Electrotherapy
Advanced therapeutic technology designed to support healing, help relieve pain and restore function — delivered by a qualified sports therapist with nearly 30 years of clinical experience.
What is Electrotherapy?
Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy and sound waves as a therapeutic treatment. At L.P Therapy Clinic, Lisa Peterson uses two primary electrotherapy modalities — Therapeutic Ultrasound and Electro Medical Acupuncture — to support clients with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, soft tissue injuries and chronic pain.
These evidence-based treatments work by stimulating the body's natural healing processes at a cellular level, and may help reduce discomfort, support tissue repair and improve function. They are often used alongside sports massage and remedial massage as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Lisa holds advanced qualifications in both ultrasound therapy and electro medical acupuncture, and has been using these modalities in clinical practice for many years. Each treatment is tailored to your individual needs following a thorough consultation.
Treatment Modalities
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate deep into soft tissue. It produces both thermal and non-thermal effects, increasing blood flow, reducing muscle spasm and supporting the repair of damaged tissue. It may be particularly beneficial for tendon and ligament injuries, scar tissue and chronic soft tissue conditions.
Electro Medical Acupuncture
Electro medical acupuncture combines precise acupuncture needle placement with a carefully controlled electrical current passed between the needles. This enhances the therapeutic effect of standard acupuncture, supporting pain relief and muscle relaxation. It may be a valuable option for chronic pain, nerve-related symptoms and stubborn muscular tension.
Electro Medical Acupuncture — In Depth
Electro medical acupuncture is a modern development of traditional acupuncture that combines the precise placement of fine acupuncture needles with a carefully controlled, low-level electrical current passed between them. The addition of electrical stimulation enhances the therapeutic effect, making it a valuable option for pain relief and muscle rehabilitation.
How Does It Work?
Fine, sterile needles are inserted at specific points along the body — typically corresponding to areas of pain, trigger points within muscles, or classical acupuncture meridian points. Once in place, a gentle electrical current is applied via leads attached to the needles. The current stimulates the nervous system, prompting the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals, while also encouraging increased circulation and reducing muscle spasm at a deep level.
Key Benefits
Pain Relief Support
The electrical stimulation triggers the release of endorphins — the body's natural painkillers — which may provide meaningful relief from both acute and chronic pain. Results vary between individuals.
Deep Muscle Relaxation
By directly stimulating motor points and trigger points within muscles, electro acupuncture can release deep-seated tension and spasm that is difficult to reach through manual therapy alone.
Nerve-Related Symptoms
The treatment may help relieve nerve-related discomfort, including symptoms associated with sciatica and trapped nerves. Results vary between individuals and treatment is not a substitute for medical diagnosis.
Supporting Tissue Repair
Electrical stimulation may help promote increased blood flow and cellular activity in the treated area, supporting the body's natural healing process.
Chronic Condition Support
For long-standing conditions involving persistent muscular pain, joint discomfort and chronic back pain, regular electro acupuncture sessions may provide cumulative support in managing pain levels and improving quality of life. Individual results vary.
Reduced Discomfort
The neurological and circulatory effects of the treatment may help to modulate the body's response to persistent swelling and joint discomfort, making it a valuable option for some clients with chronic soft tissue conditions.
What is Electro Acupuncture Good For?
- Chronic back and neck pain
- Sciatica and trapped nerves
- Fibromyalgia and widespread pain
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Stubborn trigger points and muscle knots
- Sports injuries and muscle tears
- Headaches and migraines
- Post-surgical pain and rehabilitation
- Tendinopathy and repetitive strain injuries
- Stress-related muscular tension
Conditions Treated
- Tendinopathy and tendon injuries
- Ligament sprains and strains
- Chronic muscle pain and tension
- Scar tissue and adhesions
- Nerve pain and sciatica
- Joint inflammation and bursitis
- Frozen shoulder
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tennis and golfer's elbow
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
Who is it for?
Electrotherapy is suitable for anyone experiencing musculoskeletal pain, soft tissue injury or a chronic condition that has not responded fully to other treatments.
It is used by athletes and non-athletes alike — from those recovering from sports injuries to people dealing with everyday aches, post-surgical rehabilitation or long-standing conditions such as frozen shoulder or plantar fasciitis.
A full consultation is always carried out before treatment to ensure the most appropriate modality is selected for your individual needs.
What to Expect
Consultation
Your session begins with a thorough assessment of your condition, medical history and treatment goals. Lisa will explain which modality is most appropriate for you and answer any questions.
Treatment
The electrotherapy treatment is applied to the affected area. Therapeutic ultrasound is painless and feels like a gentle warmth. Electro medical acupuncture involves fine needles and a mild electrical sensation — most clients find it very comfortable.
Aftercare
Lisa will provide tailored aftercare advice including any exercises, stretches or lifestyle recommendations to support your recovery between sessions.
Treatment Pricing
Electrotherapy treatments are often combined with sports or remedial massage as part of a comprehensive session. Please contact us to discuss the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs.
Pricing is discussed at consultation and depends on the treatment combination required. Please contact us for a personalised quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is electrotherapy safe?
Yes. Both therapeutic ultrasound and electro medical acupuncture are well-established, evidence-based treatments used widely in physiotherapy and sports therapy. Lisa will conduct a full health screening before treatment to ensure they are appropriate for you.
Does electro medical acupuncture hurt?
Most clients experience only a mild tingling or pulsing sensation from the electrical current. The needles used are very fine and the majority of people find the treatment comfortable and relaxing.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your condition and how long you have had it. Some acute injuries respond well in 3–6 sessions, while chronic conditions may require a longer course of treatment. Lisa will discuss a realistic treatment plan with you at your initial consultation.
Can electrotherapy be combined with massage?
Yes — in fact, combining electrotherapy with sports or remedial massage often produces the best results. Lisa frequently uses both modalities within the same session to maximise therapeutic benefit.
Are there any contraindications?
There are some contraindications for both modalities, including pregnancy, pacemakers, active infections and certain skin conditions. Lisa will take a full medical history before your first session to ensure treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
Ready to Book Your Electrotherapy Session?
Contact Lisa today to discuss your condition and find out which electrotherapy treatment is right for you.
After securing your appointment, you will be sent a short consultation form to complete before your visit. This is standard practice for all treatments at the clinic.
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