Electrotherapy Flashcards
What is the DEFINITION of Electrotherapy?
- Use of Electrical Current for Therapy
What is the CLASSIFICATION of Electrotherapy?
1) According to DIRECTION
- AC / Biphasic Current
- DC / Monophasic Current
2) According to FREQUENCY
- LOW Frequency = Up to 1,000Hz
- MEDIUM Frequency = 1,000- 100,000Hz
- HIGH Frequency = OVER 100,000Hz
WHAT EFFECT does LOW / MEDIUM Frequency pose?
- Pain-Relieving Effect
- Trophic Effect
- Electrostimulation of Muscles
WHAT EFFECT does HIGH Frequency pose?
- Anti-Inflammatory Effect
What is GALVANIC CURRENT, and it’s PROPERTIES?
- CONSTANT Current, meaning it DOES NTO change it’s Intensity / Direction
PROPERTIES of GC
- Direct Current
- Unidirectional
- Same Therapeutic Effects as LOW-Frequency Current, EXCEPT has NO Frequency
What are the Components of GALVANIC CURRENT Electrodes?
- GENERATOR of Electricity
- Control Panel
- Cables LINKING Generator w/ Electricity
- Electrodes
- Hydrophilic Pads = TO PREVENT Chemical Burns
What happens when GALVANIC CURRENT Electrodes are placed into the body?
There’s 3 ZONES:
1) POLAR Zone
- BELOW the electrodes aka IN THE SKIN
- Where ions REACH the electrodes / gives away charge
- CONVERT from ELECTRICALLY active to CHEMICALLY active = causing CHEMICAL BURNS
- Hence HYDROPHILIC PADS are placed to PREVENT THIS!
2) PERI-POLAR Zone
- SPECIFIC Rxn takes place
- Change in EXCITABILITY of Tissues
- Hence ANODE is placed = TO INDUCE INHIBITORY Effects
- **CATHODE = For STIMULATORY Effects
3) NON-SPECIFIC Reactions = Such as Hyperaemia
What’s the DOSAGE for Electrotherapy?
- DEPENDS on the Patient’s SUBJECTIVE Feeling
- IF they feel tickling, but NO burning / pain
- FIRST APPLY on a HEALTHY Area, THEN onto the TARGET
- Units = mA/cm’2
What are the METHODS of APPLICATION for GALVANIC CURRENT?
1) LOCAL Method = On SPECIFIC Target
2) REFLEX Method
- SCHTERBACH’S COLLAR = 2 HUGE Electrodes for Migraines / Insomnia
- SCHTERBACH’S BELT = Placed on waist, for Infertility / Pelvic Pain
3) HYDROGALVANIC Band
- Mix of Hydrotherapy + Electrotherapy
- FOR = Degenerative Bone Diseases
4) 4-CHAMBER BED
- For Hands / Feet = In RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
What are the EFFECTS of GC / LOW-Frequency Current?
- Muscle Membrane Contraction
- Different Sensations on Skin = Tickling / Burning / Pain
What are the INDICATIONS / CONTRAINDICATIONS of GC / LOW-Frequency Current?
INDICATIONS
- Pain Relief
- Electrostimulation of MM
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Malignancy
- Pacemaker
- Metal Implants
- Purulent Inflammation / Fever
- Pregnancy
What is Iontophoresis?
Give examples of Drugs Used
- Delivery of drugs with the help of GC / Other form of DC
- Lidocaine = Local Anaesthetic
- Nivalin = Improves Neuroconductivity / Peripheral Nerve Damage
What are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Iontophoresis?
ADVANTAGES
- Local Effects
- Simultaneously treat w/ GC
- Has PROLONGED Effect
- NO Risk of Infections / Side Effects
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Same as for GC
- Drug Allergies
What is the Frequency Used for Low-Frequency Pulsed Current?
- Frequency Upto 8,000Hz
What are the 2 Types Of Low-Frequency Pulsed Currents?
1) Electrostimulation of Muscles
2) Pain Relief = aka TENS (Transcutaneous Electro Nerve Stimulation) Therapy
What are the INDICATIONS for Electrostimulation of Muscles using LPF?
- Hypotrophic MM = AFTER Periods of Immobility
- Osteoarthritis
- Scoliosis
- Post-Stroke Px = STIMULATE the Wrist + Finger Extensors
- Hemiplegia - Paralysis
- Accidents
IN Electrical Stimulation, what are the CORRESPONDING PARAMETERS?
