General Guideline Principles for Electrical Therapies
for workers compensation patients

The New York State workers compensation board has developed these guidelines to help physicians, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals provide appropriate treatment for Electrical Therapies.

These Workers Compensation Board guidelines are intended to assist healthcare professionals in making decisions regarding the appropriate level of care for their patients with ankle and foot disorders.

The guidelines are not a substitute for clinical judgement or professional experience. The ultimate decision regarding care must be made by the patient in consultation with his or her healthcare provider.

Electrical Therapies of Therapeutic Procedures

Interferential Therapy

Interferential Therapy is not recommended – for the treatment of back disorders include non-acute radicular pain syndromes and acute or chronic back pain.

1. Transcutaneous Electrical Neurostimulation (TENS)

   Treatment with Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation (TENS) should involve at least one tutorial on how to use it correctly.

2. Transcutaneous Electrical Neurostimulation (TENS)

   Transcutaneous Electrical Neurostimulation (TENS) is recommended as a second-line adjuvant to various first-line medications, for the treatment of acute pain or chronic radicular pain syndrome.

   Indication: Muscle spasm, atrophy, and the management of comorbid pain in an office setting. The pulse rate, pulse width, and amplitude modulation should be the bare minimum TENS unit specifications.

   Before the deployment of a home unit, consistent, demonstrable functional progress must be demonstrated and the probability of chronicity must be assessed. TENS Active physical therapy should be used with the treatment.

   Frequency: Variable, with an ideal duration of three sessions and immediate effect.

3. Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS)

   Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) is not recommended.

4. Microcurrent Electrical Stimulation

   Microcurrent Electrical Stimulation is not recommended.

5. Electrical Nerve Block

   Electrical Nerve Block is not recommended.

6. Electrical Stimulation (Physician or Therapist Applied)

   Electrical Stimulation (Physician or Therapist Applied) is not recommended.

   Frequency: Up to two months to two-to-three weeks.

7. Electrical Stimulation (Physician or Therapist Applied)

   Electrical Stimulation (Physician or Therapist Applied) is not recommended.

8. Transcutaneous Neurostimulator (TCNS)

   Transcutaneous Neurostimulator (TCNS) is not recommended.

9. Wave Stimulation

   Wave Stimulation is not recommended.

10. High-Voltage Galvanic

    High-Voltage Galvanic is not recommended.

11. Iontophoresis

    Iontophoresis is not recommended.

What our office can do if you have workers compensation Electrical Therapies

We have the experience to help you with their workers compensation injuries. We understand what you are going through and will meet your medical needs and follow the guidelines set by the New York State Workers Compensation Board.

We understand the importance of your workers compensation cases. Let us help you navigate through the maze of dealing with the workers compensation insurance company and your employer.

We understand that this is a stressful time for you and your family. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us so we will do everything we can to make it as easy on you as possible.