Therapeutic Modalities: Electrical Agents Flashcards
The cell membrane is more permeable to ____ compared to _____ and ______.
More permeable to POTASSIUM
Less permeable to SODIUM and ANIONS
Describe 3 types of waveforms.
Monophonic = unidirectional flow of charged particles (either positive or negative charge)
Biphasic = bidirectional flow of charged particles (zero net charge if symmetrical)
Polyphasic = biphasic current that is modified to produce 3 or more phases in a single pulse (maybe used in Russian or IFC currents)
List 6 indications for using electrical stimulation.
- Pain modulation
- Decrease muscle spasm, spasticity and edema
- Increase or maintain ROM
- Muscle reeducation
- Wound healing
- Denervated muscle
The _____ is recommended with the use of a silver dressing over the wound if infected. If there is no infection, the _____ is recommended over the wound initially to promote healing.
Anode (+ pole) over an infected wound
Cathode (- pole) over a non-infected wound
List 8 contraindications to electrical stimulation.
- Pacemakers
- Unstable arrhythmia
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Over the carotid sinus
- Over thrombosis or thrombophlebitis
- Over the abdomen or low back during pregnancy
- Superficial metal implants
- Active bleeding or infection
How big of a space should be left between electrodes?
The space between the electrodes should be at least the diameter of the electrodes being used
What is iontophoresis?
Application of a continuous direct current to transport medicinal agents through the skin or mucous membranes
Positive ions move towards the _____ and negative ions move towards the ____.
Positive ions move towards the cathode (-)
Negative ions move towards the anode (+)
What type of current and intensity are used with iontophoresis?
Direct current
Maximum intensity of 4-5 mA
List 6 indications for the use of iontophoresis.
- Analgesia
- Calcium deposits
- Dermal ulcers
- Fungal infections
- Muscle spasm
- Musculoskeletal inflammatory conditions
TENS is designed to provide ______ for pain management.
Afferent stimulation
_____ is the most common mode of TENS.
Conventional (high rate) TENS
Describe the amplitude and duration of pain relief associated with conventional TENS.
Amplitude: comfortable tingling sensation. No muscle response.
Duration of pain relief: Temporary
Describe the amplitude and duration of pain relief associated with acupuncture like TENS.
Amplitude: strong, but comfortable rhythmic muscle twitches
Duration of pain relief: long lasting
Describe the amplitude and duration of pain relief associated with brief intense TENS.
Amplitude: to patient’s tolerance
Duration of pain relief: temporary (30-60 minutes)
Describe the amplitude and duration of pain relief associated with burst mode TENS.
Amplitude: comfortable, intermittent paraesthesia
Duration of pain relief: long lasting (hours)
Describe the amplitude and duration of pain relief associated with hyper stimulation TENS.
Amplitude: strong, to patient’s tolerance
Duration of pain relief: long lasting
List 6 types of TENS and their purpose.
Conventional (high rate): acute or chronic pain
Acupuncture like (low rate): chronic pain
Brief intense: rapid onset, short term pain relief during painful procedures
Burst mode: combination of high and low rate tens
Hyper-stimulation: used to stimulate trigger points
Modulation mode: used to prevent perceptual habituation due to constant electrical stimulation
Describe the amplitude used with high voltage pulsed current (HVPC).
Amplitude: comfortable tingling sensation, no muscle response
High voltage pulsed current (HVPC) is primarily used for ______.
Wound healing
Describe the amplitude of Russian current.
Amplitude: tetanic muscle contraction
List 3 volitional activities in which Russian current is applied.
- Isometric exercise at several points through ROM
- Slow isokinetic exercise
- Short arc movement when ROM is restricted
Describe the electrode placement when using interferential current (IFC).
Bipolar (per modulated IFC): two electrodes are placed to affect desired structures
Quadripolar: Two sets of electrodes placed diagonally to one another over large area
List two indications for the use of functional electrical stimulation.
Shoulder subluxation
DF assist in gait training
