What does electrophoresis treat?

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Electrophoresis

Medicinal electrophoresis is the effect on the body of a direct electric current in combination with the introduction of various medicinal substances through the skin or mucous membranes. In physiotherapy, electrophoresis is the most popular method, as it has many positive effects on the patient’s body:

Table of contents:

  • reduces the intensity of the inflammatory process;
  • has an anti-edematous effect;
  • eliminates pain syndrome;
  • relaxes increased muscle tone;
  • produces a calming effect;
  • improves microcirculation;
  • accelerates the process of tissue regeneration;
  • stimulates the production of biologically active substances (for example, vitamins, microelements, hormones);
  • activates the body's defenses.

The principle of the method is that drugs enter the body through the intercellular spaces, sebaceous and sweat glands in the form of positive or negative particles (ions). The medicinal dose during electrophoresis is low: only 2-10% of the total volume of the drug contained on the pad.

Most of the drug is retained in the skin and subcutaneous fat, that is, it does not immediately enter the bloodstream, but a day or more after the procedure. This property determines the delayed (prolonged) effect of the physiotherapy procedure: improvement of metabolism and innervation, relief of pain, swelling, etc.

During electrophoresis, active medicinal substances accumulate as much as possible in the pathological focus, since the pad with the medication is applied directly to the “sore spot”, and is several times higher than the dose administered by injection or orally. Therefore, the efficiency of drug electrophoresis is quite high. Bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, the drug practically does not cause side effects on the body.

Indications for electrophoresis in adults

Medicinal electrophoresis is widely used in the complex treatment of neurological, therapeutic, surgical, gynecological diseases, as well as in traumatology, pediatrics and dentistry. The physiotherapy procedure can be prescribed repeatedly, and electrophoresis does not have any specific time limits.

  • bronchial asthma;
  • pneumonia;
  • acute and chronic bronchitis;
  • bronchiectasis;
  • tracheitis;
  • pleurisy;
  • gastritis;
  • peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
  • cholecystitis;
  • pancreatitis;
  • colitis;
  • hypertension stages 1 and 2;
  • hypotension;
  • atherosclerosis;
  • angina pectoris;
  • phlebeurysm;
  • atrial fibrillation;
  • endarteritis;
Diseases of the genitourinary system of women and men
  • neuritis;
  • neuralgia;
  • radiculitis;
  • migraine;
  • neuroses;
  • intervertebral hernia;
  • insomnia;
  • plexitis;
  • brain and spinal cord injuries;
  • paresis and paralysis;
  • ganglioneuritis;
  • osteochondrosis;
  • osteoarthritis;
  • arthritis and polyarthritis;
  • spondylosis;
  • dislocations and fractures;
  • joint contracture;
  • postoperative wounds;
  • postoperative scars.

Contraindications

Medicinal electrophoresis is a fairly universal and affordable method of physical treatment, but it has a number of contraindications. These include:

  • tumors of any location and etiology;
  • heart failure;
  • presence of an artificial pacemaker (pacemaker);
  • inflammatory process in the acute phase;
  • increased body temperature;
  • bronchial asthma (severe form);
  • bleeding disorders (increased bleeding, tendency to bleed);
  • skin pathologies (eczema, dermatitis);
  • impaired sensitivity of the skin;
  • mechanical damage in the area where medicinal pads are applied (wounds, cuts, abrasions);
  • intolerance to electric current;
  • allergy to a drug that needs to be administered using electrophoresis.

Note: menstrual bleeding is not an absolute contraindication to electrophoresis, as it is a natural process not caused by any pathological (inflammatory or infectious) factor. It is not advisable to perform the procedure during menstruation if it is known that the electrodes will be applied to the area of ​​the uterus and ovaries.

Methodology

The essence of the procedure is to position the drug (solution or gel) perpendicular to the movement of the electric current, i.e., between the electrode and the surface of human skin. Depending on the method of applying electrodes and the method of drug administration, several methods of drug electrophoresis are distinguished.

Galvanic (percutaneous) - gauze or filtered paper pads are impregnated with a medicinal solution, which are placed on the patient’s body on opposite sides of the pathological focus to create a field within which the medicinal substance will move. Electrodes are placed inside the gaskets and covered with a protective film on top;

Bath - the required volume of medicinal solution is poured into a special container (bath), which is already equipped with electrodes. The patient immerses the painful part of the body (arm or leg) in the liquid;

Cavity - a solution of a drug is injected into hollow organs (stomach, bladder, rectum, vagina, uterus), one of the electrodes is placed there, and the second is located on the surface of the body;

Interstitial - the drug is administered orally (through the mouth) or by injection, after which electrodes are placed in the area of ​​the pathological focus. Interstitial electrophoresis is most effective in the treatment of respiratory diseases (bronchitis, laryngitis, tracheobronchitis, etc.)

