At Pain Away Clinic, we have introduced the largest number of therapeutic devices among clinics in Bangkok. Today, we would like to introduce and explain high-voltage therapy.
Most home-use therapy devices typically use low-frequency electrical stimulation. Even in hospitals, low-frequency or interferential wave therapy is most commonly used. So, what is the difference between low-frequency therapy and high-voltage therapy?
1. Different Types of Waves
The first key difference is the type of waveform used.
Low-frequency therapy uses gentle, wave-like currents. In contrast, high-voltage therapy uses a sharper waveform called Twin Peak Pulse. By using the Twin Peak Pulse waveform, skin resistance is reduced, allowing the electrical stimulation to penetrate deeper into the body’s tissues.
2. Different Voltage Strengths
Another major difference is the amount of voltage that can be applied.
Voltage refers to the strength or pressure of the electric current. Imagine water flowing through a hose: low-frequency therapy is like letting water flow from a regular hose, while high-voltage therapy is like narrowing the nozzle to increase water pressure. Naturally, narrowing the hose opening increases the force of the water flow.
Similarly, high-voltage therapy increases the pressure of the electrical current, allowing it to reach deeper layers of tissue. Typically, higher voltage increases skin resistance, which can cause discomfort or pain. However, the high-voltage device we use at Pain Away—made by Ito Co., Ltd. (Japan)—minimizes discomfort by shortening the pulse width (the duration the current flows). This significantly reduces skin resistance and allows the current to reach deep into the tissue without causing pain.
3. Highly Effective for Pain Relief
High-voltage therapy is especially effective for relieving pain. It’s commonly used for:
• Acute lower back pain
• Sudden back strain (e.g., “throwing your back out”)
• Stiff neck (from sleeping in the wrong position)
• Sports injuries such as sprains
In sports settings, for example, when an athlete needs to continue playing despite a painful injury, high-voltage therapy can be used to relieve the pain quickly and effectively.
4. Still Rare in Thailand
Despite its effectiveness, high-voltage therapy is still not widely used in medical institutions in Thailand.
If you’re experiencing pain and haven’t found relief from conventional treatments, feel free to consult Pain Away Clinic.
