INDIBA radiofrequency (RF) therapy has gained increasing prominence in the field of rehabilitation, particularly for sports injuries. Its ability to accelerate the healing process, alleviate pain, and improve functional recovery makes it a valuable tool in physiotherapy and manual therapy. Its ease of use facilitates integration into rehabilitation programs alongside other treatments, improving clinical outcomes.
Radiofrequency Therapy has been used around the world for decades. INDIBA Radiofrequency was founded in 1983 by José Calbet in Spain. His lifelong dedication to advancing medical radiofrequency technology led to 12 patents, 300+ published papers, earning INDIBA numerous international awards for innovation in healthcare and rehabilitation.
Mechanism of Action
INDIBA therapy works by generating controlled heat within body tissues and via electrical changes in cell membranes using radiofrequency waves. The system generates a closed electrical circuit between a handheld electrode and a return plate, at a precise and stable frequency of 448Hz, proven in hundreds of papers to be the optimal frequency for biostimulating tissues. Depending on the power levels the controlled heat promotes key physiological processes:
- Pain Relief: acts as an analgesic, reducing pain in acute and chronic conditions.
- Improved Blood Circulation and Tissue Oxygenation.
- Enhanced Tissue Metabolism
- Promotion of Natural Repair processes, reducing recovery time.
- Stem cell proliferation and differentiation: treatment with 448 kHz electric stimulus increases cartilage-specific collagen type II by 51% (Hernández-Bule et al).
Resulting in:
- Pain Relief: Heat acts as an analgesic, reducing pain in acute and chronic conditions.
- Improved Tissue Flexibility: INDIBA therapy promotes collagen elasticity, reducing stiffness and improving the flexibility of muscles and joints.
- Restoration of Muscle Strength and Function: Enhanced blood flow and tissue metabolism accelerate recovery, restoring muscle strength and function.
Applications in Physiotherapy
INDIBA therapy is particularly effective for treating various musculoskeletal conditions, including:
– Tendonitis: Reduces inflammation in overused tendons.
– Post Surgery or injury accelerated rehabilitation
– Muscle Strains and Ligament Sprains: Promotes quicker recovery of damaged tissues by improving blood flow and reducing swelling.
– Chronic Conditions: studies show that osteoarthritis and neuropathies respond well to INDIBA therapy. In osteoarthritis, it has shown a 66% pain reduction over a four-week treatment period, with a sustained reduction at three months post-treatment. The control group showed 8% improvement with exercise and advice alone (Kumaran and Watson 2018).
For chronic back pain, it can help in the ongoing management of symptoms by reducing pain, enabling strength work and improving posture and quality of life.
Optimal Frequency: 448 kHz
Research indicates that 448 kHz is the optimal frequency for therapeutic outcomes with RF therapy . This frequency allows for more effective energy transfer, making it ideal for treating both acute injuries and chronic conditions. Studies have also shown that 448kHz frequency can enhance stem cell therapy, increasing cartilage-specific collagen production, which is crucial for cartilage repair.
Use in Elite Sports
INDIBA therapy is widely used by elite athletes and sport teams to support recovery and performance, before or after training or matches. Physiotherapists in professional sports have credited INDIBA RF therapy with helping athletes like Rafa Nadal and Chris Froome recover faster and return to competition stronger. “At the Rafa Nadal Academy, we use Indiba in the immediate post-training and post-match treatment to improve muscle physiological recovery”, says Rafa Nadal, an INDIBA RF patient himself.
It is standard of care for many sport teams, including FC Barcelona, the Movistar and INEOS cycling Teams, Premiership clubs, the Weightlifting French Federation and more. In the UK, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Man Utd, West Ham, Derby County, Notts County and others use INDIBA radiofrequency daily as a key part of rehabilitation. “We have found INDIBA to be very good at helping reduce injury times for our players, helping them come back quicker and stronger” John Hartley, head Physiotherapist Derby County FC.
Hartley, along with other experts, will discuss how they treat their athletes with INDIBA and how they integrate it with physiotherapy treatments in a CPD day on the 7th May at the The Ashleigh Clinic in Leicester. Phyioupdate readers enjoy a special 50% discount on the ticket price with the promo code PhysioUpdate50 – information and booking HERE.
“Treatment with Indiba Technology is now an integral part of our work. It is not simply a preventive or curative treatment for injuries but we now consider it a real training tool because through the treatments we create the best conditions for our body to be able to express itself at its best in training and in competition”, says Evens Chebet, athlete of the Movistar cycling team.
Pelvic Health Applications
In addition to musculoskeletal rehabilitation, INDIBA therapy is effective in treating a variety of pelvic health conditions like chronic pelvic pain, incontinence, Prostatitis and Post-natal recovery. By reducing pain, swelling, and improving deep blood flow, as a proven non-invasive treatment option for these conditions, which can significantly impact quality of life.
Conclusion
INDIBA therapy is a powerful tool for physiotherapists, offering effective treatment for musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions. Its ability to reduce pain, improve tissue healing, and restore function has made it a trusted option for both everyday patients and elite athletes. The stable delivery of 448 kHz frequency ensures optimal therapeutic results, backed by extensive scientific research. As a result, INDIBA RF therapy is now widely integrated into rehabilitation practices, aiding recovery across a range of conditions and applications.
Testimonials:
“We have found Indiba to be very good at helping reduce injury times for our players, helping them come back quicker and stronger” John Hartly, head Physiotherapist Derby County FC
“Treatment with Indiba Technology is now an integral part of our work.It is not simply a preventative or curative treatment for injuries but we now consider it a real training tool because through the treatments we create the best conditions for our body to be able to express itself at its best in training and in competition” Evens Chebet, -Athlete, Movistar cycling team
“We use Indiba in the immediate post-training and post-match treatment to improve muscle physiological recovery” Rafa Nadal, Tennis player.
