What is InterX?
The InterX is a non-invasive electrical device that provides interactive neurostimulation and neuromodulation.
It delivers electrical pulses (through the skin) over the targeted area of pain/inflammation or along the specific neural pathway. This stimulation has an interactive nature – each signal from the device communicates with the nervous system through the skin interface and activates natural pain relieving mechanisms.
As a result of this stimulation, local micro-circulation is improved resulting in the delivery of more molecules of oxygen and nutrients to damaged cells, and facilitated removal of waste products. This mechanism suggests how accelerated healing may take place with the use of the IntereX. This improves cell productivity and encourages the body’s own healing process.
The treatment also stimulates nerve receptors to release neuro-chemicals which are powerful natural pain killers, (eg – endorphins, enkephalins and dopamine) and produces a neuropeptide/cytokine cascade response. Therefore, even after the treatment, the body continues to work on pain and tissue repair.
When pain is present in the body, the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated. This can result in the ‘flight or flight’ response being activated, which in turn can continue to heighten the sensation of pain. The opposing system, the parasympathetic nervous system, is responsible for the body’s rest and digest response. The use of the IntereX aims to bring the two systems back into balance, by using the electrical pulses to stimulate the parasympathetic system.
In general, InterX therapy is a natural pain relief, without side effects and has a profound long-term effect enabling the therapist to promote ongoing rehabilitation through muscle strengthening and functional restoration.
Clinical Trials have shown the InterX:
- Reduced pain
- Increased range of motion (function)
- Reduced oedema (swelling)
- Improved tissue healing
What conditions is the InterX beneficial for?
The InterX has a wide variety of applications and is particularly effective to manage pain, reduce inflammation and promote healing in the following conditions:
- Sport injuries (acute and chronic)
- Fracture management to decrease pain and improve ROM
- Post-operative – after most surgeries to better manage pain
- Tendinopathies or repetitive strain injuries such as Tennis Elbow and De Quervain’s
- Joint stiffness and pain such as Osteoarthritis
- Scar management such as post Dupuytren’s surgical release
- Finger ligament injuries and sprains
- Wrist and TFCC injuries
- Neuropathic pain – peripheral neuropathies, CRPS, fibromyalgia, etc
It is non invasive and based on cutaneous stimulation therefore the InterX is safe to use over internal metal work.
InterX is not recommended if you:
- have a pacemaker, insulin pump or other implanted functioning devices
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have an active cancerous tumour
- are undergoing chemotherapy
- have a history of epilepsy/seizures
How is the Interx applied and what can you expect
The device or its attachments (as displayed above) is placed directly on the patient’s skin in one or more places. Patients can expect to feel a combination of comfortable gentle pulses and/or tingling while the device is in use. The treatment process is pain-free, and in some cases, it can provide immediate pain relief, even after one session.
Integrating the InterX in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation plan demonstrates the innovative therapy management that GC Hand Therapy uses to enhance the treatment outcomes for all our patients
If you’d like to know more about InterX and its suitability for your condition, please feel free to give us a call and speak to one of our experienced therapists.
Author:
Carla Bingham – Occupational Therapist/Hand Therapist- Gold Coast Hand Therapy
References:
https://www.rehacare.com.au/interx-technology-for-professionals/#1508959471472-2c01708a-04c2