What Is IFT in Physiotherapy | Sai Hospital, Haldwani

If you have ever visited a physiotherapy clinic for back pain, muscle stiffness, or joint discomfort, you may have heard the therapist mention IFT therapy. Many patients know it as a machine that “gives a mild tingling current,” but very few understand what it actually does and why physiotherapists rely on it so often.

At Sai Hospital, Haldwani, our physiotherapy team uses IFT as part of personalized rehabilitation plans to reduce pain, improve circulation, and speed up healing. This article explains in simple, patient-friendly language what is IFT in physiotherapy, how it works, when it is recommended, and what to expect during treatment.

What Is IFT in Physiotherapy?

IFT stands for Interferential Therapy.
It is an electrotherapy treatment that uses medium-frequency electrical currents to relieve pain, reduce swelling, relax muscles, and promote healing in injured tissues.

In IFT, two gentle electrical currents intersect inside the body. When these currents meet, they create a therapeutic effect deep within the muscles and tissues — something standard low-frequency treatments cannot achieve as effectively.

IFT is completely safe, non-invasive, and widely used for treating both acute (recent) and chronic (long-term) pain conditions.

How Does IFT Work?

IFT works on the principle of interference.

Here’s what happens during treatment:

1. Two electrodes are placed on the painful area.
2. Two medium-frequency currents are passed through the skin.
3. These currents intersect deep inside the tissues.
4. Where they cross, a low-frequency therapeutic current is produced naturally.
5. This low-frequency effect helps reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

The biggest advantage of IFT is that it penetrates deeper tissues with comfort — the skin doesn’t feel strong shocks, but the internal tissues benefit from therapeutic stimulation.

Benefits of IFT in Physiotherapy

IFT offers several clinically proven benefits. At Sai Hospital, Haldwani, it is commonly used because of its effectiveness and patient comfort.

1. Pain Relief

IFT reduces pain by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain and boosting the release of natural pain-relievers called endorphins.

2. Reduces Swelling and Inflammation

It improves blood circulation and helps reduce fluid buildup around joints or injured tissues.

3. Relaxes Muscle Spasms

IFT works deep into tight muscles, helping them relax and reducing stiffness.

4. Improves Joint Movement

By reducing stiffness and pain, patients regain better mobility in affected joints.

5. Faster Healing

With improved blood flow and reduced inflammation, tissues heal more quickly.

6. Safe and Comfortable

Patients feel a mild tingling sensation — not pain — making it ideal for people sensitive to other electrotherapy treatments.

Conditions Treated with IFT

IFT is versatile and used for a wide range of musculoskeletal issues:

1. Back and Neck Pain

• Muscle strain
• Cervical spondylosis
• Lumbar disc issues

2. Joint Pain

• Knee arthritis
• Shoulder stiffness
• Hip pain

3. Sports Injuries

• Ligament sprains
• Muscle tears
• Tendon inflammation

4. Post-operative Rehabilitation

Helps manage pain after surgeries like knee replacement or ligament repair.

5. Nerve-related Pain

• Sciatica
• Radiculopathy
• Trapped nerves

6. Chronic Pain Conditions

• Fibromyalgia
• Myofascial pain syndrome

IFT is often combined with exercises, manual therapy, heat therapy, and other modalities for best results.

What Happens During an IFT Session?

At Sai Hospital, Haldwani, IFT therapy is administered by trained physiotherapists in a comfortable, clean treatment room.

The Step-by-Step Process:

1. Assessment

Your physiotherapist examines the painful area and selects the appropriate intensity and electrode placement.

2. Electrode Placement

Two or four electrodes are placed around the affected region using adhesive pads or wet sponges.

3. Current Application

The therapist gradually increases the current until a comfortable tingling sensation is felt.

4. Treatment Time

A typical session lasts 10–20 minutes.

5. Aftercare

Most patients feel immediate relief or relaxation after the session.

IFT is often part of a larger treatment plan that may include stretching, strengthening, ultrasound therapy, or manual therapy.

Is IFT Painful?

No.
IFT is known for being gentle and comfortable. Patients usually experience:

• Light tingling
• Mild vibration inside the muscles
• Warm, relaxing sensation

There is no burning or shock-like feeling when administered correctly.

Who Should Avoid IFT?

IFT is generally safe, but it may not be recommended for:

• People with pacemakers
• Pregnant women (especially in abdominal area)
• Patients with active infections, open wounds, or skin allergies at electrode sites
• People with uncontrolled epilepsy

Your physiotherapist or doctor will always assess suitability before starting treatment.

How Many IFT Sessions Are Needed?

The number of sessions depends on the condition:

• Acute pain: 3–5 sessions may help
• Chronic pain: 8–12 sessions often recommended
• Post-surgery or long-term issues: treatment may continue for several weeks

At Sai Hospital, your progress is monitored closely, and treatment is adjusted as needed.

IFT vs TENS: Are They the Same?

Patients often confuse IFT with TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation).

IFT is generally preferred for deeper muscle pain and chronic conditions.

IFT Treatment at Sai Hospital, Haldwani

Our physiotherapy department offers:

• Latest IFT machines
• Trained physiotherapists
• Personalized pain management programs
• Safe procedures with constant supervision
• Combination therapy for faster recovery

Whether you have back pain, sports injury, arthritis, or post-surgical discomfort, our team designs a treatment plan tailored to your goals and daily routines.

FAQs: What Is IFT in Physiotherapy

1. What is IFT in physiotherapy?
IFT stands for Interferential Therapy — a pain-relieving electrotherapy that uses medium-frequency currents.

2. Is IFT safe?
Yes, it is safe, non-invasive, and widely used in physiotherapy clinics.

3. How does IFT feel?
You may feel mild tingling or pulsing — it should never be painful.

4. Does IFT cure the problem or just reduce pain?
IFT reduces pain and inflammation, helping your body heal. When combined with exercises, it supports long-term recovery.

5. Can IFT be used daily?
Yes, in many cases daily sessions are recommended during the early treatment phase.

Conclusion

So, what is IFT in physiotherapy?
It is a safe, effective electrotherapy treatment that uses intersecting electrical currents to relieve pain, reduce swelling, relax muscles, and speed up healing.

At Sai Hospital, Haldwani, IFT is part of a comprehensive physiotherapy approach tailored to each patient’s condition, ensuring faster recovery, better mobility, and long-term wellness.

If you’re experiencing persistent pain or stiffness, schedule a physiotherapy consultation — early treatment prevents chronic problems and helps restore active, pain-free living.