Parámetros en Electroterapia: TENS-TIF-RUSA

Summary

In this video, the presenter provides an in-depth overview of electrotherapy parameters used in clinical applications. The focus is on various techniques such as conventional TENS, acupuncture-type TENS, high-frequency TENS, interferential currents, and Russian currents. Key parameters like frequency, pulse duration, intensity, and electrode placement are discussed for optimal pain relief and muscle strengthening. The video also highlights how these settings contribute to pain modulation, muscle contraction, and the release of endogenous opiates, offering valuable insights for clinicians looking to enhance their practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) works by using high-frequency settings (80-100Hz) to modulate pain and activate beta receptors. It should ideally feel like mild paresthesia without causing pain.
• 😀 The phase duration for conventional TENS should be between 50-100 microseconds, while the intensity remains low to stimulate beta-sensitive receptors for pain modulation.
• 😀 Electrodes should always be placed directly on the painful area for effective treatment, though in asymmetrical pulse modes, placement may need careful consideration.
• 😀 The acupuncture-type TENS operates at low frequency (0.5-10Hz) to produce muscle contractions. Higher intensity may be required to feel these contractions, stimulating alpha and delta receptors.
• 😀 For high-frequency acupuncture TENS (80-200Hz), bursts of current are used to induce muscle contractions at a higher frequency, with lower intensity compared to low-frequency settings.
• 😀 Intense TENS, aimed at releasing endogenous opiates, uses frequencies between 50-200Hz, and the intensity should reach levels that cause a tingling sensation, targeting delta receptors.
• 😀 Interferential currents can be applied with either two or four electrodes, providing flexibility for treating larger areas or specific muscle points, with similar frequencies and intensities as conventional TENS.
• 😀 Russian currents, preferred for muscle strengthening, operate at a medium frequency (2500Hz), producing smoother, more tolerable muscle contractions than low-frequency TENS.
• 😀 When using Russian currents, a frequency of 35-50Hz is optimal for generating soft tetanic muscle contractions, with intensity varying depending on the patient's condition and strength.
• 😀 Overcurrent parameters, including on/off times, are crucial for muscle strengthening. Shorter contraction times (6-10 seconds) and longer off times (50-120 seconds) help prevent fatigue during training.

Q & A

What is the purpose of electrotherapy in clinical applications?

Electrotherapy is used for pain modulation, muscle strengthening, and rehabilitation, leveraging different electrical modalities like TENS, interferential currents, and Russian currents to stimulate specific receptors and improve therapeutic outcomes.

What are the recommended frequency and pulse duration for conventional TENS?

For conventional TENS, the recommended frequency is between 80-100 Hz, with a phase duration of 50-100 microseconds. The optimal range for frequency is 50-250 Hz.

Why is low intensity used in conventional TENS?

Low intensity is used in conventional TENS to target beta-sensitive receptors, specifically aiming for a paresthesia sensation rather than pain, which triggers pain modulation effects.

How does the duration of the phase affect the intensity in TENS applications?

According to Marion's theory, increasing the phase duration or pulse length allows for using lower intensity while still achieving the same effect, meaning you might need less intensity for effective pain modulation.

Where should the electrodes be placed in TENS applications?

Electrodes should be placed on the area of pain. In cases of asymmetric pulse forms, the cathode should be placed proximally to the pain site, while the anode is positioned distally.

What is the difference between low-frequency and high-frequency acupuncture TENS?

Low-frequency acupuncture TENS (0.5-10 Hz) aims to induce muscle contractions, whereas high-frequency acupuncture TENS (80-100 Hz) is focused on releasing endorphins and providing pain relief through higher frequencies.

What are the key parameters for interferential current used for pain control?

For pain control using interferential current, the recommended carrier frequency is 4000 Hz, pulse frequency between 80-100 Hz, and a mild tingling sensation as intensity. The electrodes are placed on the painful area, similar to conventional TENS, with treatment lasting around 30 minutes.

What are Russian currents primarily used for, and what are their key parameters?

Russian currents are mainly used for muscle strengthening. The key parameters are a carrier frequency of 2500 Hz, burst frequency between 35-50 Hz for titanic contractions, and an intensity close to 10% of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction in weak muscles.

How does electrostimulation help in post-surgery rehabilitation?

Electrostimulation aids post-surgery rehabilitation by enhancing quadriceps strength, preventing muscle atrophy, and improving recovery outcomes when combined with traditional kinesiology treatments.

What is the recommended treatment time for muscle strengthening with Russian currents?

The recommended treatment time for muscle strengthening using Russian currents is typically 10-20 contractions per session, with sessions lasting around 20-30 minutes.