NMES & IFC5 Products
Our TENS, NMES & IFC units will provide a range of therapeutic or rehabilitation benefits based on the type of electrical signal the unit produces and how you use it:- The chief objective of Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is temporary relief from the pain of sore or aching muscles or from chronic pain. It provides limited functionality compared to the other modalities described below, but at a more economical cost;
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has the objective of relaxing muscle spams, preventing muscle atrophy and increasing blood circulation and joint range of motion. It is similar to electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) but is more focused on rehabilitation instead of athletic training.
- Interferential Current (IFC) Stimulation focuses on symptomatic relief of pain, whether this is chronic, acute, post traumatic or post surgical. It is similar to TENS but more effective, powerful and costly.
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UltraSound1 Product
Medical professionals use ultrasound imaging to “see” internal body structures. This is usually with the objective of finding the cause of disease or injury. Key advantages are – real time images, portable units and a lower cost than other imaging technologies such as an MRI. In addition, the technology uses harmless radiation, especially relative to X Ray imaging. Ultrasound units have many available options including pulsed/continuous modes of operation, storable user defined configurations and battery or AC power options. There are considerable cost differences between these options. As a result, you should carefully evaluate your clinic's needs before you make your choice. Some units include ultrasound imaging capability as well as other therapeutic options such as laser or muscle stimulation. A combination unit may represent a considerable step up in the amount of your investment. However, if your practice frequently employs these other forms of therapy, you may find that a combination unit of this type may be the most cost effective option for you. -
UltraSound Gels5 Products
