Lab Practical A (Interferential Current)

Question 1

What are 2 indications for Interferential current?

Answer 1

Pain reduction - acute and chronic

Question 2

What are the FIRST 6 of 12 contraindications for Interferential Current?

Answer 2

Anterior cervical area
Through the chest
Through the head
Pacemakers and ICD's
Abdominopelvic area of pregnant women
Metal implants

Question 3

What are the SECOND 6 of 12 contraindications for Interferential Current?

Answer 3

Epilepsy
Areas of hemorrhage
Cancer
Confused and unreliable patients
Damaged skin
Unknown etiology

Question 4

What are the clinical goals of true Interferential Current treatment?

Answer 4

Decrease pain or strengthen the pelvic floor

Question 5

Which EPA should be used if the area of treatment is a smaller area?

Answer 5

Premod

Question 6

Which EPA should be used if the area of treatment is a larger area?

Answer 6

IFC

Question 7

What is the pad placement and how many pads are used for Premod Interferential Current?

Answer 7

2 pads, 1 on each side of the pain

Question 8

What is the pad placement and how many pads are used for True Interferential Current?

Answer 8

4 pads in crisscross pattern

Question 9

What is the temporal presentation for acute?

Answer 9

60-150 Hz

Question 10

What is the temporal presentation for chronic?

Answer 10

0-15 Hz

Question 11

What nerve fibers are being targeted for acute pain?

Answer 11

A-beta fibers

Question 12

What nerve fibers are being targeted for a chronic pain?

Answer 12

A-delta fibers

Question 13

Which nerve fibers are associated w/ muscle contractions (A-beta or A-delta)?

Answer 13

A-beta fibers = no muscle contraction

A-delta fibers = some muscle twitch

Question 14

If a patient presents w/ acute pain over a small area what Interferential Current would be used?

Answer 14

Premod; 60-150 Hz

Question 15

If a patient presents w/ sub-acute pain over a small area what Interferential Current would be used?

Answer 15

Premod; 60-120 Hz

Question 16

If a patient presents w/ chronic pain over a small area what Interferential Current would be used?

Answer 16

Premod; 1-15 Hz

Question 17

If a patient presents w/ acute pain over a large area what Interferential Current would be used?

Answer 17

True IF, 60-150 Hz

Question 18

If a patient presents w/ sub-acute pain over a large area what Interferential Current would be used?

Answer 18

True IF, 60-120 Hz

Question 19

If a patient presents w/ chronic pain over a large area what Interferential Current would be used?

Answer 19

True IF; 1-15 Hz

Question 20

What is the intensity level for Interferential Current?

Answer 20

Patient comfort

Question 21

If a patient presents w/ LBP starting 2 days ago, what Interferential Current would be used and what is the pad placement?

Answer 21

True IF; crisscross 4 pads @ 60-120 Hz

Question 22

If a patient presents w/ ankle pain starting 8 weeks ago, what Interferential Current would be used and what is the pad placement?

Answer 22

Premod; 2 pads at either side of pain @ 0-15 Hz

Question 23

Please list 3 primary treatment frequencies and the associated clinical goal for each frequency and the associated clinical goal for each frequency along w/ each frequency along w/ target tissues?

Answer 23

• -High Frequency (60-120 Hz) = Tx for acute pain
• -High/Low Frequency (0-150 Hz) = Tx for acute pain
• -Low Frequency (0-15 Hz) = Tx for chronic pain

Question 24

How many channels are used during a pre-mod application? How many electrodes? Where are the electrodes placed?

Answer 24

1 channel; 2 electrodes; 1 electrode on each side of pain

Question 25

How many channels are used during an Interferential application? How many electrodes? How are the electrodes placed on the patient?

Answer 25

2 channels; 4 electrodes; electrodes are placed in a criss-cross pattern

Question 26

Other than the difference in the number of channels/electrodes, what is the difference between pre-mod and Interferential therapy?

Answer 26

Pre-mod interference and Interferential therapy

Question 27

Name one reason why pre-mod may be preferable to Interferential in the treatment of your patient?

Answer 27

Pre-mod doesn't penetrate tissue as deeply and is more accurate

Question 28

What should be your guideline in determining the intensity setting for pre-mod and Interferential?

Answer 28

Type of pain (acute, subacute, chronic)