IF and IFC stands for Interferential -

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I hadn’t even considered using IFC in a bucket of water.  Thanks for the suggestion.  I’ll have to try it.  Would it also follow that an ice pack over the region (like on my low back) would enhance the therapeutic effect if used during the IF session?   That would be very easy to implement on any location, though not quite as cold as a bucket of ice water.   I don’t do well with heat, even though I like the way it feels.  It worsens my fatigue, so I’ll skip that one, even though it sounds really nice.

Speaking  of using the unit with the battery pack, I have noticed that it has a significant power drop when on battery supply.  (I know you mentioned to me earlier that this was the case).  At what level could I expect it to perform at full power (and not simply assume that my batteries were going bad)?  For example on a 4 pole IFC setup with four 3” electrodes in the low back region, I’ve raised the intensity to 99 for 30 minutes at a time.   A few times, I wanted to move locations and plug in elsewhere.  When I went on battery power, I noticed a significant drop in the stimulation.   Or sometimes I just wanted to finish a couple of chores before sitting down to finish my IF treatment.  What is a reasonable expectation on battery?

What about other pain reliever creams, such as Aspercreme, that contain salicilates, but not menthol.   Can I somehow pair those with the IF to get improved relief?  (I have found that my skin burns like fire with menthol….more than it should.)

Thank you for the time you take to thoroughly educate and assist your clients.  I am amazed and impressed.  In fact, that is something that I have already shared with a number of my friends (who are PT’s and OT’s).  More than anything, I am grateful!

Have a wonderful evening,
SS

Answer:

On warm versus cold you do whatever provides you relief.  Try the ice pack(chilling) in conjunction with IF and just see what happens.  We have one patient who is in his 40’s with some form of degenerative disease but he has to work each day.  He gets relief from cold so at work he takes his shoes and socks off, and sits at his desk with his feet on cold tile.   He does his IF couple times a day with feet being cooled down.  He also does not benefit from heat, but does so from cold and that is how he self treats.

On batteries, especially rechargeable versus disposable, a disposable is about 30% stronger than a rechargeable so that is one difference.  You will have more available power with disposable.  In actuality the Infrex Plus was not designed to use IF mode on batteries.  The batteries were more for tens and in situations where just could not use AC adaptor, then as an emergency Rx.  We were thinking of airplanes, cars, public waiting areas, etc.   If the unit ever takes off then we do have a plan to adapt the adaptor for plug in in car lighter ( that assume lighters still  in cars by time we get there!!!).

ON “menthol”, most topical pain products have menthol in them to some degree.  Menthol being some form of mint oil, ie peppermint, spearmint, mentha ,,,,,, .  Example if you remember Flex All.  It is basically the same product but with different amounts of mint oil.  Regular is 8%, chiropractic is 12%, and professional is 16%.  You can use ultrasound with flexall if you put the flexall in the coupling gel and you use the regular at 8% or chiro, but at Professional of 16% the oil content is so high that almost always there will be a skin irritation problem.   If you have problems with mint topically then make sure menthol is not the first ingredient mentioned on the “ingredients”, the farther down the ingredients menthol is then the better for you.

On Aspercreme with IF I don’t know.  Just try it and see how works and let us know. Electricity being used for topical meds works if the med is water based, not petroleum based.  Electricity does not drive medicinal ions in oils but will do so in water based, ie. Iontophoresis.  You might get greater absorption and depth of penetration possibly but not sure.   Also if you do try this then for sure if do with ice/chill then the vasoconstriction that will occur in the chilled area will help retain the meds longer which should increase absorption in the localized area.

I’m using my Infrex unit all the time (and the TENS unit simultaneously on acupuncture/acupressure sites at the recommendation of my physical therapist). I LOVE IT! It is really being very helpful to me in pain management. That said, my electrodes are wearing out, and I need to obtain more. My 3” Round are completely gone, so I am not able to use that protocol until I obtain more, so I was wondering if I could get a couple of spare sets of the things I use most in addition to the replacement set so that I don’t run out like this. I don’t know how that works with insurance/ Medicare, so please let me know on that front. If I can’t get several at a time, just let me know the frequency I can request to obtain what I need.

Also, as per my physical therapist, I am wearing the TENS 22 hours per day and then using both units sometimes simultaneously, combining approaches. He was very impressed with the unit, and I think you’ll likely have some additional clients from his referrals.
I am finding that the smaller electrodes are lasting 3-4 days because of the continual wear. And the larger electrodes are lasting about a week at most. That said, the Pre-Tens and the Clean-Cote are helping tremendously. They help both the condition of my skin and the life of the electrodes.

