Our services
Electrotherapy (TENS & Ultrasound)
Reviewed by Andrew Macdonald, Senior Physiotherapist — AHPRA registered, APA member
What is Electrotherapy?
Electrotherapy covers a couple of distinct techniques Andrew uses to support treatment: TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), which delivers a mild electrical current through the skin to help manage pain, and therapeutic ultrasound, which uses sound waves to generate gentle heat deep in tissue and support the body’s healing response.
What It Helps With
TENS is commonly used for pain relief during acute flare-ups or when other treatment is difficult to tolerate, such as the painful early stage of frozen shoulder. Ultrasound is often used for inflammatory conditions like bursitis, and for supporting soft tissue healing.
What to Expect
TENS is generally a pleasant, tingling sensation at an intensity you control, with electrodes placed on the skin over the painful area. Ultrasound involves a small handheld probe moved gently over the area with a conducting gel — you’ll typically feel little more than mild warmth, if anything at all. Both are used as an adjunct to manual therapy and exercise, not a standalone treatment.
Who it helps
Conditions we treat with electrotherapy (tens & ultrasound)
Frozen ShoulderFrozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) causes progressive stiffness and pain that can take months to resolve on its own. Physiotherapy can ease pain and speed recovery of movement at every stage.
BursitisBursitis causes localised pain and swelling around a joint, commonly the hip or shoulder. Physiotherapy treats both the inflammation and the underlying cause to prevent it recurring.Frequently asked questions
What is TENS therapy used for?
TENS delivers a mild electrical current through the skin to help manage pain, and is often used during acute flare-ups or particularly painful stages of a condition, such as early-stage frozen shoulder, alongside other treatment.
What does ultrasound therapy do?
Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to generate gentle heat deep within tissue, which can help reduce inflammation and support the body's natural healing response — it's often used for conditions like bursitis.
Is electrotherapy safe?
Yes, TENS and ultrasound are well-established, low-risk techniques when used appropriately. There are some situations where they aren't suitable — such as over certain implants or during pregnancy for some techniques — so Andrew will check this is appropriate for you first.
Can electrotherapy replace hands-on treatment?
No — electrotherapy is used to support manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation, not replace it. It's most effective as one part of a broader treatment plan targeting the underlying cause of your condition.
Ready to book your appointment?
Got a question first? Ask Andrew — it's free →