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IFT in Musculoskeletal Disorders

Understanding IFT in Musculoskeletal Disorders : 

• First, we must address this abbreviation. IFT stands for Interferential Therapy and is categorized under physical therapy
• As for its purpose, Interferential Therapy is used to alleviate the symptoms of pain and encourage healing in injured or strained muscles and tissues 
• It wields low-frequency electrical current as its main weapon to activate the nerves and muscles thus providing pain relief and decreased inflammation 

How it works : 

• Use of electrodes: Electrode pads are placed precisely over the skin of the area that is supposed to be catered to
• Pattern generation: After the electrodes are connected to the IFT machine, it generates currents that intertwine and generate a pattern within the tissues of the area where the electrodes are placed 
• Alleviating pain: The interference patterns generated by the electrode pads help rouse the nerves and encourage the contraction of muscles as well. As a result, not only is the pain transmission altered but also the muscles are contracted 
• Adjustment of frequency: Based on the severity of the problem being addressed, the frequency and intensity of electrical currents are altered 

What are musculoskeletal disorders? 

This is an umbrella term for all the disorders that afflict the joints, ligaments, bones, nerves etc in the human body. The key factors of these disorders are 

• Pain: More often than not, musculoskeletal disorders can lead to pain, affected range of motion, stiffness etc thus acting as an obstruction to the mobility required for conducting daily activities
• Risk and prevalence factors: People who are more vulnerable to getting affected by this disease are those who indulge in repetitive movements, lift heavy weights,  have poor posture etc 
• Common examples: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back pain

How can IFT cater to Musculoskeletal disorders : 

Interferential treatment can help in many ways some of which are : 

• Pain alleviation: In musculoskeletal disorders like strain, arthritis etc the electrical signals change the transmission of pain signals such that these signals are reduced or blocked and relief is provided immediately thus leading to the reduction in the patient’s torment 
• Muscle strengthening: IFT treatment is commonly used for the rehabilitation of a muscle and strengthening it. The electrical signals transmitted by IFT can help improve muscle tone, increase range of motion, and enhance muscle function following injury or surgery.
• Improved blood circulation: Interferential treatment encourages the dilatation of vessels or vasodilation that ramps up the blood flow to the area that is affected. As a result of better flow of blood, the tissues receive more nutrients as well as oxygen
• Better healing of tissues: Interferential treatment leads to vasodilation and therefore improved nutrition. As a result of improved nutrition, the production of components of the extracellular matrix, especially collagen is improved. So the tissues heal more efficiently 
• Reduction in spasms: Muscle spasms are common in many musculoskeletal conditions and can cause significant discomfort and limitation of movement. IFT can help reduce muscle spasms by promoting muscle relaxation and decreasing hyperexcitability of motor neurons.
• Complementary Therapy: IFT is often used in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities such as manual therapy, exercise therapy, and ultrasound. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, IFT can enhance the effectiveness of other interventions and promote optimal outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
• Chronic Pain Management: For individuals suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain, IFT can provide long-term pain relief and improve overall quality of life. By modulating pain perception and promoting relaxation, IFT can help patients better manage their symptoms and engage in activities of daily living.

In summary, Interferential Therapy plays a vital role in the management of musculoskeletal disorders by providing pain relief, reducing inflammation, promoting tissue healing, enhancing muscle function, and improving the overall quality of life for patients. When used judiciously as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, IFT can be an effective therapeutic modality for individuals with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions