Deep heat is produced when energy is converted into heat as it passes through body tissues. Energy sources include the following: High-frequency currents (shortwave diathermy) Very-high-frequency electromagnetic radiation (microwave diathermy) High-frequency sound (ultrasound diathermy).

Wax bath physiotherapy, using paraffin wax, is one of the most effective ways of applying heat to improve joint mobility by warming the connective tissues. It is mainly used for painful hands and feet and is used by our physiotherapists in conjunction with gentle mobilising techniques and a tailored exercise programme.

Therapeutic ultrasound allows an increase in local blood flow that may help reduce swelling and chronic inflammation and, promote bone fracture healing. This heat helps to decrease pain, and improve how stretchy your injured body part is to help increase range of motion and flexibility.

TENS is a method of electrical stimulation which primarily aims to provide a degree of symptomatic pain relief by exciting sensory nerves and thereby stimulating either the pain gate mechanism and/or the opioid system. The different methods of applying TENS relate to these different physiological mechanisms. The effectiveness of TENS varies with the clinical pain being treated, but research would suggest that when used ‘well’ it provides significantly greater pain relief than a placebo intervention. There is an extensive research base for TENS in both the clinical and laboratory settings and whilst this summary does not provide a full review of the literature, the key papers are referenced. It is worth noting that the term TENS could represent the use of ANY electrical stimulation using skin surface electrodes which has the intention of stimulating nerves. In the clinical context, it is most commonly assumed to refer to the use of electrical stimulation with the specific intention of providing symptomatic pain relief. If you do a literature search on the term TENS, do not be surprised if you come across a whole lot of ‘other’ types of stimulation which technically fall into this grouping.

Infrared therapy is a safe and effective way to reduce pain and treat a wide array of conditions. It seems to be a safe, effective, and drug-free way for long-lasting pain relief. It also helps to heal injured body parts

Interferential Therapy (IFT) Physiotherapy is a form of electrotherapy used for pain management. It follows the basic principle of using low-frequency currents that elicit muscle contraction and promote healing. IFT is a commonly used physiotherapy/electrotherapy technique for pain relief.

Traction is a manual technique designed to reduce pressure on affected vertebral discs that are causing pain. Traction is a manual ‘stretching’ of the spine which reduces pressure on the discs and therefore reduces the individual’s pain.