Medium Frequency Currents

prepared: DR.
JUNAID
TEACHING ASSISTANT IPM&R KMU
 Medium frequency currents are the currents
whose frequency falls between the range of
1000 to 10000 Hz.
 They are being used therapeutically due to

their advantage of greater penetration and
with a higher tolerance and comfort over the
low frequency current.
 Rebox-type Current
 Russian Currents
 Interferential Currents
 Rebox–type currents are derived from a device
called Rebox. It was developed in Czechoslovakia
in the 1970s.
 This system can be linked to a computer for
display of graph of current.
 Specific impulses (frequency 2–4 kHz) of weak
electric currents (100-200 μA) are introduced to
the affected region with a touch of a small non-
invasive treatment electrode (cathode)
 while the patient holds a second reference electrode
(anode) in a hand to complete electric circuit.
 The treatment electrode is applied for 2–3 seconds in

one spot, then proceeding approx. 1,5 cm to another
point.
 About 20 points are treated per one session.

Frequency of treatment sessions is individual for
each patient
 Acute and chronic pain
 Immobility
 Wound Healing
 Neurological disorders
 Edema
 Russian currents are evenly alternating currents
with a frequency of 2500 Hz (between 2000–10000
Hz).
 These are applied with a series of separate bursts,
i.e. polyphasic AC waveforms . There are thus 50
periods of 20 ms duration consisting of 10 ms
burst and 10 ms interval.
 Each 10 ms burst contains 25 cycles of alternating
current.
 These bursts reduces the total amount of current
given to the patient thus increases patients
tolerance.
 The other factor affecting patients tolerance is
the effect of frequency on the patients tissue.
 MEDIUM frequency current reduces the
resistance to the current flow again making this
type of waveform comfortable enough that the
patient may tolerate with higher intensities.
 The only indication for use of Russian current
is to strengthening the muscular system of
healthy and athletic persons :
 Post-knee ligaments surgery

 Post-arthroscopic knee surgery
 Following ligament sprain
 The principles of interferential therapy were first introduced by
Ho Nemec (an Austrian scientist). Interferential currents are also
known as Nemec’s currents. In this two medium frequency
currents are used to produce a low frequency effect.
 Since direct application of faradic current results in pain due to
high impedance of tissues, so to have a low frequency effect two
medium frequency currents are used.
 Out of these two medium frequency currents one current is
always of 4000 Hz because there is minimum impedance
generated by the tissues against this frequency current.
 The other current can be varied accordingly
 The Interferential therapy depends upon the
principles of Interferential effect of two
medium frequency currents crossing in the
patient’s tissues.
 The interference produced by two currents in

the tissues is called the beat frequency.
 For example, let us take two medium frequency
currents, current in circuit A = 4000 Hz and
circuit B = 3900 Hz.
 Where these two currents are applied to the
tissues, at the point where the currents cross
over, a new beat frequency current is set up
whose amplitude is modulated and the
frequency of new current is called beat
frequency (interferential current) and that is 100
Hz
1. Skin must be clean and clear before the start of the treatment.
2. The part of the body to be treated should be washed and if there is
any skin lesion it should be covered by applying petroleum jelly on
it.
3. The electrodes should be placed in such a way that the crossing
point of two currents lie above or around the affected part.
4. The suitable frequency current should be given for different
conditions.
5. Select the spectrum mode rectangular, triangular or trapezoidal
as needed.
6. Select the base frequency and upper frequency, the difference
between upper frequency and base frequency would give the
spectrum.
7. Increase the power gently and cautiously until
the patient starts feeling the current. It can be
increased till the patient can tolerate.
8. After the treatment, adjust the intensity

control to minimum.
9. Switch ‘OFF’ the mains and disconnect the

electrodes.
 The interferential currents do not produce any sensory
nerve irritation, irrespective of amplitude. Their
application is free of any burning sensation on the skin
surface as is sometimes experienced with other low
frequency currents which are disturbing to current
sensitive patients.
 A medium frequency alternative current, it is high
frequency and absence of direct current properties, are
the most suitable for treating deeper layers of tissues. It is
therefore most useful in treating tissues at a greater
depth. For example, in muscles, tendons, nerves, bursae
and periosteum..
 Resistance of skin is minimum while using
frequencies in the range of 4,000 Hz, and
therefore higher doses can be given to the
body without any discomfort to the skin.
 The current can be localized more effectively

in specific area. Extensive area can also be
covered.
 Pain – Both case of pain and referred pain- e.g.-
Migraine, Vascular insufficiency, Stump
complication, Neuralgia
 Muscle spasm
 Edema
 Hematoma
 Chronic Ligamentous lesion
 Trigger points
 Stress incontinence – contraction of pelvic floor
muscle
 Delayed union – in case of fracture to stimulate
the union

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prepared: DR.

 They are being used therapeutically due to

 The treatment electrode is applied for 2–3 seconds in

 About 20 points are treated per one session.

 Post-knee ligaments surgery

 The interference produced by two currents in

8. After the treatment, adjust the intensity

9. Switch ‘OFF’ the mains and disconnect the

 The current can be localized more effectively

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