Hereunder an overview of all electrophysical agents in the different catagories.

Mechanical Agents

1. Ultrasound
2. Shockwave
3. Traction
4. Pressure 
5. Robotic mobilization

Electromagnetic Agents    

1. Radio Waves (500 KHz)
2. Shortwaves (27,12 MHz)
3. Microwaves (2450 MHz)
4. Infrared (1000 nm)
5. Laser (905 – 808 – 660 nm)
6. Ultraviolet (100 to 300/480 nm)
7. Magnetic Energy (HEIT, not a waveform)

Electrical Agents

1. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
2. Transcutaneuous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
3. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
4. Alternating Currents
5. Electrodiagnostics
6. Electrical Percutaneous applications

Thermal Agents

1. Heat applications
2. Cold applications

Chemical Agents

Not used therapeutically in physiotherapy and rehabilitation and hence not further description

Nuclear Agents

Not used therapeutically in physiotherapy and rehabilitation and hence not further description

What EPA for what indication?

The use of one EPA over the other depends on several factors, i.e.:

1. Treatment goal
2. Phase of the tissue healing process
3. Main tissue(s) of interest
4. Localization (depth) of the tissue and the area (size) to be treated
5. Physical characteristics of the EPA
6. Preferred method used (evidence based practice)

For instance, dense collagen based tissue like ligaments, tendons, fascia and joint capsule responds very well to ultrasound.
Wet, ionic, low impedance tissues like muscles and areas of edema, hematomas and effusion respond well to shortwave therapy.
And High Energy Inductive Therapy (HEIT) has a greater penetration depth than Laser Therapy.
For a full understanding of what EPA to use for what indication, please read the literature.

Suggested reading:

Alain Bélanger; Therapeutic Electrophysical Agents: Evidence Behind Practice; Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, third edition 2015

Tim Watson, Ethne Nussbaum; Electrophysical Agents: Evidence-based Practice; ‎Elsevier LTD, Oxford; 13. edition 2020

Enraf-Nonius makes excellent electrophysical agents devices for almost a century!

Enraf-Nonius is market leader in the world of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. We deliver products and services of the highest quality according to the most advanced techniques and make these products available world-wide via our comprehensive, international distributor’s network.

We look back on or history and fiery, we are looking to the future. For decades already, Enraf-Nonius is market leader in the world of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Supplying excellent products and optimal healthcare projects, worldwide, is what we do.

Our range of products comprises equipment for ultrasound, high-, low- and medium frequency therapy, EMG and laser therapy, infra-red radiators, as well as treatment tables, traction-, suspension-, exercise- and measurement equipment and thermotherapy units.

Enraf-Nonius has designed and manufactured these products and can boast of an extensive installed base in over 100 countries.

Today SONOPULS, ENDOMED, CURAPULS, MYOMED and MANUMED, are considered brand names and are known world-wide.

With this history and company experience, you can rely on the best electrophysical agents devices available. Enraf-Nonius means quality of and for life.

Enraf-Nonius is the

“Technology for healthcare”

company!