Interferential Therapy is a form of electrotherapy using medium frequency currents to control pain. It uses 4 electrodes to create an interference zone which blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. It can provide natural, drug-free pain relief for hours. For a full understanding of the therapy, we suggest you read our Blog What is Interferential? Understanding the Basics.

Yes. Both IFC and IFT are short forms for the term Interferential Therapy. Just like most people refer to TENS versus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation,  both IFC and IFT are interchangeable for Interferential Therapy.

Most healthcare professionals prefer IFT as it uses medium frequency currents, which reduce the likelihood of any stinging effect on the skin. IFC also has shorter treatment times. To produce medium frequency currents, IFC devices are more powerful than standard TENS units. Both therapies however, can provide hours of natural pain relief.

Portable home units are available that offer IFT. However, electrode placement is important to create what is known as the "Interference Zone", so it best to work with a healthcare provider to assure you are properly instructed for your specific treatment area.  Many IFC units also have a variety of treatment parameters that can be adjusted for optimum therapies, these can be set in advance by your therapist for your home therapy.

IFT can be used to manage a wide variety of physical pains. These include:

• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Neck (Cervical) pain
• Rheumatism pains
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• Headaches or migraine
• Sciatica
• Tendinitis
• Fibromyalgia

It can provide hours of natural, drug-free pain relief for both acute and chronic conditions.

Interferential Therapy uses 4 electrodes to create an "Interference zone" at the site of your pain or at major nerve roots. The electrodes stimulate the region with medium frequency currents. The Gate Control Theory is most commonly used for why it works. This theory explains that pain signals are temporarily blocked from reaching the brain. So although their may still be injury at the site of the pain, your brain does not receive these messages and therefore you do not experience pain. IFT can provide hours of natural pain relief from a wide variety of physical pains.

No, you should not experience pain from Interferential therapy.  The electrical energy being used is not sufficient to cause shocks or pain. However, for best results the power (intensity) settings on the unit should be set to what is tolerable versus what is comfortable. To avoid any injury, electrodes should not be placed in areas where you have limited sensations. 

Interferential therapy has been used safely for decades as a natural way to manage pain. However there are some regions and/or conditions where any form of electrotherapy should not be used. If you suffer from cancer, epilepsy, have a pacemaker or if you are pregnant, you should discuss the therapy with your healthcare provider before starting. 

Electrodes should not be place on the face, front of the neck or over the heart as these regions could be affected by an electrical current. Electrodes should also not be place over metal implants or in regions where you have limited sensation.

Many practitioners provide Interferential therapy without additional costs if it is indicated as part of your overall treatment plan. The therapy is often included as part of your general visit charges. 

Home units tend to be somewhat more expensive than a standard TENS unit, as Interferential devices require more power to create the medium frequency currents. Portable Interferential units have a wide variety of price points depending on the features, power, warranty and adjustability of the programs.