Treatment with electrophoresis

Effective in the treatment of arthritis, polyarthritis, plexitis, polyneuritis and other diseases of the joints and nervous system.

Electrophoresis with Karipazim

Karipazim is a drug for the treatment of herniated intervertebral discs (the active ingredient is papain). The standard course of treatment with caripazin consists of sessions (to obtain a lasting clinical effect, it is necessary to complete 2-3 courses with breaks of 1-2 months).

Lidase (hyaluronidase) increases tissue and vascular permeability, improves the movement of fluids in the interstitial spaces, and helps soften scars. Therefore, electrophoresis with lidase is very often prescribed in gynecology, traumatology and surgery to resolve adhesions.

Electrophoresis with aminophylline

Eufillin has an analgesic, bronchodilator effect, improves blood circulation and blood supply to internal organs. Therefore, electrophoresis with aminophylline is widely used for the treatment of pulmonary, vascular, neurological and other diseases.

Prescribed for bronchitis, neuralgia, neuritis, myositis. Calcium electrophoresis is most often used in orthopedics to replenish relative and absolute calcium losses. The effect that calcium has on the body:

  • detoxification;
  • antiallergic;
  • hemostatic;
  • anti-inflammatory;
  • strengthens blood vessels and reduces their permeability.

It is used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, bronchial asthma, and eye pathologies.

In most cases, electrophoresis is carried out using the galvanic method, i.e. Electrodes with a drug-impregnated pad are simply placed on the skin. But what technique is used (collar, belt, according to Shcherbak or Ratner), depends on the diagnosis and localization of the pathological focus. Typically, the choice of method is determined by the attending physician (or a physical nurse in the absence of a doctor).

The most effective and widely used medicinal electrophoresis techniques:

Ionic reflexes according to Shcherbak

  • prescribed for hypertension, neuroses, peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum.
  • effective in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries, neuroses, hypertension, sleep disorders, etc.
  • used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs and various sexual dysfunctions.

General electrophoresis (Vermeule method)

  • The method is most effective in the treatment of hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiosclerosis, neurosis, migraine, etc.

Electrophoresis according to Bourguignon (orbital-occipital)

  • the procedure is prescribed for the treatment of neuritis of the facial or trigeminal nerve, as well as vascular, traumatic and inflammatory processes in the brain.
  • used in the treatment of vascular, inflammatory and traumatic pathologies of the brain, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and metabolic disorders.

Electrophoresis according to Ratner

  • used to treat circulatory disorders in the cervical spine, in the treatment of cerebral palsy and to restore normal functioning of organs after birth injuries in children.

Side effects and complications

When performing medicinal electrophoresis, side effects or more serious complications are observed very rarely. Usually these are allergic reactions to the administered drug, which are manifested by redness of the skin, an itchy rash, and slight swelling at the site where the electrodes are applied. When the procedure is canceled and antihistamines are used, the negative manifestations quickly disappear.

Also, during the 2-3 electrophoresis procedure, a slight increase in pain and an increase in local or general temperature in inflammatory diseases (functional exacerbation) is allowed. By the end of the course of physical therapy, the discomfort goes away on its own.

Electrophoresis for children and infants

Infants under one year of age are prescribed electrophoresis for the treatment of the following pathologies:

  • increased or decreased muscle tone;
  • minor neurological disorders;
  • diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
  • diseases accompanied by severe pain;
  • diathesis;
  • pathologies of ENT organs;
  • burns.

Note: Increased muscle tone is a serious obstacle to the normal physical development of a child. Treatment with electrophoresis allows you to replace the injection or oral administration of necessary medications.

Each child tolerates the electrophoresis procedure differently: some calmly and quietly, others nervously and irritably. If the baby’s reaction is sharply negative (cries throughout the procedure and after it, sleeps and eats poorly, etc.), then the decision to continue treatment is made only taking into account the possible benefits and risks.

Children over 1 year of age have no restrictions for treatment with electrophoresis, except for individual intolerance to the drug.

Electrophoresis during pregnancy and gynecology

For pregnant women, in the absence of contraindications, doctors often prescribe physiotherapeutic procedures as a supportive measure.

Usually this is electrophoresis - a method that is considered not only gentle, but also the most optimal during pregnancy and lactation for improving blood circulation and reducing muscle tone, including the tone of the uterus.

Electrophoresis should not be used during pregnancy in the following cases:

  • vomit;
  • kidney diseases;
  • low blood clotting with risk of bleeding;
  • poor fetal condition;
  • eclampsia (severe toxicosis in the second half of pregnancy).

In gynecology, electrophoresis is prescribed for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases (cervicitis, endometritis, endometriosis, etc.).

The most effective method in these cases will be interstitial electrophoresis with antibiotics. For cervical erosion and endometriosis, the procedure is used as one of the methods of delivering medications (iodine, zinc, lidase, amidopyrine) to the affected tissues.

