Electrotherapy is a treatment method that is based on the use of electrical energy. Electrotherapy refers to pathogenetic methods of therapy. Since it affects the mechanism of the development of the disease. When prescribing this treatment method, the general condition of the patient, the features of the development and course of the pathological process, and possible complications should be taken into account.
Electrotherapy methods include: galvanization, electrophoresis and electrical stimulation.
Galvanization is a method of treating with direct current of low voltage and low power. The source of constant voltage are special devices. The mechanism of action of galvanization is that under the action of a constant voltage, cations are sent to the cathode, and anions are sent to the anode. The movement of ions provokes irritation of nerve receptors and the occurrence of reflex reactions of local and general nature. Local reactions are manifested in the form of changes in acid-base balance, increased blood and lymph exchange of resorption processes. In the places where the current acts, bioactive compounds are formed: serotonin, acetylcholine, histamine. In this case, metabolic processes, secretion of digestive glands are activated. The use of this method gives a good result for neuralgia, neuritis, myositis, arthritis, tendonitis, sinusitis, aseptic mastitis. It is forbidden to prescribe galvanization for malignant tumors, acute and purulent processes, hemorrhagic diathesis.
Electrical stimulation is a treatment method using different pulse currents to change the functional state of muscle and nerve tissue. To do this, use alternating sinusoidal currents with a frequency of from 2 to 5 thousand Hz, modulated by low frequencies in the range of 10-150 Hz. This method activates blood circulation and metabolic processes in tissues, prevents the development of atrophy and contractures. Electrical stimulation is prescribed for paresis, paralysis, muscle atrophy. It is contraindicated in acute inflammatory and purulent processes.
Electrophoresis with calcium - injections of calcium solutions into the body through mucous membranes or intact skin. The introduction of the drug is due to galvanic current. Calcium ions penetrate the epidermis and are deposited in the upper layers of the dermis. Then they diffuse interstitium, the endothelium of the vessels of the microvasculature and lymphosusodes. As a result of electrophoresis, calcium ions penetrate to a depth of one and a half cm, a kind of depot is formed, from which the drug penetrates the cells gradually. Due to the formation of such a depot, the prolonged action of the drug is ensured (from three to 20 hours). Of course, the penetration depth and concentration of a substance depends on the duration of the procedure, current strength and physiological state of the skin.
The apparatus and methods of drug electrophoresis are practically no different from those used for galvanization, however, during electrophoresis, a ball of filter paper or gauze that is moistened with a solution of a medicinal substance is placed between the active electrode pad and the skin. The passive electrode gasket is impregnated with distilled water or 0.9% sodium chloride solution . Electrophoresis with calcium, i.e. cations (calcium, sodium, zinc, potassium, manganese, hydrogen), as well as antibiotics (except penicillin) are introduced from a positively charged electrode (cation), and anions from a negatively charged one. Distilled water, dimethyl sulfoxide or a 5 percent glucose solution is often used as a solvent for drugs.
Electrophoresis with calcium is effective in spasmophilia and tetany, paresis and paralysis, muscle dystrophy; iodine electrophoresis - with endemic goiter. Ions of medicinal substances, which are introduced by means of galvanic current, are deposited in the skin, as well as in the subcutaneous tissue, from which they are diffused and resorbed by the body for a long time. Electrophoresis with calcium is also quite effective for neuritis, neuralgia, myositis. It is also prescribed to stimulate the processes of resorption of exudate in subacute and chronic diseases. Electrophoresis with calcium chloride is contraindicated in cancer, hemorrhagic diathesis and purulent processes.
Thanks to electrophoresis, we can cover the surface with small particles, while ensuring the deep penetration of drugs into a variety of depressions and pores. Today, in modern orthopedics for a variety of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, doctors prescribe electrophoresis with calcium and phosphorus. During this procedure, calcium and phosphorus ions easily penetrate the epidermis and upper layers of the dermis. Here a peculiar depot of these macronutrients is formed. Due to this, the therapeutic effect has a prolonged effect.