Electrotherapy

Dr. Muhammad Hassan

DPT, MSPT(neuro)*
Direct Current

Galvanic Current
Direct Current

 It is an electric current that flows in one

direction for about one second or longer.
 Monophasic, galvanic, unidirectional and
constant current
Parameters
 EMF 45 to 60V
 Amperage 120 mA Maximum
 Polarity both positive & negative
Effects of DIRECT current

 Thermal Effects
 Chemical effects
 Physical Effects
 Physiological Effects
Thermal Effect

 Human tissues are conductor to electrical

current flow
 Flow cause micro vibrations
 Dry skin offers more resistance to current
flow
 Joules Law heat is proportional to square
of current , the resistance and the time for
which current flow
 H= I2RT
Chemical Effects

 DC flows in one direction only

 Redistribution of sodium (Na+)& chloride (Cl-)
 Forms new compounds in the tissues under
electrodes
 Alkali (cathode )
 Acid (anode)
Physiological Effects

 Effect on Blood vessels

 Ketaphoretic Effects
 Anaphoretic Effects
 Anelectrotonus
 Katelectrotonus
 Iontophoretic effects
Effect on Blood Vessels

 Dc flow cause dilatation of blood vessels

 Increase blood flow
 Erythema
Ketaphoretic Effects
 Movement of fluid toward the cathode
 Increase osmotic pressure
 Causes more accumulation of fluid under
cathode
Anaphoretic Effects

 Fluid moves away from the anode

 Deficiency of fluid under the anode

Anelectrotonus
 Condition of diminished excitability and
conductivity of nerve in the region of anode
 More soothing then the cathode
Katelectrotonus

 Increase excitability and conductivity in the

region of cathode
 More irritable then anode

Iontophoretic effects
 Introduce ions of special drugs into the
tissues through the skin
Electrodes used in LFC

 Metal Electrodes
 Pad Electrodes
 Carbon-impregnated Rubber Electrodes
Cont…

1. Metal Electrodes:
 Tin, Steel, Aluminium, Zinc
 Flat Electrodes
 Disc or ball electrodes
Advantages:
 Easily available, cheaper,
longer lasting and can be
cut to desired size and
shape
Disadvantages:
 Not flexible, burn and can
be worn out
Cont…

2. Pad Electrodes:
 Sufficient thickness of
wet lint…16 layers
Advantages:
 Retain moisture, cheaper,
even flow of current, can
be disposable and
absorbs the chemicals
Disadvantages:
 Time consuming, Short
Circuit
Cont…

3. Carbon-impregnated
Rubber Electrodes:
 Rubber or Silicon is
coated with Carbon to
act as Conductor
 Re-usable
 Self adhesive
 Disposable
Methods of Application

Direct Application
a. Active Pad Electrode

b. Indifferent Electrode
Indirect or under water application

Monopolar bath
 Active electrode
placed on the body
 Indifferent electrode
placed in water
 Does not touch the
body
Bipolar Bath
 Both electrodes placed
in water
 Does not touch the
body
 Current flow from
water to body to water
General technique
Procedure
 Preparation of patient
 Have patient in an appropriate and comfortable
position
 Explain patient about treatment
 Exposed area to be treated
 Inspect skin, any cut
 Test skin sensation for pin prick
 Placed electrodes appropriately over the area to
be treated
 No metal of electrode is touching the patient
Preparation of the Equipment

 Select the apparatus that provide DC

 No current is leaking onto the casing
 Mark the poles (neg&posv)|
 Keep all controls at zero
 Connect wire and electrodes
Treatment

 Check are controls at zero

 Turn the switch ON
 Increase the intensity slowly
 Note the sensation reported by patient
 Set the treatment time
 At the end, turn the intensity slowly to zero
 Switch OFF the apparatus
 Removes terminals from apparatus
 Remove the electrodes
 Inspect the skin
Therapeutic Uses

1. Pain relief:
a. Anodal Galvanism
b. Cathodal Galvanism
2. Improved Circulation
3. Electrical Stimulation (Denervated
Muscles……2nd & 3rd Degree Nerve Injuries)
 ANODAL GALVANISM

 Anode is an active electrode

 Cathode is larger and act as indifferent
electrode
 Used for acute painful conditions
Effects:
 Acidic reaction
 Hardens the tissues and reduces nerve
irritability
 It is use for pain relief
 Cathodal galvanism

 Cathode is an active electrode

 Anode is indifferent electrode
 Used in chronic painful conditions
Effects:
 Basic or alkaline reaction
 Soften the tissues
 Increase nerve irritability
 It is used to soften the scar tissue
Contraindications

 Infections
 Open wounds
 Bony areas
 Sensory loss
 Unconscious patients
 Over malignant area