Faradic current is a valuable tool in electrotherapy for various conditions where muscle re-education or strengthening of a working muscle is needed:
- Muscle Re-education/Facilitation:
- Post-injury/Post-surgery: When a patient has difficulty initiating or performing a voluntary muscle contraction due due to pain, disuse, or inhibition after an injury, surgery (e.g., knee surgery, rotator cuff repair), or prolonged immobilization (e.g., after fracture). The electrical stimulation provides the necessary input to help the brain “relearn” how to activate the muscle.
- Muscle Inhibition: In cases where pain or swelling inhibits muscle activity (e.g., quadriceps inhibition after knee trauma).
- Flat Foot (Pes Planus): Faradic foot bath is sometimes used to stimulate the intrinsic muscles of the foot to help support the arches.
- Muscle Transplantation: To help train the new muscle action after a tendon transfer or muscle transplantation.
- Muscle Strengthening:
- Improving Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage:
- The rhythmic muscle contractions act as a “muscle pump,” helping to improve venous and lymphatic return, thereby reducing swelling and oedema in the limbs. This is useful in conditions like post-operative swelling or chronic venous insufficiency.
- Maintaining Muscle Bulk/Preventing Atrophy:
- In cases of prolonged immobilization or disuse (e.g., a limb in a cast), Faradic stimulation can help reduce the rate of muscle wasting, though it cannot fully prevent it.
- Loosening Adhesions:
Pain Management:
- The sensory stimulation can have a mild analgesic (pain-relieving) effect by stimulating sensory nerves and potentially promoting endorphin release. However, it is not a primary pain relief modality compared to TENS or interferential therapy.
How it is Applied?
- Electrodes: Two electrodes are typically used. The active electrode is usually placed over the motor point of the muscle (the point where the nerve enters the muscle, producing the strongest contraction with the least current). The indifferent/dispersive electrode is placed over a larger, fleshy area nearby.
- Intensity: The intensity is gradually increased until a visible and comfortable muscle contraction is achieved.
- Surging: The current is surged to allow for rhythmic contraction and relaxation, mimicking normal physiological movement.
- Duration: Treatment duration varies depending on the condition, usually between 10-20 minutes.
- Combination with Voluntary Contraction: For muscle re-education, patients are often encouraged to attempt voluntary contraction of the muscle simultaneously with the electrical stimulation to enhance motor learning.
Contraindications for Faradic Current
Like all electrotherapy modalities, Faradic current has contraindications where its use is not safe or advisable:
- Cardiac Pacemakers or Implanted Defibrillators: Electrical currents can interfere with these devices.
- Over the Carotid Sinus: Can cause a drop in blood pressure or heart rate.
- Over the Thoracic Region (Chest) or Heart: Risk of cardiac arrhythmia.
- Over Pregnant Uterus/Abdomen: Potential harm to the fetus.
- Active Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Thrombophlebitis: Risk of dislodging a blood clot.
- Malignancy (Cancer): Can potentially spread cancerous cells.
- Areas of Active Infection or Inflammation (Acute): Can worsen the condition.
- Open Wounds or Broken Skin: Unless properly dressed and electrodes placed carefully.
- Sensory Impairment/Loss of Sensation: Patients may not be able to report uncomfortable sensations, leading to burns.
- Over Eyes or Anterior Neck.
- Epilepsy: While not an absolute contraindication for all forms of electrical stimulation, caution is advised as it could potentially trigger a seizure in susceptible individuals, especially with higher frequencies or if applied near the head/neck.
- Severe Cognitive Impairment: If the patient cannot understand or comply with instructions.
- Patients unable to communicate effectively.
