Electrotherapy Flashcards
What factor influences the area of the spine treated?
Angle of pull Lumbar in flex, neutral or ext Cervical in neutral up to 25 degree
Intermittent vs. static traction
Static: initial/acute phase Intermittent: jt distraction, decrease m. spasm, disc protrusion, stretch soft tissue. The chouce btwn the two is also based on pt tolerance. static may be used throughout whole tx.
Direct current (electrotherapy)
Current flows in one direction. Electrode are either + or - amd maintain polarity. Used for iontophoresis Hi-volt HV HVDC PDC
Alternating Current (electrotherapy)
Flow is continued in 2 directions. Moves in cycles and rhythmically changes directions Used for pain and m. strengthening
Pulsed Current (electrotherapy)
Alternating current that flows in either one or two directions with intervals no no electrical activity. Used for pain and m. strengthening
Anode
Positive electrode that attracts negatively charged ions and repels positively charged ions
Cathode
Negative electrode that attracts positivley charged ions and repels negativley charged ions.
Current density
The amount of current delivered per unit area.
Electrical current
the movement or flow or charged particles through a conductor in response to an applied electrical field.
Gate control theory
The theory that that there are gates at the spinal level that allow certain signals to pass or not.
Action potential
The basic unit of n. communication The depolarization and repolarization of a n. that occurs in response to a stimulus
Accommodation
When a n. gradually becomes less responsive to a stimulus. An increase in threshold.
Impedance
The opposition to current flow. Includes tissue resistance and ability to hold a charge
Motor Point
The point in a muscle that will prodice the greatest m. contraction with the application of e-stim. Generally located over the m. body Use: Muscle strengthening
Acupuncture Point
Specific points mapped along meridians. Effects may be local or referred. Use: Pain
Trigger Point
Points that are hypersensitive to pressure or electrical stim. Effects can be local or referred Use: Pain
Ohm’s law
Current = Voltage/Resistance When the tissue resistance increases, the flow of current decreases
Tissue Impedance is affected by?
Water content of the tissue Temperature Quality of integument Factors influencing fluid balance Prescence of injury or disease
Resistance
A materials resistance to current flow. Acupuncture and motor points are known to have less resistance.
Ramp
Up/Down The time it takes to go from 0 to its max amp The time to go from max amp to 0 Allows pt to become accustomed to the stim
Amplitude
Current strength M. nerve - Higher amps to stim Sensory nerve - Lower amps to stim
Adaptation
Decreased frequency of action potentials, and decreased sensation of stim that occurs because of unchanging characteristics
Opiod release theory
The stimulation of the A delta fibers (acupuncture like) causes the release of an endogenous opiate in the spinal cord. This blocks noxious stimulus pathways.
Repetetive m contractions, brief sharp pain. Acupuncture like
Interferential Current
2 high frequency currents crossed to control pain
No m. contraction elicited
Premodulated Current
Interferential current for a smaller treatment area. The crossing of electrical current happens within the machine.
Nerve Depolarization
When a stimulus is applied the sodium channels open rapidly allowing sodium to rush into the cell making the cell more positively charged.
Electrical currents depolarize nerves causing an action potential. Can effect m contraction, pain, tissue healing
A-beta fibers
Large myelinated axons.
Located in skin, bones and joints
Normal transmission of stretching, vibration of the skin
Short duration pulse (50-80us), comfy amp current = best for isolating these fibers