A few quick questions:

1) How much moisture are the multi-day electrodes supposed to tolerate? (showers, washing hands, etc.) I was afraid that a shower would ruin them.
2) I got one electrode in my last box that had a snap connection instead of a pin connection. Is that possible to use with my Infrex unit? I didn’t know how to hook it up.
3) Can I mix and match electrodes according to the site? For example, one of my protocols requires between the forefinger and thumb on the extensor surface (which is narrow and is in constant movement), two are on the forearm, and one is near the elbow joint (again a lot of movement and easy to bump). So, could I try a .75”X1.375” rectangle or even a 1.5”X2” rectangle on the thumb area while using the 2” electrodes on the rest?
4) What is the easiest way to determine which leads are used in the 2 Pole application? I can figure it out by trial and error a couple of times, and I can mark them with a silver sharpie or something, but I was wondering if there was a simple way of telling visually already that I just missed.
5) I love the Clean-Cote, but is there a way to remove that residue easily besides scrubbing vigorously in the shower?

If at all possible, I would like to request the following: (assuming that each package has four electrodes). Where possible, I prefer latex-free products, but if must use a latex product to obtain the smallest sizes I will do so. Also, I have sensitive skin, so where there is a reasonable option, please provide a skin-friendly electrode. For example, the

• 3 packages 3” Round Superior Starburst Model 628SB (latex free, with aloe)
• 3 packages Re-Flex Tantone 2”X2” square (I am hoping that these might stay adhered better to sites that are continually moving, such as my hands and wrist areas. If you think something else is better, please advise. If you have something that is slightly smaller like a 1.75”X1.75”, that would be even better.)
• 1 package Multi-Day 2.25” square gel pin connection (unless you can tell me how to use the snap connection)
• 1 lumbosacral 6”X4” butterfly – (Do I use the 2 pole or 4 pole protocol with that? I have been using the infrex on this region very often, so I thought this would be easier to use since I often have to ask for help in applying the electrodes there.)
• 1 package1 Re-Ply 2” round (tan)
• 1 package .75X1.375” rectangle
• 1 package 1.5”X2” rectangle

If you have questions or think I should consider something different, please don’t hesitate to call me at xxx-xxx-xxxxor or email me at __________

Thank you so much,
S S
DOB 9-9-1971

Answer To SS:

Hi SS,

   Thanks for the very nice email back.   I’m glad things are working well and once we get the insurance going think all will be fine.  I want to try to address several of your questions however many better answers are on our web site. 

   First off is if your physical therapist would like us to consign a couple of Infrex units to the dept. for patient trials we will be glad to do so.  Also if he/she does that please let me know as I want to send you some extra supplies as a “thank you” for helping us.   I’m also assuming you will not mind if I post your email to our blog, but I will not reveal your name or other identifying info.   Your letter has some very good, well thought out questions that many people need to know.   Also if your P.T. has any questions  then please have them call me.

  Now to some of your questions:

“ If I can’t get several at a time, just let me know the frequency I can request to obtain what I need. “ ( electrodes) – This to Linda but when possible, after insurance determined, then anytime we can send one shipment with more electrodes etc. then do so.  We can ship once with a year’s supply, but bill them out as allowable each month.  That way Sherri gets more electrodes because we only have one shipping charge rather than 12- 24 with minimal cost of $10 each when you put in handling.

“I am finding that the smaller electrodes are lasting 3-4 days because of the continual wear. “  Do not use any reusuable electrodes for “extended time periods” if you can prevent.  To increase the life of the electrodes it’s best to rotate them and the life is extended.  Example is if you are wearing electrodes 16 hours a day, it’s better to wear one set for 8 hours, then put on other electrodes for 8 hours.  That alone should minimally double the life span of the electrodes. As is seen on one of our electrode videos, store the unused pair in the refrigerator, wipe surface gently with toothbrush, and may occasionally need to dampen with water before putting back on.

1)    How much moisture are the multi-day electrodes supposed to tolerate? (showers, washing hands, etc.)  I was afraid that a shower would ruin them. ( Shower will not ruin as that is a main reason for having that type electrode)

This multiday electrode is generally not a very good electrode and especially so when doing interferential therapy on the Infrex.  Reason  for IF treatment is the surface area for stimulation is very small and therefore the stimulus is concentrated in very small area – not good with interferential.

Other issue with this electrode is not skin friendly at all, occluding skin for long periods so breakdown more likely.  You doing right thing with the skin prep and clean cote so keep that up. 

Gravity is constantly pulling gel etc. down on that electrode as you wear it.  You stand up or sit up and gravity starts trying to get the gel out which means might have “leakage” on bottom edge breaking through the adhesive that is holding electrode on and dry out.  If dries out you will start feeling a “pin stick” because the current is concentrated in only areas where conductive gel/medium is.  This electrode is fine if you are happy and can be very good for small areas like hocu, space between thumb and forefinger in web space.