Electrophoresis for uterine fibroids is included in the conservative treatment program and helps to completely eliminate or reduce the clinical manifestations of the disease, restore the function of the ovaries and uterine myometrium.

Electrophoresis at home

Medicinal electrophoresis, as one of the main physiotherapy procedures, is provided by any government agency free of charge. If it is not possible to visit the hospital every day to undergo the procedure, then you can do electrophoresis at home.

To do this you need:

  • purchase the device and the necessary medications;
  • get detailed recommendations for a home course of treatment from a physiotherapist;
  • invite a physical nurse to your home for the first (training) session.

Alternative Methods

Another popular method of introducing medicinal substances into the human body, but not with the help of electric current, but through ultrasonic waves, is phonophoresis. In terms of effectiveness, phonophoresis is not inferior to electrophoresis and has much fewer contraindications for its implementation.

The question of which method to use in a particular case is decided by the attending physician. But as practice shows, electrophoresis is most often prescribed, and only if it is impossible to carry out it, phonophoresis is chosen, since not all medicinal substances that are used in electrophoresis are used for phonophoresis.

This is due to the fact that under the influence of ultrasound these substances are destroyed, lose their activity or change their pharmacological properties. For example, novocaine, platyphylline, atropine, some vitamins (ascorbic acid, B vitamins).

Diagnosis by symptoms

Find out your probable illnesses and which doctor you should go to.

Source: http://www.diagnos.ru/procedures/manipulation/elektroforez_lekarstvennyj

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Electrophoresis treatment: effective and safe

From a physics point of view, electrophoresis is the movement of ions, that is, particles of a substance with a positive or negative charge, under the influence of an electric field that is created by an external source. And from a medical point of view, treatment with electrophoresis is very effective for many diseases, and it also allows you to replace such unpleasant procedures as, for example, injections with a practically painless method of introducing drugs into the tissues of the human body.

In traditional medicine, electrophoresis is as common a prescription as massage. Any modern clinic has equipment that allows it to carry out a course of procedures.

What is the mechanism of therapeutic action based on?

It is known that in an aqueous solution, substances, including medicinal ones, break down into charged particles - ions. Under the influence of electric current they move from one electrode to another. The human body is a conductor of electricity.

Therefore, if you place a pad soaked in a drug solution under the electrode of a medical device, then under the influence of current its ions will penetrate through the ducts of the skin glands or mucous membranes into deeper tissues.

Depending on what effect needs to be achieved, the active substance and the method of its administration are selected: from the cathode (negative pole) or anode (positive pole). For example, calcium, potassium and magnesium ions are introduced from the anode to create an anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, analgesic and calming effect. But ions of bromine, iodine and some organic acids, which have a vasodilating and relaxing effect, normalizing metabolic processes, are introduced from the cathode.

After penetration into tissues, the substance is evenly distributed in cells and intercellular fluid, and then spreads through the microvessels of the circulatory and lymphatic systems. In this case, the highest concentration remains at the injection site. A course of treatment carried out in a clinic or at home gives a long-lasting effect.

Advantages of electrophoresis

  • this method is less harmful than others, since it allows you to create a high concentration of the active substance directly in the affected tissues, and not in the blood or gastrointestinal tract;
  • the medical drug is delivered to the diseased organ, even if the microcirculation of blood or lymph is impaired, and massage is contraindicated;
  • low likelihood of negative side effects, since the concentration of the drug in the blood is low, and the electric current has an effect that prevents an allergic reaction;
  • the duration of the therapeutic effect, since ions accumulate in the so-called depot, from where they are slowly released and distributed into adjacent tissues;
  • good compatibility with other non-drug treatment methods, such as massage, which can be prescribed simultaneously, especially for diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
  • painlessness of the method of drug administration, as well as the absence of damage to the skin or mucous membranes;
  • good tolerance at any age, which allows the procedure to be performed even on infants;
  • the medical drug is administered in the form of ions, that is, the most active form;
  • weak electric current has a beneficial effect on the body’s immune system;
  • To carry out a course of treatment, a clinic is not necessary; the procedure can be carried out at home.

Contraindications for use

Despite the fact that electrophoresis is a fairly safe procedure that rarely causes a negative reaction from the body, there are a number of absolute contraindications to its use. These include:

  • malignant neoplasms, regardless of their location;
  • any damage or irritation of the skin where the electrodes are applied;
  • renal or heart failure;
  • absence or impairment of skin sensitivity, for example, as a result of a herniated disc;
  • feverish condition;
  • some skin diseases, such as eczema;
  • tendency to bleeding and other bleeding disorders;
  • bronchial asthma;
  • acute inflammatory diseases;
  • individual intolerance to electrical influence or medications.

In some cases, the electrophoresis procedure must be performed with caution. For example, it may be harmful to children under six months old, women during pregnancy and during menstruation.

