Charge yourself with more information about electrotherapy and how it benefits your patients and practice.

According to chiropractors, electrotherapy is a popular method of pain relief for patients. It also results in a high return on investment. Examples of electrotherapy in use at chiropractic offices include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), interferential current (IFC), premodulated and high volt, Russian stim, and alpha-stim.

CP interviewed three experts on their experiences with electrotherapy devices. Mike L. Pavia is general manager at Dynatronics Corp, Salt Lake City; Jeff Lenoir is a sales representative at Koalaty Products Inc, Tampa, Fla; and Jennifer Rohl is marketing services manager at Mettler Electronics Corp, Anaheim, Calif.

What are the top three conditions that are treated with electrotherapy?

Dynatronics: The therapeutic effects of electrical energy have occupied an important position in physical medicine for many years. Electrotherapy has been found to be effective in treating conditions such as relaxation of muscle spasms, increasing local blood circulation, muscle reeducation, increasing range of motion, prevention or retardation of tissue atrophy, symptomatic relief of chronic intractable pain, and management of post-traumatic or postsurgical pain.

Koalaty Products: Back pain, neck pain, and joint pain resulting from sports injuries, accidents, overuse injuries, and postsurgery are commonly treated with electrotherapy.

Mettler Electronics: Pain, spasm, and muscle rehabilitation.

Which electrotherapy equipment do you recommend to DCs?

Dynatronics: Equipment should be simple to operate. There are some significant features electrotherapy equipment should have. Look for equipment that offers the most versatility. Choose all-in-one devices with features such as seven types of electrical stimulation/waveforms; a multifrequency ultrasound (1 MHz, 2 MHz, and 3 MHz) which allows the user to hit the "in-between" depths; target and target-sweep features for interferential, which allows the user to pinpoint the pain and improve effectiveness; and light/laser therapy, which allows the user to treat a broad range of pain and soft-tissue conditions.

This type of versatility in one device will not only save the chiropractor time and space, but more importantly, money while treating their patients with more confidence and efficiency.

Koalaty Products: Our Quattro EMS is a popular electrotherapy unit because it is economically priced and its versatility allows the treatment of two patients simultaneously.

Mettler Electronics: Most chiropractors need a device that has interferential and premodulated waveforms to help relieve their patients' pain. They need a Russian waveform to assist with spasm reduction. A high-volt waveform is also beneficial for patients who do not experience pain relief from an interferential waveform.

What is the average price that DCs should expect to spend on electrotherapy equipment? Is there a big return on investment?

Dynatronics: The prices for the equipment vary according to the features and the manufacturers. A good device should cost between $2,595 and $4,395 depending on the model.

Koalaty Products: Electrotherapy equipment ranges in price based on the number of channels, waveforms, and modalities. You can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $3,000 with an average price of $1,500 per unit.

Electrotherapy increases your business and allows you to treat multiple patients without having to add staff. Most insurance companies reimburse quite well for electrotherapy treatments, which makes it a very profitable return on your investment.

Mettler Electronics: Depending on the complexity of the device, a full-featured stimulator will cost from $1,700 to $3,000. Currently, reimbursement is fairly low for modalities. However, over the lifetime of the product, there is a substantial return on investment.

How long does electrotherapy equipment last, typically?

Dynatronics: You can find good equipment that has been in offices and clinics for more than 15 years. To find equipment that will last, start with devices that offer a minimum 2-year warranty and are backed up by a manufacturer that offers reliable customer support locally and by highly trained sales representatives and service personnel. A manufacturer with good customer service and a technical department that is available to answer questions and provide quick assistance also helps promote the effectiveness and longevity of a device.

Koalaty Products: Most electrotherapy units have a 1-to 2-year manufacturer's warranty. I hear that units can last up to 30 years, but I would expect most units to last about 5 years. The lead wires should be changed each year. Some states require a yearly calibration, which should increase your product's life expectancy.

Mettler Electronics: Depending on the use and abuse, most stimulators should last at least 10 years. There are very few parts that wear out on one of these devices. Occasionally, the chiropractor can expect to replace worn cables.

What technological advances are incorporated in electrotherapy equipment today?

Dynatronics: One of the most outstanding features in electrotherapy is the interferential target feature, which employs a unique method that moves the center of the interference. With target, the voltage output from both channels remains equal at all times; so wherever the treatment is applied, a full, deep interferential beat occurs. Some devices attempt to achieve this effect by varying the current from one channel. This method only rotates the clover-leaf-shaped area, but the center of the interference does not move. In addition, the depth of the beat is reduced.

Koalaty Products: Technological advances, such as the computer processor's performance and size, equipment ergonomics, rechargeable batteries, and medical research, help make today's electrotherapy equipment more user-friendly and a better product to treat your patients' conditions.

Mettler Electronics: Most technological advances help keep pricing low. Displays are going to liquid crystal, and membrane panels are exclusively used for these products.

What type of training do DCs need to have when offering electrotherapy services in their practice?

Dynatronics: You should always look for a sales representative or manufacturer that offers in-office training for not only the DC, but for the entire staff. This training should continue throughout the life of the device.

Koalaty Products: Some electrotherapy manufacturers offer electrode placement charts and recommended settings for different treatments. Additional training can be acquired from seminars and conventions.

Mettler Electronics: DCs are trained for the use of electrotherapy devices in their schools. Many states require continuing education courses to keep current in the profession.