electrotherapy

Electrotherapy refers to the therapeutic use of electrical energy delivered to the body to treat medical conditions. Devices generate currents that can stimulate nerves, muscles, or tissues, with applications in pain management, rehabilitation, wound care, and neuromodulation.

Common modalities include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for analgesia; electrical muscle stimulation (EMS/NMES) to induce or enhance muscle contractions; interferential therapy and microcurrent therapy; iontophoresis to deliver drugs through the skin; and functional electrical stimulation (FES) to assist movement. In psychiatry, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) uses controlled brain stimulation under anesthesia.

Mechanisms vary by modality but generally involve modulation of nerve conduction, muscle excitability, tissue perfusion, or cellular signaling. In physical therapy and sports rehabilitation, electrical stimulation supports muscle re-education, strength, and edema reduction; in wound care, electrical currents may influence healing; in pain management, nerve stimulation can alter pain signaling.

Safety and regulation: Electrotherapy should be administered by trained professionals using properly maintained equipment. Potential risks include skin irritation, burns, and interference with implanted electronic devices. Contraindications include implanted cardiac devices, certain heart rhythm disturbances, and sites near the eyes or carotid sinus; pregnancy or active infections and tumors at the treatment site may also preclude use depending on modality. Therapies are typically avoided over malignant lesions and in individuals with certain medical conditions until evaluated by a clinician.

Evidence and outlook: Efficacy is condition-specific and heterogeneous. Some modalities have robust support for particular indications, while others show limited or inconsistent benefits. Electrotherapy is generally used as an adjunct to standard therapies rather than a stand-alone treatment.