Electrophoresis in therapy

Drug therapy, simultaneously with electrophoresis, massage and other techniques, is widely used in the treatment of many diseases and pathologies of various organs and their systems.

  • atherosclerosis, hypertension or, conversely, hypotension, as well as other disorders in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
  • osteochondrosis, joint pathologies, polyarthritis, back injuries, herniated intervertebral discs;
  • respiratory diseases such as tonsillitis, chronic bronchitis, otitis media, sinusitis, etc.;
  • prostatitis, pyelonephritis, cystitis and other chronic and acute diseases of the genitourinary organs;
  • diseases of the digestive tract: gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcers, colitis, enteritis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, as well as stomatitis and other diseases of the oral cavity.

Application in neurology

Electrophoresis in neurology treats not only inflammatory processes such as neuritis or radiculitis, but also various disorders of the nervous system. A course of physiotherapy combined with a relaxing massage gives a good effect for sleep disorders, neuroses and migraines.

Sometimes the cause of headaches can be a spinal injury or herniated discs, which cause compression of the spinal cord. In this case, a course of electrophoresis is also indicated, which not only relieves the pain reaction, but also complements the methods of manual therapy and massage, which will return the displaced discs to their place.

Electrophoresis in pediatrics

The painlessness and easy tolerability of the procedure gives doctors the opportunity to prescribe a course of treatment even to very young children without the risk of complications or adverse reactions to drugs. Electric current in combination with medications makes it possible to correct some developmental pathologies at an early age without the use of surgery.

If treatment is not started on time, this condition is fraught with developmental delays and disability. Fortunately, it is possible to correct such conditions in the early stages using electrophoresis. For those parents who are afraid of infections in children's clinics, a course of procedures is provided at home.

For another common childhood pathology, hip dysplasia, electrotherapy has proven to be no less positive than for torticollis and hypertonicity.

At the same time, a massage is prescribed, which should enhance and consolidate the therapeutic effect.

Use in surgery

Electrophoresis is used in surgery as part of a rehabilitation course after surgery. And here the use of this type of treatment has a dual purpose. Firstly, to relieve postoperative pain and relieve swelling of the surrounding tissues. For this, various painkillers are used.

Secondly, prevent the formation of adhesions of internal organs or reduce scars on the skin. For this purpose, enzyme preparations that soften connective tissue, for example, lidase, are introduced. At the same time as the density of the scars decreases, their blood supply improves. This has a positive effect on both the appearance and the internal structure.

Also, the use of such substances helps to avoid surgical intervention in cases of impaired joint mobility or herniated vertebral discs. In this case, it is possible to achieve positive dynamics with conservative treatment.

Treatment of gynecological diseases

The introduction of drugs directly into the tissue of the affected organ is widely used in gynecology. Electrophoresis with iodine is prescribed for many inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system, both independently and in combination with drug therapy. What differs from other areas of medicine is the administration of drugs through the mucous membranes. Moreover, both the pelvic organs and the nasal cavity.

Electrophoresis is also used during pregnancy. For example, to relieve uterine hypertonicity, which can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Considering the restrictions on the use of many medications and procedures during this period, massage and electrophoresis remain almost the only possible methods of treatment.

Source: http://fizterapia.ru/lechenie-elektroforezom-effektivno-i-bezopasno/

Electrophoresis - what is it?

Medicinal electrophoresis is a physiotherapeutic method of electrotherapy, which consists of a combined effect on the body of galvanization (direct current of low strength and voltage) and medications.

In ion therapy, as electrophoresis is otherwise called, the undoubted benefits of galvanization are complemented by many advantages of the combined effect of medicinal substances and an electric field on the body.

The principle of operation of electrophoresis

Medications are transferred by an electric field to the lesion due to the occurrence of electrolytic dissociation under the influence of current, i.e., the disintegration of drugs into differently charged ions and their movement to the electrodes of the opposite pole through the organs and tissues of the human body. Approaching the opposite electrode, the ions undergo electrolysis, i.e. lose charge from their shell and become atoms with high physical and chemical activity. To neutralize their negative effects on the body, special fabric pads moistened with water are placed on the skin directly under the electrodes. When free atoms come into contact with an aqueous environment, acid accumulates under the anode, and alkali accumulates under the cathode, which, when diluted, do not harm the patient’s skin.

Therapeutic effects of electrophoresis

General: activation of immune, metabolic and physico-chemical processes.

Therapeutic effects depend on the dominant electrode at the time of the procedure.

Cathode (negative electrode):

  • dilation of blood and lymphatic vessels;
  • relaxation;
  • normalization of metabolism;
  • normalization of the functioning of the endocrine glands;
  • improvement of cell metabolism;
  • stimulation of the secretion of biologically active substances.