- 1) PHYSICAL Parameter = Muscle Properties
- 2) CURRENT INTENSITY = Rheobase
- 3) Duration of PULSE = Chronaxie
- 4) Duration of PAUSE = Refractory Period
- 5) WAVEFORM = ACCOMODATION Properties of the MM
- 6) FREQUENCY = Functional Mobility
What are the PARAMETERS of Current for Muscles with PRESERVED Innervation?
- Duration of Phase = *1ms**
- Shape of Pulse = Rectangular / Triangular
- Frequency = Relatively HIGH; 30-150Hz
What are the PARAMETERS of Current for Muscles with PERIPHERAL Nerve Damage?
- Duration of Phase = 100-200-300ms
- Shape of Pulse = Slowly Rising
- Frequency = Very LOW ; 0.25-0.5Hz
What are the INDICATIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS for TEN Therapy with LPF?
INDICATIONS
- Pain Syndromes
- Osteoarthritis
- Trauma
CONTRAINDICATIONS = SAME as GALVANIC CURRENT
- Malignancy
- Pacemaker
- Metal Implants
- Purulent Inflammation / Fever
- Pregnancy
What is an example of LOW-Frequency Currents?
- DIADYNAMIC Currents = A Rectified alternating current
What are the Types of DIADYNAMIC Currents?
1) DEPHASE Fixed (DF) = 100Hz
2) MONOPHASE Fixed (MF) = 50Hz
3) COURTE PERIOD = SHORT Period w/ RAPID alternation BTW 50 - 100Hz
4) LONG PERIOD=LONG Period w/ SLOW alternation BTW 6 sec of MF and 10 sec of DF
5) RS = SYNCOPAL Rhythm ; 1 sec MF - followed by a pause of 50Hz
WHICH Diadynamic Currents have ANALGESIC and TROPHIC Effects?
- Dephase Fixed (DF)
- Monophase Fixed (MF)
- Courte Period (CP)
WHICH Diadynamic Current has a SYMPATHETIC Effect?
DEPHASE Fixed
- Treatment for Raynauds of the Sympathetic Ganglion
WHICH Diadynamic Current gives ELECTROSTIMULATION of MM w/ PRESERVED Innervation?
RS
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS of DIADYNAMIC Currents?
CONTRAINDICATIONS = SAME as GALVANIC CURRENT
- Malignancy
- Pacemaker
- Metal Implants
- Purulent Inflammation / Fever
- Pregnancy
What are the 3 METHODS of APPLICIATION for DIADYNAMIC Currents?
- LOCAL Application
- SEGMENTAL
- Used for DIADYNAMOPHORESIS
What are the ADVANTAGES of MEDIUM-Frequency Currents, in comparison TO LFC?
- They’re LESS IRRITATING to Skin Receptors
- They have INCREASED Penetration
What is an example of MEDIUM-Frequency Currents?
INTEREFERENTIAL Currents
What are INTERFERENTIAL Currents?
- A form of MFC
- Has 2 INDEPENDENT Pairs of Electrodes
- Has 2 SEPARATE Electrical Circuits = 4000Hz & 3900 - 3999Hz
What are the THERAPEUTIC Effects of the DIFFERENT Frequencies of MFC?
- 90 -100Hz = Analgesic for Pain Syndromes
- 50 -100Hz = TROPHIC for Bone Healing, POST-Fracture
- 30 - 50Hz = TETANIC Contraction for ES of MM w/ PRESERVED Innervation
- 90 -100Hz = Analgesic for Urinary Incontinence
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS of Interferential Currents (MFC)?
- Everything EXCEPT for METAL IMPLANTS
- Phlebothrombosis
What is ULTRASOUND?
- Form of HIGH-Frequency Current
- An INAUDIBLE MECHANICAL Wave that’s MORE than»_space; 20, 000Hz
- Physiotherapy = 1MHz - 3MHz
What are the THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS of ULTRASOUND**?
- Trophic Effect
- Analgesics
- Softens CT = Joint Stiffness / MM Spasm / Improves extensibility of collagen fibres
- THIXOTROPIC Effect = For Disc Herniation
What are the COMPONENTS of US?
- Generator of HIGH-Frequency Current, giving a PIEZOELECTRIC EFFECT (transforms Electrical E TO Mechanical E)
- Coupling Medium = Form of a GEL
What are the INDICATIONS for US?
- Vertebrogenic Disorders = Disc Herniation / Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Musculoskeletal Disorders / MM Spasm
- Degenerative Joint Disease / Joint Stiffness
- Skin Diseases
- Neurological Disorders
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS for US?
CONTRAINDICATIONS = Same as LFC
- Malignancy
- Pacemaker
- Metal Implants
- Purulent Inflammation / Fever
- Pregnancy
- Epiphysis of Growing Bones
What is PHONOPHORESIS& what drugs are used?
