Pain and physical agents. Ultrasound and electrical stimulation

Abstract

The review outlines the principles of the apparatus, characteristics and treatment methods of ultrasound and electrical stimulations, frequently applied in physical therapy for pain, and also refers to those of recent studies. As for ultrasound stimulation, the review describes a difference in frequency, intensity, beam non-uniformity ratio (BNR), cavitation, treatment area, and electrode transfer rate, and as for electric stimulation, it outlines the principles of the apparatuses and characteristics of percutaneous electric stimulation (TENS) and interference wave stimulation, as well as a basic theory of the pain inhibition. © 2000, The Society of Physical Therapy Science. All rights reserved.