Anode (positive electrode):

  • removal of excess fluid from the body;
  • reduction of inflammatory processes;
  • anesthesia;
  • sedation

Carrying out the electrophoresis procedure

Before carrying out the procedure, it is necessary to make sure what ions of charge the selected solution dissociates into - if into positively charged ones (cations) - it should be placed under the anode, if into negative ones (anions) - under the cathode to create a line of movement of ions to the opposite charge.

To carry out electrophoresis, various techniques are used depending on the presence of the disease and the desired result.

Methods of carrying out the procedure can be divided into general and local, and also the areas of exposure to the electric field can be distinguished: percutaneous technique, cavity, bath and interstitial.

The location of the electrodes can be longitudinal (for superficial impact), transverse (for impact on deeper lesions) or segmental (for impact on certain parts of the spine).

During the procedure, 2 or more electrodes are used, one or more zones are involved.

The current strength is selected individually depending on the sensitivity of a particular person. During the procedure, it is advisable to gradually increase the current strength to prevent addiction, which may cause a decrease in the effectiveness of the procedure.

The procedure lasts from 10 to 40 minutes, the course of treatment includes from 5 to 20 procedures performed daily or every other day.

Features of drug electrophoresis

  • ions of drugs are introduced through the ducts of the sweat and sebaceous glands of the skin;
  • increasing the sensitivity of skin receptors to medical substances;
  • complete preservation of the drugs’ pharmacological activity;
  • uniform distribution of the drug in the cells and intercellular fluid of the body;
  • depositing drugs from 1 day;
  • pronounced therapeutic effect of drugs on the body at low doses;
  • absence of side effects of pharmacological drugs, unlike other types of their administration;
  • painlessness of drug administration;
  • exposure of the drug directly to the area of ​​the pathological substance, without exposing other organs and tissues;
  • minimizing the possibility of allergic reactions to the administered medical substance;
  • the possibility of introducing a combination of drugs;
  • The location of medications on the electrodes depends on the charge of the ions.

Requirements for medicinal products

  • to prepare solutions, distilled water, purified alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide or buffer solutions are used, depending on the solubility of the substances introduced;
  • the solution is prepared immediately before use;
  • the substance should be as simple as possible in composition, without impurities;
  • during course exposure, the polarity of the electrodes cannot be changed during the entire course, i.e. From the first procedure to the last, the same electrode, in polarity, is applied to the same surface.

The amount of drug entering the body through electrophoresis depends on the following factors:

  1. individual characteristics of the organism;
  2. patient's age;
  3. skin condition;
  4. degree of drug dissociation;
  5. amount of substance administered;
  6. area of ​​the electrode used;
  7. specified strength and current density;
  8. solvent properties;
  9. duration of the procedure.

Applicable currents

In addition to galvanic current, other types of current are used in the electrophoresis procedure:

  • sinusoidal modulated currents;
  • rectified currents;
  • diadynamic currents;
  • fluctuating currents.

Indications

Many diseases can be treated with an electric field. Let's consider some of them in individual medical areas.

  1. deforming osteoarthritis;
  2. post-traumatic joint damage;
  3. inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
  1. inflammatory processes in the oral cavity;
  2. lesions of the salivary glands;
  3. dental diseases, including fluorosis.
  1. cervical erosion;
  2. chronic inflammatory diseases;
  3. adhesions;
  4. hypertonicity of the uterus during pregnancy;
  5. insufficient blood circulation of the placenta and uterus during pregnancy.

Contraindications during pregnancy: preeclampsia, eclampsia, vomiting, risk of bleeding, pathology of the kidneys, coagulation system, poor fetal condition.

Up to 1 year - for the treatment of neurological pathologies, consequences of birth trauma, hip dysplasia, congenital dislocations, etc. After a year - restrictions can only be caused by the drug chosen for the procedure.

  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
  • And allergic reactions in the form of infiltration.
  • Bronchial asthma during the period of subsiding attacks.
  • Hay fever.
  • Acute respiratory diseases during the period of resolution, chronic diseases.
  • Diseases of the ENT and digestive organs.
  • Prevention of diseases and prevention of relapses.

Contraindications

Despite the extensive list of indications for this method of physiotherapy, it is necessary to remember the contraindications so as not to cause additional harm to the patient. In the following conditions, electrotherapy should be avoided.

Neoplasms, decompensation of chronic diseases, acute febrile conditions, purulent processes without drainage of contents, individual intolerance to current or medicinal substances, mental disorders, sensory disorders, general serious condition of the patient, aphasia, pronounced changes in the skin in the area of ​​the procedure, tendency to bleeding.

A complex approach

It is advisable to supplement the procedure of galvanization and electrophoresis with other physiotherapeutic interventions: laser therapy, magnetotherapy, light therapy, ultrasound, etc. to enhance the therapeutic effect, have a comprehensive effect on the body and prevent many diseases.

