Interferential Current (IFC)

IFC functions to speed up tissue healing, decrease swelling, and decrease pain.

Pain control: 

• gate control (presynaptic inhibition of A-delta & C fibres & large A-beta mechanoreceptors) 
  
• descending pain suppression & endogenous opiate (smaller A-d & C fibres) 
  
• decreases spasm                                                          
  
• blocks nociceptive activity 
  
• removes pain metabolites
  
• reduces swelling therefore decreasing pressure on receptors and improving blood supply to region
  

Promotes Wound Healing

• attracts antimicrobial factors to region
  
• helps break down & absorb blood clots
  

Tissue healing/Swelling:

• increases removal of vasoactive agents, debris, & waste products
  
• increases cell membrane permeability
  
• increases blood flow by stimulating the autonomic nervous system and depressing the sympathetic nervous system 
  
• muscle pump decreases edema