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Galvanic Current

This document discusses direct current (DC) electrotherapy. It describes DC as electric current that flows in one direction for over one second. DC has thermal, chemical, physical and physiological effects on the body. It causes changes in blood vessels, fluid movement, and nerve excitability near the electrodes. Various electrodes like metal, pads, and carbon-rubber can be used. DC is applied directly to the skin or indirectly in water. Proper techniques are described. Therapeutic uses of DC include pain relief and improved circulation. Contraindications include infections and open wounds.

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Rana M Arslan
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898 views26 pages

Galvanic Current

This document discusses direct current (DC) electrotherapy. It describes DC as electric current that flows in one direction for over one second. DC has thermal, chemical, physical and physiological effects on the body. It causes changes in blood vessels, fluid movement, and nerve excitability near the electrodes. Various electrodes like metal, pads, and carbon-rubber can be used. DC is applied directly to the skin or indirectly in water. Proper techniques are described. Therapeutic uses of DC include pain relief and improved circulation. Contraindications include infections and open wounds.

Uploaded by

Rana M Arslan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Electrotherapy

Dr. Muhammad Hassan

DPT, MSPT(neuro)*
Direct Current

Galvanic Current
Direct Current

 It is an electric current that flows in one


direction for about one second or longer.
 Monophasic, galvanic, unidirectional and
constant current
Parameters
 EMF 45 to 60V
 Amperage 120 mA Maximum
 Polarity both positive & negative
Effects of DIRECT current

 Thermal Effects
 Chemical effects
 Physical Effects
 Physiological Effects
Thermal Effect

 Human tissues are conductor to electrical


current flow
 Flow cause micro vibrations
 Dry skin offers more resistance to current
flow
 Joules Law heat is proportional to square
of current , the resistance and the time for
which current flow
 H= I2RT
Chemical Effects

 DC flows in one direction only


 Redistribution of sodium (Na+)& chloride (Cl-)
 Forms new compounds in the tissues under
electrodes
 Alkali (cathode )
 Acid (anode)
Physiological Effects

 Effect on Blood vessels


 Ketaphoretic Effects
 Anaphoretic Effects
 Anelectrotonus
 Katelectrotonus
 Iontophoretic effects
Effect on Blood Vessels

 Dc flow cause dilatation of blood vessels


 Increase blood flow
 Erythema
Ketaphoretic Effects
 Movement of fluid toward the cathode
 Increase osmotic pressure
 Causes more accumulation of fluid under
cathode
Anaphoretic Effects

 Fluid moves away from the anode


 Deficiency of fluid under the anode

Anelectrotonus
 Condition of diminished excitability and
conductivity of nerve in the region of anode
 More soothing then the cathode
Katelectrotonus

 Increase excitability and conductivity in the


region of cathode
 More irritable then anode

Iontophoretic effects
 Introduce ions of special drugs into the
tissues through the skin
Electrodes used in LFC

 Metal Electrodes
 Pad Electrodes
 Carbon-impregnated Rubber Electrodes
Cont…

1. Metal Electrodes:
 Tin, Steel, Aluminium, Zinc
 Flat Electrodes
 Disc or ball electrodes
Advantages:
 Easily available, cheaper,
longer lasting and can be
cut to desired size and
shape
Disadvantages:
 Not flexible, burn and can
be worn out
Cont…

2. Pad Electrodes:
 Sufficient thickness of
wet lint…16 layers
Advantages:
 Retain moisture, cheaper,
even flow of current, can
be disposable and
absorbs the chemicals
Disadvantages:
 Time consuming, Short
Circuit
Cont…

3. Carbon-impregnated
Rubber Electrodes:
 Rubber or Silicon is
coated with Carbon to
act as Conductor
 Re-usable
 Self adhesive
 Disposable
Methods of Application

Direct Application
a. Active Pad Electrode

b. Indifferent Electrode
Indirect or under water application

Monopolar bath
 Active electrode
placed on the body
 Indifferent electrode
placed in water
 Does not touch the
body
Bipolar Bath
 Both electrodes placed
in water
 Does not touch the
body
 Current flow from
water to body to water
General technique
Procedure
 Preparation of patient
 Have patient in an appropriate and comfortable
position
 Explain patient about treatment
 Exposed area to be treated
 Inspect skin, any cut
 Test skin sensation for pin prick
 Placed electrodes appropriately over the area to
be treated
 No metal of electrode is touching the patient
Preparation of the Equipment

 Select the apparatus that provide DC


 No current is leaking onto the casing
 Mark the poles (neg&posv)|
 Keep all controls at zero
 Connect wire and electrodes
Treatment

 Check are controls at zero


 Turn the switch ON
 Increase the intensity slowly
 Note the sensation reported by patient
 Set the treatment time
 At the end, turn the intensity slowly to zero
 Switch OFF the apparatus
 Removes terminals from apparatus
 Remove the electrodes
 Inspect the skin
Therapeutic Uses

1. Pain relief:
a. Anodal Galvanism
b. Cathodal Galvanism
2. Improved Circulation
3. Electrical Stimulation (Denervated
Muscles……2nd & 3rd Degree Nerve Injuries)
ANODAL GALVANISM

 Anode is an active electrode


 Cathode is larger and act as indifferent
electrode
 Used for acute painful conditions
Effects:
 Acidic reaction
 Hardens the tissues and reduces nerve
irritability
 It is use for pain relief
Cathodal galvanism

 Cathode is an active electrode


 Anode is indifferent electrode
 Used in chronic painful conditions
Effects:
 Basic or alkaline reaction
 Soften the tissues
 Increase nerve irritability
 It is used to soften the scar tissue
Contraindications

 Infections
 Open wounds
 Bony areas
 Sensory loss
 Unconscious patients
 Over malignant area

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