Source: http://physiatrics.ru/elektroforez-chto-eto/

Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis apparatus

Electrophoresis (iontophoresis) is a method of physiotherapy that involves introducing a medicinal substance into the body tissues through intact skin using a direct electric current (galvanic current). Electrophoresis has been used as a therapeutic method since 1802. Thus, it is already about 210 years old, but it has still not lost its relevance.

How does electrophoresis work?

With the help of an electric current, drug ions move from one electrode to another (from “+” to “–” or vice versa, depending on the charge of the drug ions), passing through the body tissues and staying there, creating high concentrations of the drug in the affected area. A high concentration of the drug can remain in the body tissues for up to 15 hours or more, providing the necessary therapeutic effect.

It is extremely important that the electrophoresis method can be used to treat organs with impaired microcirculation, where drug delivery through the bloodstream is impossible. This situation can arise with diabetic angiopathy of the vessels of the lower extremities, thrombosis of large blood vessels, and tissue necrosis.

Also of great importance is the fact that with electrophoresis the medicine is delivered directly to the diseased organ, without passing through the liver and other filters of the body. Thus, the drug has less toxic effects on the liver and excretory systems. With this method of treatment, a smaller dose of the drug is required, although its concentration in the tissues requiring treatment is much higher.

Interestingly, during electrophoresis (iontophoresis), medicinal substances acquire a charge and enter diseased tissues in the form of ions, which have much greater therapeutic activity.

Advantageous differences between electrophoresis and injection of drugs.

1. With electrophoresis, the medicine is more concentrated, and the total dose is much less.

2. The medicine is directly delivered to the tissues of the body, without undergoing processing in the liver, and having less toxic effects on it.

3. The required concentration of the drug is retained in the tissues for a longer time.

4. The action of the drug is more effective due to its ionization during electrophoresis.

5. Weak galvanic current also has a healing effect. It improves blood circulation, reduces swelling and inflammation.

6. The treatment is comfortable, painless and non-invasive (the skin is not damaged), unlike injection administration.

7. Fewer allergic reactions, since the drug is administered in its pure form without impurities or solvents.

Effect of galvanic current during electrophoresis.

Galvanic current itself has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunostimulating effects. This helps to enhance the effect of the procedure on the body. Along with this, low voltage direct current ionizes the drug substance, making it more active. As a result, the same therapeutic effect is achieved with a smaller dose of medication.

How is the electrophoresis procedure performed?

In practice, the electrophoresis procedure is very simple. Two fabric pads are used according to the size of the electrodes. They must be sewn in such a way that the electrode fits freely inside the gasket and is completely covered with it on both sides. The pads are boiled, wrung out and cooled.

Movement of drug ions

A solution of a medicinal substance is applied to a warm, damp pad, and the medicine is applied strictly to the positive or negative electrode, according to the table. Next, the electrodes in fabric pads are applied to the patient’s skin and fixed on top with cellophane film or plastic bags with sand.

The patient is covered and the device is turned on. The current strength must be added gradually, and the level must be set so that the patient feels a slight tingling sensation at the site where the electrodes are applied. Under no circumstances should the patient feel a burning sensation or pain during the procedure; there is a danger of burns.

The duration of the electrophoresis session is from 10 to 15 minutes. The course usually includes 10 - 20 sessions of electrophoresis, which can be given every day or every other day.

Indications for the use of electrophoresis.

Electrophoresis (iontophoresis) is a universal treatment method. It can be used to administer many medications. It is used for diseases of the respiratory system, gynecology, ophthalmology, cosmetology, diseases of the spine and joints, and internal diseases.

Electrophoresis is prescribed for percutaneous or abdominal administration of antibiotics, vitamins, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents, expectorants, chondroprotectors and other drugs. At the Dr. Kovrizhenko Vertebrology Center, electrophoresis is used very widely.

It is prescribed for back pain, osteochondrosis and its complications - protrusions and herniated intervertebral discs, for joint diseases - deforming arthrosis and glenohumeral periarthrosis, epicondylitis, bursitis, tendinitis and tendovaginitis, neuritis and neuralgia, polyneuropathy. In our center, the electrophoresis procedure is prescribed both in complex treatment and as an independent method of therapy.

Proper use of electrophoresis in the complex treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system allows our specialists to quickly relieve pain, reduce the duration of treatment and speed up recovery.

Contraindications for prescribing electrophoresis.

Contraindications are the same as for all other electrical procedures. Namely: various oncological diseases, diseases and damage to the skin, acute infectious diseases, high body temperature, mental illness, the presence of a pacemaker, in severe general condition of the patient, cachexia, cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure.

Thus, electrophoresis (iontophoresis) is an effective modern physiotherapeutic procedure and is successfully used in many areas of medicine.

You can also familiarize yourself with other methods of physiotherapy that are used in our center:

If you have questions about electrophoresis or other treatment methods, you can ask them on the QUESTION TO A DOCTOR page, or come for a free consultation with specialists at our center.

