Electrotherapy consists of the application of low intensity electric currents to the skin through electrodes. Applied to a specific area, these currents make it possible to overcome certain pains. This is the case, for example, with osteoarthritis pain. There are also different types of treatment for osteoarthritis relief. The doctor will start by suggesting that the patient practice a gentle physical activity such as walking or yoga on a regular basis in order to make the joints work. He can advise his patient on alternative medicine such as acupuncture or herbal medicine. Treatment can then be medication with analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid supplementation. In some cases, a surgical alternative may be considered.

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints. It affects a large number of people especially after 65 years. With age, the synovial fluid composed of hyaluronic acid which protects the joint gradually loses its properties. This causes wear and tear on the cartilage, followed by destruction of it. All joints can be affected. The disease is made up of chronic phases with underlying pain interspersed with acute attacks.

Osteoarthritis can progress quickly or slowly. Some conditions can be more disabling than others, such as the knee (knee osteoarthritis) or the hip (coxarthrosis), which are large joints carrying the weight of the body. The most affected joints are:

• hip ;
• knee ;
• lower back ;
• neck ;
• the joints of the hands.

Osteoarthritis can have a significant impact on the quality of life. It can cause severe pain, stiffness and swelling on a daily basis.

Electrotherapy is a treatment option for relieving osteoarthritis pain. Non-drug treatment, it has a very effective pain-relieving action. Via electrodes placed on the painful area, low intensity electrical currents are applied to the skin. The intensity of these electric currents is comparable to that of those naturally present in the body. It is a natural and non-invasive method that is recognized as effective and recommended by doctors in the pain associated with osteoarthritis.

In the body, many electrical currents flow between cells to convey information. Over time or in the event of trauma, these mechanisms can be altered. Electrotherapy helps to relieve this failure.

The mechanisms of action of electrotherapy are as follows:

• it can block the pain by sending a different electrical impulse to the brain in order to supplant the pain message causing its intensity to decrease;
• it also stimulates the natural production of endorphins by the brain, thus causing a feeling of well-being which can be prolonged after the session. It is for this reason that we say that electrotherapy is a natural pain reliever;
• in the long term, it can also participate in restoring the activity of certain cells. The electrical impulses cause muscle contractions, stimulate blood circulation and participate in a resumption of cellular activity in the painful area.

Electrotherapy is a good option for relieving osteoarthritis pain. Indeed, it avoids the taking of drugs, often already numerous after 65 years. It is a recognized, effective and natural method for living better on a daily basis with osteoarthritis.

Before considering using electrotherapy for pain relief, it is important to talk to your doctor. Indeed, there are contraindications, in particular cardiac or metabolic, to the use of this type of device.

Electrotherapy can take place in the presence of a health professional or at home if you have the equipment. The electrodes are positioned on the body at the location of the pain. A box allows you to make adjustments to adapt the session to the pain, to the moment and to the person. In autonomy at home, this method can provide pain relief at any time of the day or night. There are also forms of pain relief patch or lumbar belt that allow easy transport.

The course of an electrotherapy session is very simple. The steps of the session are as follows:

• place the electrodes on the pain area;
• launch the appropriate program;
• wait for the duration of the session.

During the session, it is not necessary to remain still, so it is possible to continue with daily activities. However, it is not recommended to drive for safety reasons.

Electrotherapy brings pain relief, sometimes instantaneous after the session, sometimes after several sessions. The relief and the feeling of well-being may last over time or it may be necessary to have sessions at regular intervals to calm the pain.

There are no significant side effects. In some cases, particularly sensitive people may experience redness of the skin at the electrodes after treatment. If they persist consult a doctor.

Before considering using electrotherapy for pain relief, it is important to talk to your doctor. Indeed, there are contraindications, in particular cardiac or metabolic, to the use of this type of device.