Rebox electrotherapy

Rebox electrotherapeutic method is based on non-invasive transcutaneous application of specific

electric currents to a living tissue. Main indications for using the Rebox therapy include treatment of acute

and chronic pain, musculoskeletal and neurological disorders and oedema.

Method description

Rebox electrotherapeutic rehabilitation has been clinically used in human and animal medicine since 1985.

It was invented and patented by Ing. Petr Slovak, Ph.D., a lecturer at Czech Technical University in

Prague, CZ. The name Rebox is derived from the "Rehabilitation Box".

Rebox method is different from classic Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulations (TENS) in many basic

characteristics. Specific impulses (frequency 2–4 kHz, pulse width 100-300 μs) of weak electric currents

(100-200 μA) are introduced transcutaneously to the affected region with a touch of a small non-

invasive treatment electrode (cathode) while the patient holds a second reference electrode (anode) in

a hand to complete electric circuit. The treatment electrode (active surface 1,5 mm2) is applied for 2–3

seconds in one spot, then proceeding approx. 1,5 cm to another point. About 20 points are treated per one

session. Frequency of treatment sessions is individual for each patient.

Attraction of extracellular and intracellular positive ions (Na+, Ca2+, K+, H+) to the treatment electrode

(cathode) leads to local changes in tissue microenvironment resulting in positive treatment effects.

Indications

Rebox electrotherapy is used by physiotherapists, rehabilitation providers, general practitioners,

orthopedists, algesiologists, neurologists and sport-medicine providers. The devices are also used by

patients themselves in homecare treatment. The most frequent applications include back

pain, epicondylitis, sprained ankle, torticollis, knee ligament damage and other.

Acute and chronic pain

One of the main causes of pain is local acidosis due to inflammation and ischemic processes. Rebox is

effective in immediate pain relief by correction of local acidosis (phenomena calledTranscutaneous

Correction of Local Acidosis - TCLA)

Immobility and hypertonia

Local changes in calcium ions (Ca2+) concentrations cause myorelaxation (decrease of

muscular hypertonia and spasm) and significant improvement in range of motion.

Oedema

Rebox currents improve circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid (mainly due to Na+ movement) leading to

antioedematous effect in affected area.

Neurological disorders

Rebox therapy is experimentally used in rehabilitation of after-stroke conditions and other neurological

disorders.

Healing processes

The method facilitates healing processes, this effect is mostly visible in wounds after surgery.

Diagnostic value

Tissue electric microcharacteristics can be visualized by the Rebox devices. The physiological curve differs

from pathological situations and is specific for variety of disorders. This diagnostic value is helpful for

monitoring of effectiveness and progress of treatment.