Source: http://manualdok.com/phisiotherapi/elektroforez.html

Electrophoresis: what is it, indications and contraindications for the use of modern techniques

Electrophoresis is a therapeutic procedure, one of the main areas of physiotherapy.

The medical effect is achieved through the simultaneous influence of weak currents and pharmaceuticals.

What is it, why is medicinal electrophoresis needed, what is the principle of action, the benefits and harms of the procedure, and what are the indications and contraindications for this technique - we will tell you about this in our article.

Electrode properties

The anode (positive electrode) helps to activate lymph flow, remove toxins from the body, and also reduce pain sensitivity. In addition to the most common, percutaneous method, medicine also uses the cavity and interstitial method of administering drugs through galvanic current.

The essence of the method

An electrophoresis session is carried out using a hardware method, the technique is as follows: different-pole electrodes with fabric pads impregnated with drugs are fixed on parts of the body.

Under the influence of galvanization, ions of the pharmaceutical solution penetrate under the skin (approximately to a depth of 1.5 cm), accumulating in the cells and in the intercellular space.

The current strength, exposure time and concentration of the medicinal solution are prescribed individually - taking into account the nature of the disease, age, and sensitivity of the skin. When contacting the plates through which the current passes, the patient does not experience pain.

A barely noticeable burning or tingling sensation occurs in the areas where the electrodes are attached. A slight metallic taste may appear in the mouth. Session duration – minutes. The number of treatment sessions is from 5 to 20.

Therapeutic effect

Electrophoresis is prescribed after completion of a therapeutic course or surgery. The ability to restore the natural structure of tissues is actively used in gynecology (elimination of adhesions in the fallopian tubes), otolaryngology (treatment of chronic sinusitis and otitis), dermatology (skin defects).

When exposed to the body, the following positive effects have been proven:

  • slowing down inflammatory processes;
  • reduction in pain intensity (if the facial nerve is pinched);
  • eliminating excessive muscle tension;
  • acceleration of recovery processes (tissue regeneration);
  • calming effect;
  • improvement of microcirculation in subcutaneous tissues.

Impact in cosmetology

When the skin comes into contact with opposite electrodes, electromagnetic fields are formed, stimulating the formation of new ions in the lymph and intercellular space. Electrode plates are fixed to areas of the skin where there are outlets of the sebaceous and sweat glands - in this area, effective absorption of drugs occurs.

Several processes occur simultaneously under the cathode and anode:

As a result of the biochemical effect on the nerve endings, a response from the body occurs - pores open, capillary vessels dilate, blood flow increases, metabolic processes are activated (the resorptive effect lasts from 3 to 20 days).

In cosmetology practice, various electrolytes are used that have a healing, healing, regenerating effect (on branded packaging there is a sign of the electrode from which the product should be injected under the skin).

In medical cosmetology, drugs such as hyaluronic acid, collagen gels, masks based on placental composition, salicylic acid, nicotinic acid, antiseptic emulsions, lidase are actively used.

Using electrophoresis (an alternative name for the procedure is iontophoresis), dissolved extracts from medicinal plant materials, vitamins, and active microelements are introduced under the skin.

What problems does it help solve?

Elimination of cosmetic defects

The skin on the face and neck is sensitive and thin. A deep abrasion leaves a red scar that fades after a few years, but never completely disappears. People prone to keloid scarring are left with a lumpy scar that indelibly spoils their appearance.

The defect can be partially (and in some cases completely) eliminated using medicinal iontophoresis. During treatment sessions, drugs are used that actively destroy layers of scar tissue (lidaza, fermenkol).

The new generation drug is longidase, which has antioxidant, immunostimulating and antiseptic properties. Penetrating under the influence of galvanic current under the skin, the medicine restores the structure of the epidermis, restoring natural elasticity to the tissues. Unlike lidase, the new drug does not cause allergic reactions.

Postoperative period

Scar marks remain on the face after surgical operations (defects in the area of ​​the eyes, cheekbones, and eyelids are especially noticeable). It is impossible to eliminate visually noticeable pathology using traditional medicines, but using electrophoresis it is possible to achieve maximum cosmetic effect. For galvanic administration, the drug collisin is used subcutaneously, which has the following types of effects:

  • destroys the tissue of keloid scars;
  • resolves defective skin changes on the eyelids;
  • breaks down scar tissue of the retina.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the procedure include:

  • non-injection method of drug administration;
  • the therapeutic activity of drugs is enhanced by galvanic current;
  • immediate effect on the area of ​​inflammation;
  • absence of unpleasant sensations;
  • prolonged therapeutic effect.

The main disadvantage is the limited use (not all drugs can be administered by electrophoresis).

The inability to create a high concentration of the drug and determine the degree of its accumulation in the body are also disadvantages of the therapeutic method of electrophoresis.

