Diadynamic Current Therapy Flashcards
What is diadynamic used for
Pain relief ONLY
NOT muscle stimulation
Can Diadynamic stimulate muscle contractions ?
YES it can BUT it is NOT used for muscle stimulation
Another name for diadynamic current
Bernard current
What does the word diadynamic mean
Greek word meaning “through force”
What is DDC
Transcutaneous electrical stimulation current
Pulsed rectified alternating sinusoidal current AC
Monophasic current made of half-sine waveforms
What is meant by Rectified
Types of rectified sine waves
The process of changing an alternating current into a pulsating direct (unidirectional) current .
( AC ➡️ Pulsed DC)
Full rectification
Half rectification
The main electricity current has a carrier frequency of _____ Hz
50 or 60 Hz
(In Kuwait its 50 Hz)
Pulse duration for a 50 Hz AC current
10 msec
( 8.3 msec for 60 Hz AC current)
Describe sinusoidal current
Evenly alternating sine wave current of 50 Hz
Gives 100 pulses in each second for 10 msec
Unrectified
There are 5 DD current waveforms
What are they?
Fixed Diaphase (DF)
Fixed Monophase (MF)
Short Periods (CP)
Long Periods (LP)
Syncopal Rhythm (RS)
Fixed Diaphase DF
-Describe the current
-What is it used for
-Expected sensation
Full-wave rectified sinusoidal current
100 Hz
NO interpulse interval
Used for:
- pain with muscle spasm
- improving circulation
- introductory current
Expected sensation:
- light vibration (tickling)
- muscle contractions ONLY occur at HIGH intensities otherwise no contractions
Fixed Monophase MF
-Describe the current
-What is it used for
-Expected sensation
Half-wave rectified sinusoidal current
50 Hz
10 ms pulse interval
Used for:
- pain (without muscle spasm)
- improving circulation
Expected sensation:
- strong vibrations
- induces muscle contraction even at low intensities
Short Periods CP
-Describe the current
-What is it used for
-Expected sensation
MF and AF applied alternately for 1 sec each
( 1 sec MF of 50 Hz THEN 1 sec DF of 100 Hz)
Rapid alterations WITH NO interval pauses
Used for:
- pain
- improving circulation
- swelling (increased resorption)
Expected sensation:
- most aggressive current
Long Period (LP)
-Describe the current
-What is it used for
-Expected sensation
2 MF currents applied so that one MF occupies the pulse intervals of the second MF.
Second MF is SURGED (alternating amplitude)
Used for:
- pain (LONG LASTING pain relief ex: for neuralgia)
- improving circulation
- swelling (increased resorption)
Expected sensation:
- less aggressive than CP
Synocopal Rhythm RS
-Describe the current
-What is it used for
MF for a fixed duration followed by equal duration of rest
Used for:
- pain relief
- improving circulation
Why should direct current (DC/DF) always be applied for 2 minutes before any other DD current ?
Application of low-amplitude DC will decrease the trans-membrane nerve potential , this will minimize the current amplitude associated with the subsequent delivery of either DD current
Cycle duration CD and inter cycle duration ICD
In Kuwait = power frequency is 50 Hz
CD = ICD = 10 msec
Physiological and therapeutic effects of DD currents
- Pain relief also due to:
- depolarization of sensory/motor nerve fibers
- gate theory
- improve circulation through pumping muscle action that removes irritant waste - Improve circulation due to:
- release of histamine-like substance = vasodilation
- altering autonomic activity = vasodilation - Decrease inflammation and swelling:
- increased local circulation
- change of cell membrane permeability - Muscle re-education
- stimulation of motor nerves BUT IS NOT USED FOR MUSCLE STRENGTHENING
Indications for DD current
Soft tissue injury
Treating pain (especially in small joints)
Peripheral nerve disorders (neuralgia)
Myalgia
Edema
Circulatory disorders
General contraindications (Hint: 8)
Impaired mentation (risk of epilepsy)
Pacemakers / defibrillators (risk of interference)
Thoracic region (affects heart function)
Anterior cervical region (stimulates vagus/phrenic nerves + carotid sinuses = hypotension + laryngeal spasm)
Cranial area (affects brain function)
Venous thrombosis (risk of embolism)
Superficial metal implants (overheating)
Malignant areas (metastasis)
Local contraindications (hint: 4)
Impaired sensation (severe pain)
Abdominal, pelvic, lumbar areas of pregnant or menstruating woman ( induces labor / induces hemorrhage)
Damaged skin ( severe pain)
Hemorrhagic areas (enhances bleeding)
Electrode placement
How long should DC or DF be applied at the beginning of every session as an introductory current
2 minutes
All DD amplitudes (intensities) set between what
The threshold of PERCEPTION and the threshold of PAIN
Why is there an option to reverse current polarity during treatment .
Example : From (+, -) to (-, +)
To treat the opposite side
(Example: medial and lateral right knee pain. Instead of swapping the cathode with the anode just change the polarity)
Treatment time for DDC
Number of sessions
10-12 minutes
6 or 8 treatment sessions (every other day OR twice/week)
Case examples :
Medial knee pain
- DF for 2 minutes
- MF for 8 minutes
Case examples:
Medial knee pain and swelling
- DF for 2 minutes
- MF for 3 minutes
- CP/LP for 5 minutes
Case examples:
Medial AND lateral knee pain
Divide the 12 minutes ( 6 minutes medial + 6 minutes lateral)
6 minutes medial (- , +)
1. DF for 2 minutes
2. MF for 4 minutes
Switch polarity
6 minutes lateral (+ , -)
1. DF for 2 minutes
2. MF for 4 minutes
How many channels can be used
1 - 2
Target nerve for DDC
C fibers
Case examples :
Pain and swelling for both medial and lateral knee
Divide the 12 minutes ( 6 minutes medial + 6 minutes lateral)
6 minutes medial (- , +)
1. DF for 2 minutes
2. CP for 4 minutes
Switch polarity
6 minutes lateral (+ , -)
1. DF for 2 minutes
2. CP for 4 minutes
