From the Guidelines
Diadynamic currents are a form of low-frequency electrotherapy that uses a combination of direct and alternating currents to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, with specific therapeutic applications for each of the five main types of currents. These currents typically operate at frequencies of 50-100 Hz. The types of diadynamic currents include:
- Monophasic fixed (MF) current, which consists of full-wave rectified sinusoidal pulses, primarily used for muscle stimulation and improving circulation.
- Diphasic fixed (DF) current, featuring alternating sinusoidal waves, effective for pain relief through sensory nerve stimulation.
- Short period (CP) current, which alternates between MF and DF currents every second, particularly useful for acute pain management.
- Long period (LP) current, which switches between MF and DF every six seconds, beneficial for chronic pain conditions and edema reduction.
- Syncopated rhythm (RS) current, which introduces pauses between pulses, used for muscle relaxation and reducing muscle spasm.
Treatment sessions with diadynamic currents typically last 10-15 minutes, with the intensity adjusted according to patient tolerance, as seen in the use of interferential therapy, which is a form of medium-frequency alternating current modulated to produce low frequencies up to 150 Hz, thought to increase blood flow to tissues and provide pain relief 1. Diadynamic currents work by stimulating sensory nerves to block pain signals (gate control theory), increasing local blood flow, reducing muscle spasm, and promoting the release of endorphins. It is essential to note that diadynamic currents should be avoided over metal implants, pacemakers, during pregnancy, and in patients with sensation disorders or malignancies, similar to the precautions taken with other forms of electrotherapy, such as percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) and shortwave diathermy 1.
From the Research
Diadynamic Currents
Diadynamic currents are a form of electrotherapy used to relieve pain and improve physical functionality in patients with various musculoskeletal disorders.
- The use of diadynamic currents has been studied in patients with chronic low back pain, with results showing significant improvements in pain and disability scores 2, 3.
- Diadynamic currents have been compared to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in several studies, with both therapies showing similar effects on pain relief and functional outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5.
Use of Diadynamic Currents
Diadynamic currents can be used as an adjuvant therapy for rehabilitation of chronic low back pain, as well as for other musculoskeletal disorders such as shoulder impingement syndrome.
- The combination of diadynamic currents and manual therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing pain intensity in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome 6.
- Diadynamic currents have also been used to increase touch sensation and reduce pain in healthy subjects, with results showing similar effects to TENS 5.
- The use of diadynamic currents has been shown to have an analgesic effect, reducing pain levels and improving functional fitness in patients with low back discopathy 3.
Comparison to Other Therapies
Diadynamic currents have been compared to other forms of electrotherapy, such as TENS and interferential current.