2)    I got one electrode in my last box that had a snap connection instead of a pin connection.  Is that possible to use with my Infrex unit?  I didn’t know how to hook it up. No was a mistake – Sorry.

3)    Can I mix and match electrodes according to the site?  For example, one of my protocols requires between the forefinger and thumb on the extensor surface (which is narrow and is in constant movement), two are on the forearm, and one is near the elbow joint (again a lot of movement and easy to bump).  So, could I try a .75”X1.375” rectangle or even a 1.5”X2” rectangle on the thumb area while using the 2” electrodes on the rest? 

Yes and that is really a good strategy.  Your therapist seems very knowledgeable and is unique in helping you with more knowledge than most have.  This is very good to cut and shape electrodes for the specic areas.  As an example if you are having pain in the “lower back” in large area then generally use larger electrodes, but if on small joint like wrist then use smaller electrodes.  Mixing and matching is perfect way to go.

Another useful tip is you can always use an “ace” wrap/bandage and secure electrodes like on your forearm by simply binding with the Ace and securing that way if helps.

4)    What is the easiest way to determine which leads are used in the 2 Pole application?  I can figure it out by trial and error a couple of times, and I can mark them with a silver sharpie or something, but I was wondering if there was a simple  way of telling visually already that I just missed. 

Might want to take magic marker as you’ve done  and mark the two cables if that makes it easier.  Now important point is when you have electrodes on and working, yet one electrode area felt more than the other, don’t’ change the electrode location but simply pull out cables at electrode and switch.  One electrode always has more of the positive/negative charge than the other and one always dominants.  If electrode you are feeling most is not one where most pain is, then switch cable and now the electrode over most painful area should be felt more and should help more.  Not sure what going on but most of our cables for Infrex are color coded to start with.  I do know that we do have some that were not color coded but you’ve overcome that with your markings which was smart.

5)    I love the Clean-Cote, but is there  a way to remove that residue easily besides scrubbing vigorously in the shower?   Acetone ( finger nail polish remover ingredient)  which can get at drugstore or we have some removal pads you can wipe with.

This particular unit can work on 2 different areas of pain at the same time.

You can adjust the strength of the setting independently for each channel.

Interferential therapy works great for some people and not at all for others. It just depends on the casue of pain and where it is at in the body.

That is why Medfaxx Inc., offers a free trial. They don’t even charge for shipping and provide a return envelope, so there is no cost to try it out. If it does work good for you, they will help you work with your insurance company to get coverage fro the unit.

Those with no isnurance and limited funds, don’t despair. Medfaxx is more than happy to work something out with you. Their mission is to help people eliminate pain.

Click here to get your unit, free to try.

Try Interferential

You are invited  to see if the Infrex Plus works for your chronic pain situation in a satisfying way.

There’s absolutely zero obligation. In fact, MedFaxx is kind enough to ship you one of these for FREE.

They don’t ask for your credit card. If you are not 100% satisfied with this pain relieving technology, inside 30 days, just send it back. A return envelope is provided, with shipping paid.

Absolutely No Risk

No money up front, to find out if the Inflex Plus works for your chronic pain situation in a satisfying way.

So here’s what you get: You get the Inflex plus, which is TENS and Interferential in one unit. It used to be, you had to go to a chiropractor or a clinic somewhere and get hooked up to a machine, to the electrodes, and lie there.

You had to, get an office appointment, get over there; it was a lot of hassle to go through to get an Interferential treatment. Nowadays, you can use this portable Interferential unit at home, or on the go. It even works on batteries.

Here is What You Get

You get the cables, nice long cables so the electrodes can go anyplace on your body. Actually, two sets of electrodes, there’s four electrodes- two sets of two, and you can put these on different spots on your body, so you can treat two different areas of pain simultaneously, if you like.

And also, of course you get the wall outlet, if you want  to plug it in at home, and some nice electrodes. It’s really cool. There’s a nice pouch that seals them up to keep them fresh and clean in that package.

You also get this handy carrying package. A belt to strap to yourself, your wires can come out  little hole, so the wires can go anywhere on your body. Strap this on and go completely mobile on battery power. Get Interferential or TENS on the go, and like I said, MedFaxx does not charge you a thing to try this out.

Glad to Help with Your Prescription

The only thing you need is a prescription, and the fine folks at MedFaxx are so kind, they’ll actually call your doctor, talk to your doctor, and work through the details of your prescription for you, so you don’t have the hassle and the headache of trying to get the prescription from the doc. MedFaxx will help you out on that.

