Medicinal electrophoresis is a physiotherapeutic technique, which is based on the complex effect of electric current and individual pharmacological preparations.
When applying this technique, the positive biological effect of direct current is enhanced by the pharmacological effect of drugs, which is associated with their electrophoretic activity in an electromagnetic field.
To date, electrophoresis with lidase is quite often used. In this case, the solution of this substance dissociates into ions, which turn into charged hydrophilic complexes. If this solution is placed in an electric field, then the ions begin to move to opposite poles. If biological tissues are in their path, then electrically charged particles of the drug will penetrate into them and exert an appropriate therapeutic effect. In this case, the drug first penetrates the epidermis and dermis, and then into the interstitium and endothelium of the blood and lymph vessels.
Electrophoresis with lidase is often prescribed for the early formation of hypertrophic type scars. During this period, hyaluronic acid is actively synthesized by fibroblasts, therefore, to reduce defects on the skin, a specific enzyme, hyaluronidase (lidase), should be used.
It is worth noting that electrophoresis with lidase can be combined with collagenase, gamma interferon, as well as prednisone or dexamethasone, since corticosteroids inhibit the proliferation and synthesis of fibroblasts, block enzymes that are responsible for collagen synthesis, and reduce the permeability of vascular walls.
It must also be said that electrophoresis with lidase can be prescribed for lesions of the joints, when their stiffness, deformation, and also pain syndrome occur. It is to alleviate such symptoms that electrophoretic administration of lidase is used, which is alternated with a solution of novocaine, which makes it possible to alleviate the condition of patients after 5-6 sessions.
Electrophoresis with lidase is also used in gynecological practice. So, this physiotherapeutic procedure is performed for women with adhesions in the reproductive organs, as well as in infertility.
It must be remembered that any drug can develop an allergic reaction, therefore, before applying electrophoresis with lidase, an intradermal test for this drug must be performed.
How is the electrophoretic administration of drugs?
During electrophoresis, electrodes with gaskets are applied, which are made of
filter paper and pre-wetted in a solution of the drug. In this case, two electrodes are placed on the lower third of the lower leg, two more - on its upper third. The procedure should last 20 minutes and be performed at least 10 times. After three months, the course of treatment is repeated if necessary.
For those patients who cannot constantly visit the physiotherapy room, electrophoresis is performed at home.
We should also mention the method that is gaining ground in molecular biology - DNA electrophoresis. It is used in cloning, sequencing and quantification of deoxyribonucleic acid.