Electro-physical Therapy

Electro-physical therapy is an umbrella term used to describe a range of modalities commonly applied by physiotherapists, vetenary surgeons and dentists to treat a variety of painful soft tissue conditions. Examples of electro-physical agents are ice (also called cyrotherapy), heat, ultra-sound, laser and interferential therapy. These treatments promote pain relief in addition to optimising the body's healing processes. Laser therapy, for example, has been shown to produce its pain relieving effects by the release of the body's natural painkillers (endorphins). Laser has also been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect similar to commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, but without the commonly reported side effects such as stomach upset.

A great deal of research exploring the effects of some of these modalities has been carried out at The University of Ulster both by Dr. Wedlock and Prof. McDonough. Current related projects are exploring the evidence for laser therapy in pain relief and the best methods of applying ice for soft tissue injuries, such as ankle sprains.