πŸ”§ How to Set Up TENS, IFT & SWD: Step-by-Step Guide

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Learning to set up electrotherapy machines properly is essential for every physiotherapy student and practitioner. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you confidently set up TENS, IFT, and SWD machines in clinical practice or lab sessions.

✅ 1. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

Purpose: Pain relief by stimulating sensory nerves to block pain signals.

πŸ”§ Setup Steps:

  1. Check Machine: Ensure the TENS unit is working and has enough battery or is plugged in.

  2. Prepare Electrodes: Clean the skin with alcohol wipes. Use gel pads or adhesive electrodes.

  3. Placement:

    • Over the pain area

    • Along the dermatome or nerve root

  4. Connect Leads: Plug wires into the unit and attach to electrodes.

  5. Set Parameters:

    • Mode: Conventional (high freq) or Burst

    • Frequency: 50–100 Hz (acute), 2–10 Hz (chronic)

    • Pulse Width: 50–150 ΞΌs

  6. Adjust Intensity: Slowly increase until the patient feels strong but comfortable tingling.

  7. Time: Usually 20–30 minutes.

  8. Monitor: Watch for discomfort or skin irritation.

✅ 2. IFT (Interferential Therapy)

Purpose: Deeper pain relief and muscle stimulation using medium-frequency currents.

πŸ”§ Setup Steps:

  1. Turn On Machine: Ensure it’s working and set to IFT mode.

  2. Electrode Placement:

    • Use 4 electrodes in crisscross pattern around the painful area.

    • Apply electrode gel or wet sponge pads.

  3. Connect Leads: Channel 1 and Channel 2 cables to opposite pairs.

  4. Set Parameters:

    • Base Frequency: 0–100 Hz

    • Carrier Frequency: ~4000 Hz

    • Beat Frequency: 90–130 Hz for pain, 0–10 Hz for edema

  5. Set Duration: 10–20 minutes.

  6. Increase Intensity: Until a strong but comfortable buzzing is felt.

  7. Check Skin: Look for redness or irritation post-treatment.

✅ 3. SWD (Short Wave Diathermy)

Purpose: Deep heating for chronic pain, muscle spasms, and joint stiffness.

⚠️ Precautions:

  • Remove all metal objects from patient.

  • Avoid use over pacemakers, pregnant uterus, or open wounds.

πŸ”§ Setup Steps:

  1. Position Patient Comfortably: Use a non-metal plinth or wooden bed.

  2. Place Electrodes:

    • Capacitive method: Pads with towel spacers

    • Inductive method: Drum electrode close but not touching skin

  3. Check Distance: Maintain proper gap (1–2 inches) using felt pads or spacers.

  4. Set Parameters:

    • Continuous mode for chronic conditions

    • Pulsed mode for subacute cases

  5. Adjust Intensity: Until patient feels mild warmth (never burning).

  6. Treatment Time: 15–30 minutes.

  7. Monitor: Ask patient about sensation every few minutes.

🧠 Quick Recap Table

MachineUseElectrode TypeSensationKey Safety Tip
TENSPain reliefAdhesive padsTinglingAvoid over broken skin
IFTDeep pain/edema4 Pads (gel/sponges)Comfortable buzzCrisscross placement
SWDDeep heatingDrum/CapacitorWarmthNo metal near treatment

πŸ“Œ Pro Tip: Always test machines before patient use and explain sensations they should expect.

πŸ’‘ Ready to master modality setup like a pro?
Stay tuned with @HopeLinePhysio for more clinical skills guides, viva prep, and case tips!

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