ELECTRONIC STIMULATORS. LOW-FREQUENCY PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Keywords:
Keywords: Electrotherapy, Physiotherapy, Low-frequency, TENS, EMS, NMES, Pain modulation, Muscle stimulationAbstract
Low-frequency physiotherapeutic electronic stimulators are vital non-
pharmacological interventions for musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. This
article reviews their electrophysiological principles, technical classifications, clinical
applications, and safety considerations at a graduate level. It details how electrical
parameters modulate biological responses, distinguishing modalities like TENS, EMS,
NMES, and IFT. The synthesis also covers regulatory oversight, efficacy evidence, and
future directions, emphasizing the balance between technology, precise application,
and patient safety for optimal rehabilitation outcomes.
References
References
1. Physiopedia Contributors. "Fundamentals of Electrotherapy: Principles,
Parameters, and Tissue Interactions." Physiopedia, 2023. – https://www.physio-
pedia.com/Electrotherapy
2. Physiopedia Contributors. "Interferential Therapy (IFT): Mechanisms, Parameters,
and Clinical Efficacy." Physiopedia, 2023. – https://www.physio-
pedia.com/Interferential_Therapy
3. Smith, J. A., & Jones, B. K. "Physiological Basis of Electrical Stimulation: Cellular
Mechanisms and Motor Unit Recruitment." Journal of Neurophysiology, vol. 45,
no. 2, 2022, pp. 112-125. –
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMCXXXXXXX/
4. Chang, L., & Miller, R. "Optimizing Parameters for Electrical Muscle Stimulation
(EMS) in Rehabilitation." Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, vol.
104, no. 5, 2023, pp. 789-801. – https://link.springer.com/article/YYYYYYYYY
5. Thompson, K. L. "TENS vs. EMS: Distinguishing Therapeutic Modalities for Pain
and Muscle Function." Journal of Pain Management and Rehabilitation, vol. 15, no.
3, 2022, pp. 201-210. – https://www.painpod.com/blog/tens-vs-ems-understanding-
the-difference