Currently, various methods are used in the treatment of various diseases. If earlier medicine was more based on drug therapy, now physiotherapeutic procedures are often prescribed. They help to cope with the disease faster. You need to know that physiotherapy includes many methods, one of which we will get to know in more detail. Consider what drug electrophoresis is, with what pathologies it is indicated and whether it has contraindications.
The essence of the treatment method
Electrophoresis refers to physiotherapeutic procedures. During the session, the patient's body is exposed to electrical impulses in order to obtain a stable therapeutic effect.
Electrophoresis is also used to administer medications through the skin and mucous membranes. We can say that this method is complex, since there is a simultaneous effect of the current and the drug. Which drug to choose for the procedure, what are the percentage and polarity of administration, is determined only by the attending physician, taking into account the patient's condition and the severity of the disease.
The essence of electrophoresis is that the drugs enter the tissues in the form of charged particles through the intercellular spaces, the ducts of the sweat and sebaceous glands. As a result of exposure to electric current, the effectiveness of the drugs increases significantly, as there is an increase in tissue sensitivity.
All medicines are introduced taking into account their polarity, if these are cations, then they are introduced from the anode, and anions from the cathode. Distilled water is considered the best solvent, but alcohol or Dimexide is used for sparingly soluble compounds.
Drug Electrophoresis
The mechanism of action of this procedure is that the drug in the form of ions enters the patient’s body through the pores and ducts of the sebaceous and sweat glands. Cations and anions linger on the skin under the electrode, and then gradually penetrate the blood and lymph. Due to such a gradual flow, the effect of the drug on the body is long, which is one of the advantages of this method of therapy.
Electrophoresis is carried out using various devices, one of which is the “Stream”. This device has been used in medicine for a long time, it is time-tested and reliable. It is possible to adjust the current during the procedure , as well as set the time. Currently produced modern analogues of the device, which have digital indicators.
To obtain a therapeutic effect, it is not necessary to place the electrodes on a diseased organ or to administer large doses of drugs. Through physiotherapy, calcium, magnesium, iodine ions are introduced to increase the reflex effect on the affected tissue.
Electrophoresis Techniques
To increase the effectiveness of this procedure, methods of drug electrophoresis are constantly being developed and improved. Currently using the following:
- Prolonged galvanization. Apply an electric current of low strength, but the exposure time is long. The Krona battery is a source of current. The course of medical procedures is usually 20-30 sessions. Electrophoresis calms well, has an analgesic effect.
- Labile galvanization. One electrode is fixed motionless during the procedure, and the second is in motion and moves at a speed of 3-5 cm per second over the skin surface. To eliminate current fluctuations, a stabilizing device is introduced into the apparatus. The procedure increases metabolism well, improves blood supply to organs and tissues, and neuromuscular conduction.
- Interstitial electrophoresis. Carrying out the procedure of drug electrophoresis according to this technique is reduced to the introduction of a drug or mixture of substances through a cannula subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The medicine can be administered in a jet or drip. Electrodes are placed across the lesion to increase the concentration of the drug. If the medicine is injected in a jet, then the current is turned on at the same time, and in the case of drip, after administration.
In neurological practice, electrophoresis is used for many diseases of the nervous system. Apply the following methods:
1. Vacuum electrophoresis. A special apparatus EVAK-1 is used, which has a vacuum pump and cuvettes. During the procedure, cuvettes are applied to the skin or mucous membrane, and the pad is impregnated with the drug. After the discharged pressure is created, the skin rises and is in close contact with the drug. The duration of the procedure is only 5-10 minutes, it is necessary to make such 5-10 minutes per course, depending on the condition of the patient and the severity of his illness. This electrophoresis method allows you to enter a larger amount of medicine and much deeper.
2. Microelectrophoresis. For the procedure, a cotton insert is used, into which a wick is inserted, impregnated with the drug. An electrode is placed on top to create contact between the metal tip and the cotton. The use of drug electrophoresis according to this technique is often used for hypertension, sleep disorders, pathologies of the nervous system.
3. Electrophonophoresis is a combination of ultrasound and electrophoresis. There is a special device, which consists of an alternating current source that has a therapeutic effect, an ultrasound transducer, a stabilized current source, an electric nozzle and an electrode. During the procedure, the electrode is fixed on the skin, the electric nozzle is filled with the drug, mounted on an ultrasonic sensor and connected to the other pole of the current source. The current strength builds up gradually, and then the ultrasound is already turned on. Procedures are done daily, every other day, for 10-15 minutes.
The methods of electrophoresis of the drug are different, but which doctor to use decides which ones to use.
Electrophoresis Methods
In addition to various techniques, there are ways to use this procedure:
- Bathtub. The essence lies in the fact that in a special container with integrated electrodes is placed a medicinal solution and immersed part of the patient's body.
- Interstitial. The drug is administered intravenously or orally, and electrodes are applied to the affected area.
- The cavity method is used for diseases of the rectum or vagina. A medicine is introduced inside and an electrode is supplied, and a second electrode is attached to the outside of the body.
If drug electrophoresis is prescribed, the algorithm of the conduct is important to know, but it must also be taken into account that various factors can affect the absorption of the drug:
- The place of impact of the procedure.
- The age of the patient.
- Duration of electrophoresis.
- Dosage and concentration of the drug.
- The strength of the electric current.
- The charge of ions and their size.
- Individual characteristics of the patient.
All this must be taken into account and adjusted in each case individually.
What are the advantages of electrophoresis
There are many physiotherapeutic procedures, and each has its pros and cons. The advantages of drug electrophoresis are as follows:
- During the procedure, a small amount of the drug is administered.
