What electrotherapy actually is
Electrotherapy uses controlled electrical currents and sound waves to reduce pain, ease muscle spasm and support tissue healing. It is one of the most misunderstood corners of physiotherapy. Some clinics treat the machines as the entire treatment, while some commentators dismiss them altogether. The truth sits in the middle: used on the right problem, at the right stage, alongside active rehabilitation, these modalities make recovery more comfortable and let you do the exercise that actually fixes you.
At Physio Buddy in Chandkheda, electrotherapy is prescribed the way medication should be, with a specific modality, a specific dose and a specific purpose, reviewed as you improve and withdrawn once it has done its job.
The three modalities we use
Therapeutic ultrasound
High-frequency sound waves delivered through a small probe and gel, reaching tendons, ligaments and deeper soft tissue. It is commonly used for tendon problems, ligament sprains and stubborn scar tissue during the healing phase. The full detail is on our ultrasound therapy page.
TENS
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation uses gentle surface-level currents to dampen pain signals on their way to the brain, a principle known as gate control. It is a useful comfort tool during acute flare-ups, letting patients move and exercise when pain would otherwise stop them. Read more on the TENS therapy page.
IFT
Interferential therapy crosses two medium-frequency currents inside the tissue, which lets meaningful stimulation reach deeper structures while staying comfortable at the skin. It is often chosen for muscle spasm and deeper aching in the back, neck and knee. Details are on the IFT page.
When electrotherapy earns its place
- Acute, painful episodes of back pain or neck pain, to make early movement tolerable
- Muscle spasm that will not release enough for exercise to begin
- Painful arthritis flare-ups, particularly in the knees
- Tendon and ligament injuries during their healing phase
- Post-injury and post-surgical pain, alongside a graded rehab plan
What about modalities you may have seen advertised elsewhere, such as shockwave, laser or dry needling? Approaches vary in their evidence and their fit, and not every tool belongs in every case. If you have read about one and wonder whether it applies to you, ask us what actually fits your case and you will get a straight answer.
What a session feels like
TENS and IFT feel like a gentle tingling or light pins and needles, adjusted to a level that is strong but comfortable, and you stay in control of that level throughout. Therapeutic ultrasound feels like the light pressure of the probe moving over gel, sometimes with mild warmth. None of it is frightening, and most patients find the sessions relaxing. Electrotherapy is usually combined with manual therapy or exercise within the same visit, so the pain relief is put to work immediately.
Safety comes first
Every modality is screened before it is applied. Tell us if you have a pacemaker or any implanted electronic device, if you are or might be pregnant, or if you have metal implants near the treatment area, reduced skin sensation, or broken skin where the treatment would go. None of these ends your treatment; Dr. Maitri simply chooses a different tool where a modality is not appropriate for you.
Booking electrotherapy in Chandkheda
Electrotherapy is available at our Chandkheda clinic, behind Satyamev Hospital, Monday to Saturday in morning and evening hours. Message +91 78619 29326 on WhatsApp with your problem and we will tell you honestly whether these modalities have a place in your plan.
What Patients Say
"Dr. Maitri Kothari is highly professional. I took 10 days of ultrasound and exercise treatment. I totally got well and healthy. Highly recommended!"
"My mother had knee replacement. Dr. Maitri's post-operative physiotherapy made her walk independently and completely recover. Very grateful!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TENS or IFT hurt?
No. Both feel like a tingling or gentle pulsing that you help set to a comfortable level. If anything ever feels sharp or unpleasant, the settings are adjusted immediately.
Is therapeutic ultrasound the same as an ultrasound scan?
No. A scan uses ultrasound to create images for diagnosis. Therapeutic ultrasound uses similar sound waves at treatment settings to influence healing tissue, and it produces no image at all. Same physics, completely different purpose.
How many electrotherapy sessions will I need?
Electrotherapy is usually a short-course tool used in the painful early phase of a problem, not something to continue indefinitely. As your pain settles and exercise takes over, the machines are withdrawn. If a plan consists of machine sessions stretching on for months, question it.
Should I buy a TENS machine for home use?
For some people with recurring pain, a home TENS unit is a reasonable comfort tool. Placement and settings matter, though, so get guidance before you rely on one, and remember it manages pain rather than fixing the underlying problem.
Is electrotherapy enough on its own to cure my pain?
No, and any clinic that says otherwise is selling machine time. Electrotherapy relieves symptoms so that movement, exercise and hands-on treatment can address the cause. That combination is what the evidence supports.
Can I have electrotherapy during pregnancy?
Several modalities are avoided or repositioned during pregnancy, so always tell us first. There are safe alternatives for treating pain while pregnant, which is exactly what our women's health physiotherapy service is for.
What does electrotherapy cost in Chandkheda?
It is delivered as part of a physiotherapy session rather than billed as a separate gadget fee. Clinic sessions in Ahmedabad typically range from Rs 300 to Rs 800, and your exact fee is confirmed on WhatsApp at +91 78619 29326 before you book.