Electrophoresis

Various physiotherapy methods — such as ultrasound therapy, darsonvalization, laser therapy, and cryotherapy — are successfully used to treat diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS), chronic inflammatory conditions, a range of cardiovascular diseases, joint disorders, and functional impairments of the digestive system. One of the most popular and effective procedures among them is **electrophoresis**. What exactly does this physiotherapeutic method involve?

Electrophoresis is also known by other names: iontophoresis, ionic therapy, or galvanic ion therapy. This treatment method is based on the introduction of various medications into the body in the form of ions using a weak direct current (galvanization). The key feature of this approach is the combined effect of two factors: the galvanic current and the medication itself. As a result, the therapeutic effect from the drug occurs much faster. During the procedure, medicines are introduced into the body mainly through the excretory ducts of sweat and sebaceous glands.

Advantages of Drug Delivery via Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis offers significant advantages over traditional ways of administering medications — such as injections, tablets, or capsules:

• The highest concentration of the drug is achieved directly at the site of inflammation;
• Several different medications can be administered simultaneously through separate electrodes;
• Since drugs enter the body in ionic form, their pharmacological activity increases;
• Skin integrity remains undisturbed, so there is no need for sterilization;
• No side effects occur, unlike with other administration routes;
• The gastrointestinal mucosa is not irritated, since the drugs are delivered directly to the affected area.

How an Electrophoresis Procedure Is Conducted

Damp gauze pads soaked in water are placed under the electrodes on the skin. This is done to avoid negative effects caused by the high physicochemical activity of ions — during electrolysis, they turn into neutral atoms.

A single electrophoresis session lasts between 15–30 minutes and is usually conducted every other day, sometimes less frequently — depending on the doctor’s recommendation. The treating physician or physiotherapist determines the total number of sessions, which typically ranges from 10 to 30 procedures.

Electrodes must not be placed on areas with cuts, abrasions, burns, or open wounds — or these zones should be isolated beforehand by applying vaseline. A normal reaction to the procedure may include temporary reddening of the treated area, slight tingling, or warmth — all of which quickly subside.

Indications for Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis achieves the best results when combined with other physiotherapeutic treatments (depending on the condition), such as ultrasound therapy, light therapy, magnetotherapy, and others.

Main indications for undergoing a course of electrophoresis:

• Inflammatory processes and adhesions in the pelvic organs;
• Spine and joint diseases;
• Migraine, neuroses, and other neurological disorders;
• Hypertension and hypotension;
• Scars and burns;
• Musculoskeletal disorders.

Contraindications for Electrophoresis

However, there are cases where this procedure should be avoided:

• Individual intolerance to electric current;
• Malignant tumors;
• Acute cardiovascular or purulent-inflammatory diseases;
• Tendency to bleed and other contraindications.

Effects of an Electrophoresis Course

If your specialist has determined that you would benefit from electrophoresis, after completing the course (or even after just a few sessions) you will feel its positive impact — each effect depends on the dominant electrode used (anode or cathode):

• Negative electrode – Cathode promotes:
  • Normalization of metabolism;
  • Vasodilation;
  • Relaxation;
  • Improved metabolic function.
• Positive electrode – Anode promotes:
  • Reduction of inflammation;
  • Reduction of tissue swelling;
  • Pain relief.

Electrophoresis has proven itself as an effective physiotherapeutic method not only in medicine but also in cosmetology.

Comfortable Treatment at the "Berezoviy Gai" Health Resort

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