Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been out and about using my new INDIBA therapy unit and have been receiving lots of questions about how it works and what it can achieve. Therefore, I thought I’d provide a little bit more information…
INDIBA is a radio frequency technology, which delivers both thermal and electrical therapy. Radio frequency technology has been used for its therapeutic properties for some time. However, this was shortwave radio frequency therapy and, due to the requirement of delivery through an air gap, was more commonly used in human therapy. INDIBA is therefore a new application of radio frequency therapy. Rather than delivering the therapy via an air gap, INDIBA delivers long wave therapy (slower than shortwave) via direct contact, through direct coupling. This means there is direct contact with the area being treated and INDIBA coupling gel is used to ensure connectivity.
INDIBA therapy requires a closed circuit to transfer the energy to the tissue. To create this circuit, a ground electrode (return plate) is placed at the sternum and active electrodes are applied on the area which is being treated. For example, along the back, the length of a tendon or ligament or over a joint. The two most efficient ways of transferring the energy to the tissue is delivery via a capacitive system or a resistive system. This is why two active electrodes are used during the treatment.
Capacitive Electrode
The first electrode used is the capacitive electrode, which is covered by a layer of insulation. Energy delivered by this electrode targets the more superficial tissues, such as the skin and fascia. If deeper tissues are the target tissue for treatment, the capacitive electrode effectively warms the more superficial tissues, increasing blood supply, which results in greater connectivity for the resistive electrode, meaning an improved energy flow.
Resistive Electrode
The resistive electrode is used after the capacitive electrode. It has no layer of insulation and is therefore able to target deeper, more resistive tissues such as bone, fibrous tissue or scar tissue.
What are the effects?
INDIBA therapy has both thermal (heating) and sub thermal (non heating) effects, which means it can be used to treat chronic and acute conditions/injuries. Thermal effects increase the circulation of blood, increasing oxygenation of cells, providing lymphatic drainage to reduce inflammation and reducing pain. The specific frequency of INDIBA therapy at 448 kHz results in sub thermal effects, which include cellular repair and tissue regeneration.
Why did I choose to invest in INDIBA therapy?
Scientific evidence tells us that INDIBA has more profound effects than shortwave therapy and that the effects achieved are longer lasting. Furthermore, it has been shown to be able to target tissues at a deeper level than laser, ultra sound, radial shockwave, focused shockwave and pulsed shortwave therapy. Studies have measured INDIBA therapy to reach beyond 12cm due to the closed circuit. This is something which I find really exciting; although I get some great results using the modalities and electrotherapies I already use, the ability to improve tissue at a deeper level is something I think will help a lot of the horses I see, especially those who tend to suffer from sacroiliac and chronic back pain.
To create the circuit, the delivered energy will take the path of least resistance back to the return plate and this needs to be considered when applying the therapy to ensure the target tissues will be reached.
What can INDIBA therapy be used to treat?
INDIBA therapy has been successfully used to treat a wide range of conditions- I’ve not only had this from the people at INDIBA but also from other veterinary physiotherapists who have been successfully using the technology as part of their practice. It can be used to treat osteoarthritis, joint degeneration, tendonitis, bursitis, muscle tears, sprains, fractures and fissures, pain management and control of inflammation. Due to its ability to increase blood flow, increase tissue flexibility and extensibility and improve muscle function, it is also extensively used as a maintenance treatment to enhance performance and support recovery after exercise.
If you’d like to find out how INDIBA therapy could help your horse, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
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