InterX and Compex

InterX and Compex

1. Interex

   • an e-stim device that can deliver non-painful or painful stimuli directly to an area of the body in an effort to induce pain relief via modulation
   • offers present frequencies and different tools to target different areas in addition to allowing exercise while you are wearing the device
   • electrodes and current density
     • the interX usually stimulates at peak amplitude between 45mA and 60mA
       • 15 mA TENS is considered strong sensory
   • What does it do
     • impulse adjusts dynamically to the feedback from the electrodes in contact w/ the skin
       • engaging in a process of contact interaction that - avoids the body's natural tendency to accommodate to the stimulation
     • finds points of low impedence = area of injury
     • impedence driven stimulation:
       • what happens when the skin resistance goes up or there is high impedence?
         • increase amplitude and/or increase frequency
   • scanning the tx area
     • concentric electrodes are moved across the skin, without the need for gel of any kind, scanning for areas of low impedance
       • low impedance = sweat response
         • lowers resistance and increased conductance
         • current is energy is decreased by adjusted to impedance
   • what it does differently (vs. TENS)
     • uses high density, high amplitude cureent
       • density = 170-220 mA/in2 vs. 15-12 mA/in2
       • amplitude = 45-60 mA on skin vs 15-40 mA
     • damps (lowers amplitude/widens pulse duration) when registers low impedance and increases (raises amplitude/alters pulse duration)
       • at areas of high impedance
         • allow for quality tx based on skin/tissue resistance
         • prevents accommodation
     • wide range of frequencies
       • 15-480 pps and it varies
       • prevents accommodation
   • Settings
     • personal device
       • 60 pps (chronic)
       • 30-120 pps
       • 90-360 pps
       • 360 pps
       • 480 pps (acute)
     • flex array on sport device
       • cyc 2 = 60 pps (chronic)
       • 30-120 pps
       • 90-360 pps
       • cyc 1 = 360 pps (acute)
   • Tx times/techniques
     • scan area using a very low intensity
       • find areas of low impedance
       • do a grid pattern over areas until machine "drags" different or you will hear a "buzz" in areas of higher impedance
       • increase amplitude to create sensation you desire
         • comfortable or painful
       • treat as many areas as needed
     • do active motion with InterX in place or with flex array: Do 3-4 times until pain relieved
     • tx at site of pain and over dermatome

2. Compex

   • electrical neuromuscular stimulator
     • variety of preset programs with electrode mapping; the only adjusted parameter is amplitude (intensity) and time
   • Endurance program
     • particularly activates the aerobic metabolism of the fibers during the stimulation session
     • purpose: is to increase the time the muscle is able to maintain for extended periods of time
   • Resistance program
     • activates the anaerobic metabolism of muscle fibers during the stimulation session
     • induces the production of lactic acid
     • intended to increase the time the muscle is able to maintain a high power working level (close to its maximum)
       • or the average power working level the muscle is able to maintain for a short duration
   • Active recovery program
     • produces muscle twitches at a very low frequency
       • twitches act like a massage and induce an increase in blood flow
     • responsible for a faster reduction of the lactic acid blood level (much better than rest)
       • accelerate the exchanges between muscle fibers and blood
     • consequently the stimulated muscles recuperate better from fatigue and the user has a feeling of relaxation and might lightness