What is Low frequency pulse electrotherapy?

1. Overview

The method of treating diseases with pulse currents with a frequency of less than 1000H is called low-frequency electrotherapy. Its characteristics are:

(1) All are low voltage, low frequency, and adjustable;

(2) No obvious electrolytic effect;

(3) Strong stimulation effect on sensory and motor nerves;

(4) Analgesic but no thermal effect. Currently commonly used low-frequency pulse electrotherapy include: induction electrotherapy, intermittent electrotherapy, electrosleep therapy, superstimulation electrotherapy, transcutaneous nerve stimulation therapy, electroexcitation therapy, etc.

2. Types, characteristics and parameters of low-frequency pulse current

(1) Induction current and new induction current See induction electrotherapy. Mainly used for induction electrotherapy, electroexcitation, electrogymnastics and electrodiagnosis.

(2) Square wave The waveform is rectangular or square. Commonly used in electrodiagnosis, electrosleep, superstimulation and electroexcitation.

(3) Exponential curve wave (also known as triangle wave) is a pulse current that rises and falls according to the mathematical exponential law. Commonly used in electrogymnastics, electrodiagnosis, etc.

(4) Modulation wave: The amplitude and frequency of a current with a higher frequency change with the amplitude of a current with a lower frequency, which is called modulation. The controlled current (i.e., higher frequency) is called the modulated wave; the controlling current (i.e., lower frequency) is called the modulated wave.

3. Physiological and therapeutic effects

The physiological and therapeutic effects of low-frequency pulse current are mainly:

(1) Excitement of neuromuscular tissue. The ability to excite neuromuscular tissue is an important feature of this current. Because electrical stimulation can destroy the membrane polarization state, it may cause neuromuscular excitation. The absolute refractory period of mammalian motor nerves is mostly around 1ms, so each pulse of low-frequency pulse current with a frequency below 1000Hz may cause a motor response.

(2) Promote local blood circulation. This is also one of the main physiological and therapeutic effects of low-frequency pulse current.

(3) Analgesia is also one of the important functions of low-frequency pulse current.

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