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Who can

Electrophoresis is used in medical cosmetology practice for the following purposes:

  • to restore elasticity and rejuvenate the skin;
  • to smooth out wrinkles;
  • to eliminate puffiness (bags under the eyes);
  • to cleanse skin pores of impurities.

Indications for the use of the electrophoresis procedure are the presence of defects:

  • dry, aging skin of the face and décolleté;
  • acne, blackheads;
  • fine wrinkles, nasolabial folds;
  • sagging skin in the cheeks and chin.

Electrophoresis is one of the main methods used in a comprehensive treatment program for oily acne. Disincrustation (removal of comedones) - galvanization using an alkaline solution, which is introduced from a negatively charged pole.

Since iontophoresis radically improves blood circulation in peripheral vessels and has an anti-inflammatory effect, after just a few sessions the skin acquires an even matte shade, areas with “oily sheen” and peeling disappear.

When to abstain

Contraindications for prescribing electrophoresis are:

  • neoplasms of a malignant nature;
  • purulent infections;
  • viral diseases;
  • cardiac ischemia;
  • dermatitis in the inflammation stage;
  • increased body temperature;
  • renal failure;
  • the presence of metal dental crowns;
  • pregnancy and lactation;
  • mental illness.

How does the session work?

The session is conducted in the following sequence:

  1. The electrode gasket is impregnated with an alkaline solution.
  • The doctor treats problem areas with a negatively charged electrode, using sliding movements. The positive electrode is in the patient's hand.
  • At the end of the session, the polarity of the electrodes is changed, and repeated treatment is carried out (1-2 minutes).
  • A nourishing mask is applied.

    • The procedure takes 3-4 minutes, frequency – once every 2 weeks. Course of treatment – ​​6 procedures. Repeated treatment – ​​after 2 months.

    And the rejuvenation procedure goes like this:

    1. The cosmetologist impregnates tissue pads with a nutritious or therapeutic solution and places them on the skin (under the electrodes).
    2. After turning on the device, the ions of the active substance penetrate deep into the skin. By moving the electrodes in a sliding motion, the cosmetologist sequentially treats areas of the face and neck. An iontophoresis session lasts 7-8 minutes.
    3. After the session, a nourishing mask is applied for 10 minutes.

    Prescribe from 6 to 10 procedures.

    Electrophoresis is a highly effective physiotherapeutic procedure. The achieved therapeutic (or cosmetic) result is maintained for a long time after completing a course of physiotherapy.

    It is important that the sessions are performed by qualified specialists who have practical experience in their field and are well aware of the functionality of medical equipment. During the procedure, the specialist must continuously monitor the patient's condition.

    A good doctor prescribes sessions only after receiving reliable evidence that there are no absolute contraindications to the procedure.

    In general, the procedure is well tolerated by patients, regardless of age and severity of the disease. In order for the treatment to be effective, it is necessary to punctually follow the recommendations of the attending physician, and also complete the full course of prescribed procedures.

    Watch a video of how electrophoresis is done for facial skin:

    Expert recommendations

    If your doctor has prescribed procedures, never skip or reschedule them without good reason. Try to follow all the specialist’s instructions. After an electrophoresis session, you should not take a bath, sunbathe, or visit a solarium or fitness room.

    You should also not use additional cosmetics on the day of the session. If you are taking medications, be sure to inform your cosmetologist about this - this is important!

    Requirements for medicinal products

    Electrophoresis is one of the ways to introduce drugs into the body. Most "pure" (i.e., single-component) injectable pharmaceuticals can be absorbed through the skin. These are penicillin drugs (antiseptics), vitamins, chemical elements (potassium, copper, calcium, zinc).

    In cosmetology medicine, using the capabilities of innovative equipment, specialists conduct iontophoresis sessions with multicomponent substances.

    Regardless of which drug will be used during the session, it is necessary to comply with the requirements for the preparation of formulations. The following solvents are used:

    • distilled water;
    • medical ethyl alcohol;
    • dimethyl sulfoxide;
    • buffer compounds.

    The electrodes do not change places during one treatment course. The effectiveness of drug absorption depends on the condition of the skin, age, type of solvent, drug concentration, types of medical equipment, current strength, and session time.

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    Combination with other cosmetic procedures

    Electrophoresis goes well with thalassotherapy, therapeutic massage, mud therapy and non-injection mesotherapy. It is possible to carry out RF body lifting (what is it), as well as RF face lifting (before and after photos here). A day later (it is not recommended to do it on the same day) after the electrophoresis session, to enhance the effect, you can use the procedures of ultraphonophoresis, hydromassage with a mineral complex and lymphatic drainage massage.

    The average cost of a treatment session to remove acne is 1000 rubles. The cost of rejuvenation procedures depends on the status of the clinic, the electrophoresis equipment used, and the quality of the drugs used. The figure ranges from 2 to 5 thousand rubles.

    Source: http://skingid.com/estetika/apparatnaya/procedury/elektrolechenie/elektroforez.html