Both TENS and IFC work to modulate your pain through similar mechanisms. Receptors on our skin are stimulated through the gentle vibrations created by TENS and IFC electrodes. This non-painful stimulus blocks the entry of painful stimulus and prevents a pain message being sent to our brain. Generally, TENS works to provide pain relief and IFC works to provide an anti-inflammatory effect.

Both heat and ice can be useful in the management of an injury however in certain circumstances one may be better than another. In general, use ice with new or acute injuries to calm down signs of inflammation (heat, redness and swelling). Use heat to treat older or chronic injuries and muscle tightness.

Electrical muscle stimulation is a modality used in the treatment of pain and swelling, in the recruitment of weak or underutilized muscle and/or to promote tissue healing.