What Is Interferential Therapy (IFT)?
Interferential Therapy (IFT) is an advanced electrotherapy technique that uses medium-frequency electrical currents to stimulate tissues deep below the skin’s surface. It’s primarily used for pain relief, inflammation reduction, and promoting healing in muscles, ligaments, and joints — especially when the pain is too severe or movement is too limited for manual therapy or exercise.
At UK Pain Clinic, IFT is applied using state-of-the-art equipment by trained professionals. It is often integrated into early-stage recovery plans or for patients with acute or chronic pain who need relief before starting active rehabilitation.
⚙️ How Does It Work?
IFT involves placing four surface electrodes on the skin around the affected area. Two medium-frequency electrical currents intersect at a targeted tissue depth, creating a low-frequency “interference” current within the body.
This interference current stimulates nerves, improves circulation, and accelerates the healing response at a deeper level than traditional TENS.
Key physiological effects:
🔋 Pain relief through gate control mechanism (blocks pain signals)
💧 Reduction in inflammation and swelling
💪 Improved local blood flow and tissue oxygenation
🧠 Neuromuscular stimulation to restore balance and function
🔄 Cell regeneration through improved metabolic activity
👥 Who Should Consider Interferential Therapy?
IFT is ideal for patients dealing with:
- Acute pain from sprains, strains, or soft tissue injury
- Chronic pain (e.g., arthritis, sciatica, lower back pain)
- Swollen joints or post-traumatic edema
- Post-surgical inflammation
- Spinal conditions (e.g., disc bulge, cervical/lumbar pain)
- Joint stiffness limiting mobility
- Muscle spasms or nerve irritation
- Frozen shoulder or reduced shoulder range
📋 What Happens During the Session?
Each IFT treatment typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes and is included within a broader physiotherapy session if clinically indicated.
Here’s what to expect:
Assessment & Setup
Your therapist identifies the painful or inflamed area
Four adhesive electrodes are placed around the target site
Stimulation Begins
Gentle electrical currents begin flowing through the electrodes
You’ll feel a mild tingling sensation, but no pain
Interferential Pattern Adjustments
The therapist adjusts intensity, frequency, and sweep patterns
This ensures the electrical current reaches the optimal depth for your tissue type
Aftercare Advice
Once the session ends, you may feel looser, lighter, or more mobile
We may follow with rehab exercises or manual therapy, depending on your plan
🎯 Benefits of Interferential Therapy
✔️ Deep tissue stimulation without discomfort
✔️ Effective pain relief without medication
✔️ Reduces swelling and inflammation
✔️ Helps restore mobility after injury or surgery
✔️ Enhances tissue healing and metabolic activity
✔️ Non-invasive and safe for all ages
✔️ Complements rehabilitation and other physiotherapy techniques
⚠️ When Not to Use IFT
IFT is not recommended if you:
🚫 Are pregnant (near the abdomen or pelvis)
🚫 Have a pacemaker or cardiac condition
🚫 Have active cancer in the treatment area
🚫 Have open wounds or skin irritation near the application site
🚫 Suffer from epilepsy or certain nerve conditions (consult required)
Our therapists always conduct a safety screening before using any electrotherapy.
🧾 Pricing & Booking Information
| Service Name | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Interferential Therapy (IFT) | 15–20 mins | Often included in sessions* |
📍 Clinic Location: UK Pain Clinic – London Euston
🧑⚕️ Performed by: Certified physiotherapists with electrotherapy training
📅 Availability: Monday to Saturday
💳 Insurance: Accepted by most UK health plans
☎️ Booking: Online or phone appointment (assessment required)
*IFT is often included as part of physiotherapy or rehab sessions and does not require a separate booking unless specially requested.
No — IFT is painless. You’ll feel a light buzzing or tingling, which most patients find relaxing. Side effects are rare and mild (e.g. slight skin redness).
For acute injuries, 2–4 sessions may be enough. Chronic or complex conditions may require 6–10+ treatments for long-term benefits.
Yes. It’s often used to prepare the tissue before stretching or movement-based therapy.
IFT penetrates deeper into tissue and is more effective for pain and inflammation. TENS works on the surface level and is better for temporary pain relief.
Yes — if your condition is appropriate, your therapist will confirm and apply it during your treatment session.