The Changing Nature of Electrotherapy

A simple, but effective clinical decision making model (represented in the diagram right) can be utilised. All electrotherapy modalities (with the exception of biofeedback) involve the introduction of some physical energy into the system. This energy brings about one or more physiological changes, which are used for therapeutic benefit. Clinically, it is probably more useful to work the model in reverse determine first the nature of the problem to be addressed. Then establish the physiological changes that need to take place in order to achieve these effects. Lastly, the modality which is most able to bring about the changes in the tissue(s) concerned should be a relatively straightforward decision.