Sähköhoitomuotoja

Sähköhoitomuotoja, known in English as electrotherapy, refers to a range of therapeutic treatments that utilize electrical stimulation to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve physiological function. These methods are employed in various healthcare settings, including physical therapy, rehabilitation, and pain management. The underlying principle is the application of electrical currents to the body's tissues, which can elicit specific biological responses.

One common form is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which uses low-voltage electrical currents delivered through electrodes placed on the skin to block pain signals. Another is neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), often used to re-educate muscles, prevent atrophy, or restore muscle function after injury or surgery. Interferential therapy (IFC) is another modality that uses medium-frequency currents to penetrate deeper tissues, aiming to reduce pain and inflammation.

Other electrotherapeutic techniques include ultrasound therapy, which uses sound waves to generate heat and promote tissue healing, and iontophoresis, which uses a mild electrical current to deliver medication through the skin. The selection of a particular sähköhoitomuoto depends on the patient's specific condition, the treatment goals, and the expertise of the healthcare provider. While generally considered safe when administered by trained professionals, potential side effects are minimal and usually temporary, such as mild skin irritation. Contraindications exist for certain conditions and for individuals with implanted electronic devices like pacemakers.