Drug Delivery in the form of gel done trans-dermally using ULTRASOUND
- NSAIDs
- Corticosteroids
- Fibrinolytics
- Local Anaesthetics
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS of PHONOPHORESIS
CONTRAINDICATIONS = Same as US / LFC
- Malignancy
- Pacemaker
- Metal Implants
- Purulent Inflammation / Fever
- Pregnancy
- Drug Allergy
What are examples of HIGH-Frequency Currents?
- D’Arsonval
- UHFC = Ultra-High Frequency Current
- Microwaves
What are the PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS of D’ARSONVAL?
- HIGH Frequency = 200 - 300KHz
- LONG Wavelength = 1000 - 2000m
- Has fading oscillations = hence has WEAKER anti-inflammatory effect / produces LESS endogenous heat
What are the METHODS of APPLICATION for D’ARSONVAL?
- WHOLE Body = For Hypertension / Insomnia
- LOCALLY = Either with contact / slight distance
What are the THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS of D’ARSONVAL?
- MILD Inflammatory effect
- Pain relief
- Bactericidal
- Anti-itching effect
- Improves tone of BV wall
- Trophic effect
What are the CLINICAL APPLICATIONS of D’ARSONVAL?
- Wounds
- Puritis
- Varicose Veins
- Haemorrhoids
- Neuralgia
- Reticulitis
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS of D’ARSONVAL?
CONTRAINDICATIONS = Same as LFC
- Malignancy
- Pacemaker
- Metal Implants
- Purulent Inflammation / Fever
- Pregnancy
What are the PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS of ULTRA-HIGH Frequency Current?
- MORE THAN»_space; 27 MHz
- SHORT Wavelength = 11m
What are the METHODS Of APPLICATION for UHFC?
1) CAPACITATIVE = Treating w/ electrical field
- APPLICATORS = Pad Electrodes (Rubber) + Air-Space Plates
- Heat up tissues with HIGH Resistance + LOW Blood Supply (Skin, Bones + Fat)
2) INDUCTIVE = Treating w/ magnetic field
- APPLICATORS = Drum Electrodes + Cables (Monophasic)
- Heat up tissues with LOW Resistance, reaching blood (MM + Internal Organs)
What are the CLINICAL APPLICATIONS of UHFC?
- ENT Inflammatory Disorders
- Surgical Inflammatory Disorders = Carbuncle / Furuncle
- Skeletal Disorders = Osteoarthritis / RA
- Synovitis of Joints
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS of UHFC?
CONTRAINDICATIONS = Same as LFC
- Malignancy
- Pacemaker
- Metal Implants
- Purulent Inflammation / Fever
- Pregnancy
What are the 2 TYPES of MICROWAVES?
1) DECIMETER WAVES
- Frequency = 433 MHz
- Wavelength= 69cm
2) CENTIMETER WAVES = For more localised diseases
- Frequency = 24 - 50 MHz
- Wavelength= 12.2cm
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS of Microwaves?
CONTRAINDICATIONS = Same as LFC
- Malignancy
- Pacemaker
- Metal Implants
- Purulent Inflammation / Fever
- Pregnancy
- Ovaries / Testes
- Epiphysis of Growing Children
What are the Types of THERMAL SENSATION when applying HFC?
- 1) ATHERMAL = NO Sensation
- 2) OLIGOTHERAML = MILD Sensation
- 3) THERMAL = MODERATE Sensation
- 4) HYPERTHERMAL = Unpleasant Vigorous Heating of Tissues
What are the ADVANTAGES of EXOGENOUS Heat OVER»_space; Endogenous?
- Has DEPTH effect
- Has LONGER-LASTING effect, since it DOES NOT stop, after the procedure has ended
- DOES NOT OVERLOAD the Thermoregulatory Mechanisms of the body
HOW does ENDOGENOUS Heat create an ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Effect?
- DIRECT BACTERICIDAL Effect
- ACTIVATION of the *RETICULOENDOTHELIAL** System
- SPEEDS UP RESORPTION of Oedema
What are the TYPES of MAGNETIC FIELD?
- Constant
- Alternating = Sinusoidal / Pulsed
What are the THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS of Magnetic Field
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Trophic Effect
- Good for BVs / Improves blood rheology
What are the CLINICAL APPLICATIONS of Magnetic Field?
- ENT Disorders = Tonsillitis / Otitis
- Neurological Disorders
- Gynaecological Diseases
- Respiratory Diseases = Asthma / Pneumonia
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Inflammatory Disorders
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS of Magnetic Field?
- Same as INTEFERENTIAL = Everything EXCEPT for METAL IMPLANTS
- Phlebothrombosis
