Treating Chronic Constipation in Adults With Interferential Therapy

Just released in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery, Volume 44, Issue 2 on pages 408- 412 is the result of a study done using interferential therapy ( IFT) for children with slow transit constipation. The study is titled,

“Decreased colonic transit time after transcutaneous interferential electrical stimulation in children with slow transit constipation” Contact the Journal of Pediatric Surgery for the full study.

Dr. Giovanni De Domenico, adviser to MedFaxx, actually detailed this procedure in his book,

“New Dimensions in Interferential Therapy. A Theoretical & Cinical Guide” in 1985.

Dr. De Domenico set out the protocol and the theory behind this form of stimulation for abdominal organs using interferential therapy ( IFT). This is a short description of Dr. De Domenico’s findings as they apply to adults.

” Abdominal organs are controlled by the autonomic nervous system, in particular by the parasympathetic system. This system is largely responsible for regulating the movement and function of the gut and bowel. If the sympathetic activity to a particular abdominal organ is suppressed, then this would leave the parasympathetic supply to that organ relatively unopposed and in this way, the function of the affected organs might be enhanced. Inhibition of sympathetic nervous system activity is claimed to occur at higher frequencies, providing these fibres are located relatively superficially. “

In Dr. De Domenico’s above example higher frequencies refers to 80 – 150 Hz ( CPS – cycles per second ). With the ability to premodulate or mix the electrical current in the interferential unit only two electrodes may be needed however 4 can be used. The treatment protocol is:

* high, wide, rhythmical fast sweep in the 80 – 150 Hz range

* intensity is relatively low so only slightly perceived, if at all

* there is to be no muscle contractions

* duration of the treatment is for approx. 10-15 minutes 2 – 3x weekly

* total treatments should be 10 – 12 based upon the treating frequency above

The protocol described has been used to successfully treat chronic constipation with the electrode placement on the anterior abdominal wall in the clinical setting. Today with the advances of medical technology the patient is able to self treat at home and the protocol may change as new results become available. Of course the key is prevention, not treatment.

Much of the theory of using interferential for pain involves stimulation to suppress the actual pain impulse. In the above protocol we once again see the efficacious effect of the IFT is suppression of an ongoing signal of the sympathetic system. The effect of the parasympathetic is stronger and the efficacious result of suppression is beneficial treatment of chronic constipation.

By: Bob G Johnson

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