- Substances accumulate, which means that the procedure has a prolonged effect.
- Medicines are administered in the most accessible form, in the form of ions.
- A high local concentration is created without saturation of blood and lymph.
- You can enter medicinal substances in places of pathology, which is especially important in case of microcirculation disturbance.
- The procedure is absolutely painless.
- Side effects are very rare.
- Medicines do not enter the digestive tract, which means they are not destroyed.
- The drug substance is injected through the integument, therefore, special sterilization is not required.
Thus, we can say that this method of physiotherapy is not only effective, but also safe. But before doing drug electrophoresis, indications and contraindications should be studied.
In what cases is electrophoresis prescribed
This physiotherapeutic procedure is prescribed quite often in the complex treatment of many neurological, gynecological, surgical diseases. Not without electrophoresis pediatrics and dentistry. Here is a list of some pathologies that are successfully treated with this procedure:
- Diseases of the respiratory system, starting with ordinary bronchitis and ending with bronchial asthma and pneumonia.
- Diseases of the ear, nose and throat.
- They respond well to the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastritis, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer.
- Electrophoresis is used in the complex therapy of pathologies of the cardiovascular system. This may include hypertension, hypotension, angina pectoris, atrial fibrillation, etc.
- Diseases of the genitourinary system.
- Pathologies of the nervous system are almost complete without this method of treatment. Migraines, neurosises, radiculitis, intervertebral hernias, etc. are perfectly treated.
- The musculoskeletal system also responds well to electrophoresis. This procedure is often prescribed after fractures, with osteochondrosis, arthrosis, arthritis.
- Diseases of the endocrine system.
- Skin diseases.
- In the field of dentistry, electrophoresis is also not uncommon, for example, with stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontitis.
As can be seen from the list, drug electrophoresis indications are quite extensive.
Contraindications to the procedure
There is no such treatment or procedure that would be authorized by absolutely everyone. We have already examined the indications of drug electrophoresis. And there are contraindications to this method of therapy. These include:
- Benign and malignant neoplasms anywhere in the body.
- The presence of heart failure.
- The presence of a pacemaker.
- Any inflammatory process in the body is in the acute stage.
- High body temperature.
- Severe form of bronchial asthma.
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Skin diseases, such as eczema or dermatitis.
- Violation of the sensitivity of the skin.
- The presence of mechanical damage at the site of application of medicinal pads.
- Intolerance to electric current.
- Allergy to a drug.
- If electrodes are supposed to be applied to the uterus and ovaries, then menstruation is a contraindication.
In any case, even if you think that you have no contraindications to the procedure, conducting electrophoresis is possible only after consulting a doctor. All nuances must be taken into account.
Therapeutic effects of electrophoresis
If medicinal electrophoresis is prescribed, the methodology, in principle, will bring any great benefit, since the procedure produces the following therapeutic effect:
- Reduces the intensity of inflammatory processes.
- It has a decongestant effect.
- Relieves pain.
- Eliminates spasm of muscle fibers.
- It has a calming effect on the nervous system.
- Accelerates tissue regeneration.
- Activates the human immune system.
At the time of the procedure, the effect also depends on the dominant electrode. If it is a cathode, then:
- There is an expansion of blood and lymph vessels.
- Relaxation.
- Metabolism is normalized.
- The work of the endocrine glands is stabilized.
- The production of biologically active substances is stimulated.
The positive electrode - the anode - has the following effects:
- Helps to remove excess fluid from the body.
- Anesthetizes.
- It removes inflammation.
There is no doubt that this procedure is useful, but the main thing is that all contraindications are taken into account, otherwise it can lead to undesirable consequences.
Side effects of electrophoresis
If the procedure is prescribed by a doctor taking into account the patient's condition and his disease, then drug electrophoresis gives undesirable effects quite rarely. Most often, these are allergic reactions to the drug, which can be manifested by burning, redness, rash and swelling. After the procedure, all symptoms quickly disappear.
Some patients, after several sessions, note an increase in soreness, a slight increase in body temperature. Usually, by the end of the course of therapy, all sensations pass without medical intervention.
Stages of the procedure
If a drug electrophoresis procedure is prescribed, the algorithm should be as follows:
- A nurse or doctor must check the condition of the device before the procedure.
- See the doctor’s appointment on the patient’s card.
- Explain in detail, especially if a person is doing electrophoresis for the first time, what sensations can be.
- Help the patient to take a comfortable position.
- Verify the integrity of the skin at the site of application of the pad.
- Prepare gaskets appropriate to the place of application, soak them in warm water.
- Apply them to the patient’s body.
- A lead plate is placed on top, which will be connected by a wire to the device.
- To calculate the current strength for the procedure.
- Check that the current intensity control is in the leftmost position.
- Connect the device to the network.
- Set the shunt switch to “5” if the patient is a child or the procedure is done on the head, and “50” for adult patients and other parts of the body.
- Gradually increase the current strength to the required value.
- If the patient tolerates the procedure well, then it can be covered, but warned that in case of any unpleasant sensations he should inform the nurse.
- Observe the time of electrophoresis.
- After completion, set the current regulator to position “0”.
- Unplug the device.
- Remove electrodes from the patient’s body and examine the skin for redness and irritation.
- Remind the patient when he should come to the next procedure.
This naming algorithm should be known to any nurse.
Any physiotherapeutic procedures will provide significant assistance in complex therapy, but only when they are prescribed taking into account the pathology and individual characteristics of the patient, as well as performed by a qualified, competent specialist. Do not neglect electrophoresis, this procedure will help to cope with the disease faster.