🩺 Common Viva Questions in Electrotherapy — And How to Answer Them

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Viva exams can feel intense, but being well-prepared with clear, confident answers can make all the difference. Here’s a quick guide to the most commonly asked questions in Electrotherapy viva and how to answer them effectively.

🔌 1. What is Electrotherapy?

Answer:
Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy for medical purposes, mainly to relieve pain, stimulate muscles, improve circulation, and promote healing.

⚡ 2. What is the difference between TENS and IFT?

Answer:

  • TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): Uses low-frequency current to relieve pain at a superficial level.

  • IFT (Interferential Therapy): Uses two medium-frequency currents that intersect to provide deep pain relief.

🧲 3. What are the therapeutic effects of SWD?

Answer:

  • Increases blood flow

  • Relieves muscle spasms

  • Reduces pain and stiffness

  • Promotes healing in chronic conditions

🧠 4. What is the difference between Galvanic and Faradic currents?

Answer:

  • Galvanic Current: Continuous direct current, used for stimulating denervated muscles and iontophoresis.

  • Faradic Current: Interrupted alternating current, used for muscle strengthening and re-education in partially innervated muscles.

🩺 5. What is Iontophoresis?

Answer:
Iontophoresis is a technique where direct current (Galvanic) is used to deliver medicinal ions through the skin for therapeutic purposes.

🔄 6. How do you differentiate between innervated and denervated muscles in electrotherapy?

Answer:

  • Innervated muscles respond to faradic or alternating current.

  • Denervated muscles require galvanic (direct) current for stimulation.

📍 7. Where are TENS electrodes placed?

Answer:

  • Over the painful area

  • Along the nerve path or dermatomes

  • Around the joints in a crossed or parallel manner

🔒 8. What are the contraindications of electrotherapy?

Answer:

  • Pacemaker or implanted electronic device

  • Metal implants in treatment area (especially SWD)

  • Pregnancy (especially abdomen/lumbar)

  • Open wounds or infected areas

  • Loss of sensation in the treatment area

🧑‍⚕️ 9. What precautions should be taken before starting a TENS session?

Answer:

  • Check machine and electrodes

  • Clean skin and remove any lotions

  • Explain sensation to the patient

  • Avoid broken or irritated skin

  • Start at low intensity and increase slowly

🧼 10. How do you maintain electrotherapy equipment?

Answer:

  • Regularly check wires and leads for damage

  • Clean electrodes after use

  • Store machines in a dry, dust-free area

  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for calibration and servicing

✅ Bonus Tip: Use Mnemonics!

For example:

  • “FIRE” for Faradic Current:

    • Functional stimulation

    • Interrupted current

    • Rehab use

    • Easy to tolerate

💬 Quick Confidence Formula for Viva:

  1. Define clearly (one sentence)

  2. Give 1–2 examples or uses

  3. Mention a clinical relevance (if asked)

🎓 You're closer to clearing your viva than you think!
Keep revising smart with Hope Line Physio.

👉 Follow @HopeLinePhysio for viva hacks, revision sheets, and clinical case tips.

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