First Assessment
Free
45 minutes, at home
- Full clinical examination at the patient's home
- The likely cause explained in plain language
- A realistic recovery plan and what it will cost
- No obligation to book any further sessions
Many people in Pune have had IFT at a clinic and ask for it by name. It helps to know what it is, what it can reasonably achieve, and when it is not appropriate. Our IFT therapy page covers the background; this page is about using it in Swargate homes.
How IFT differs from TENS
Both pass a current through pads on the skin. TENS sends a low-frequency current from a small battery unit. IFT uses two medium-frequency currents, delivered through four pads, which overlap and create a beating effect where they cross. The idea is that this reaches deeper tissue more comfortably. In practice, people describe a stronger, more spread-out buzzing than TENS gives. If you would like the simpler option you can use between visits, read about TENS therapy in Swargate.
What it is used for, and how much to expect
IFT is used for pain from knee arthritis, long-standing back pain, muscle spasm and soft-tissue injuries. The evidence points to short-term pain relief for some people, mainly when it is combined with exercise. It does not change the underlying condition, and there is little to show that it adds much on top of a good exercise programme. So we use it when pain is the barrier to movement, and stop when it isn't helping.
For aching knees, the main work is on knee pain physiotherapy in Swargate: strength, walking and stairs. IFT, if used, is the warm-up act.
Safety questions asked first
- Do you have a pacemaker or any other implanted electronic device?
- Are you pregnant? IFT is not applied over the abdomen, pelvis or lower back in pregnancy.
- Have you had a recent blood clot, or is the area swollen, red and hot?
- Is there an infection, open wound or skin problem where the pads would go?
- Is feeling reduced in the area, as can happen with diabetes?
- Is there a known cancer in the area to be treated?
A yes to any of these usually means IFT is avoided, or used elsewhere on the body after discussion.
How it runs in a Swargate home
The session takes place wherever you are most comfortable: on the bed, a firm sofa, or a chair with the knee supported. The physiotherapist needs a nearby plug point for the portable unit, a towel, and access to the skin. The intensity is turned up to a firm but comfortable tingling and adjusted if the feeling fades. It should never hurt or mark the skin. Afterwards, the session moves straight on to exercise while the pain is lower.
When the pain itself needs checking
Electrotherapy can mask symptoms. Pain that came on with swelling and fever, after a fall, or with night pain and weight loss should be seen by a doctor before any IFT.
Mukund Nagar has its own IFT page. If you would like IFT considered as part of your treatment, request a visit, or read about home physiotherapy in Swargate first.