So, give them a call at 800-937-3993  Or click right here. Fill out the form, with your name, address and  information so that you can get started on the process of getting your free  30 day trial with the Interferential unit.

Thanks for watching!

Interferential Therapy

This therapy has a soothing effect on the nerves. It helps tight muscles to relax and signals the brain to release endorphins.

Interferential is known as the therapy that sends little electrical pulses thru the body.

Thanks to modern technology, you no longer have to make a trip to the clinic,  chiropractor or doctor’s office to get the pain relieving benefit of Interferential.

When it comes to electrotherapy, some people get paranoid. Will I be electrocuted? Does it hurt?

No there is no chance of harmful electrocution. The small electrocurrent  is not painful. It actually has a pain relieving effect. The worst that can happen, is you turn the unit up too high. This may cause some discomfort. But you are in total control. You control the amount of current and the duration. You can always press the stop button to cut it off immediately.

Portability makes possible activities that might otherwise be too painful.

Interferential therapy used to require a large unit that sat in a doctor’s office. Now thanks to modern technology, portable battery powered interferential is possible. A fanny pack, such as that that comes with the Infrex Plus, allows you to tote the unit around wherever you go. Just hook up the electrodes, adjust your setting and you are good to go. The lady in this video is now able to enjoy bowling and keep her grass cut. Activities that were a painful undertaking before portable interferential. Of course you would want to talk with your doctor about which activities would be  acceptable for your specific condition. You would not want to aggravate or worsen a painful condition by overdoing it.

Avoiding pain killing drugs is a good thing.

Most folks like to avoid the side effects that come from prescription and over the counter pain medications. Interferential allows pain management without the use of drugs. Or in some cases lower doses of pain medication.

Will interferential therapy work for me?

This is an individual matter. You should discuss your specific situation with your health professional. If you would like to find out if Interferential works for your pain, Medfaxx offers a free trial. For 30 days, you can have the Infrex Plus in your home. Try it out and see if it works for you. If not you can just send it on back.

Interferential

Reduce Pain
Promotes Healing
Stimulates Endorphin Release
Increases Range of Motion

Interferential therapy uses tiny electrical currents, that intersect below the surface of the skin. This promotes endorphin release in the body. Endorphins are the bodies, natural, built in pain killers.

Interferential therapy is especially helpful for:

• Ligament sprains
• Muscle tightness and pain
• Muscle strains
• Muscle spasms
• Chronic and acute pain
• Tissue Injuries

There are also a number of other conditions for which interferential current therapy could be useful. You should talk to your doctor about your specific situation.

Your practitioner may suggest interferential therapy in conjunction with other therapies such as, adjustments, stretching and exercising, physical therapy and other types of physiotherapy. Always follow your health care providers instructions for the best long term healing outcome.

Everyone is different and interferential therapy is not for everybody. There a a few conditions for which interferential treatment would be contraindicated. Having a cardiac pacemaker is one. Placing the electrodes over the abdomen of a pregnant women is another. Again check with your personal health professional for guidance on your unique situation.

If you think that you could benefit from interferential therapy, Medfaxx is offering a free trial of a portable, at home unit. Just click here to find out more.

Maybe that’s why my left butt muscle is tight and in pain. Sometimes while walking, I have to just stop and rest, my leg hurts so bad.

Or then again it could be due to an old injury. Playing tackle football with my friends, and without pads was fun, but not very smart, when I was a youngster. Oh, and let’s not forget, trying to imitate Evil Knievel.

Well today I got my Infrex Plus, I call it my pain relief machine. You can try this baby out for 30 days at no cost. Just fill out the form on the right.

If you want to see what mine looks like, watch the video below:

YouTube – Breakthrough Technology in Pain Relief

Previously only available in the clinic.

Now for home use.

New technology has just made life better for the chronic pain sufferer.

And Bob Johnson, has just made this technology accessible to just about everybody.

Interferential therapy is the most used form of pain therapy in the clinic worldwide. Now thanks to modern technology, is available in a portable home unit. No more trips back and forth to the clinic. Imagine the money saved on gas alone.

The Infrex Plus, combines Interferential with TENS. so now you have a choice of therapies. Interferential for home use, TENS for on the go. Or wear it while you are exercising, may allow for greater range of motion, and extended exercise time.

Best of all, Bob’s company Medfaxx Inc, is offering a free 30-day in home trial, with the Infrex Plus. No gimmicks, no catch. A prescription from a licensed MD is all that’s needed. And Bob’s friendly office staff, will help you obtain one from your physician, if you need help with that.

Just fill out the form on the right side of the page to get the ball rolling.