Galvanic Current.pptx

Galvanic Current - Electrotherapy - Physiotherapy by dr. Manish Goon

1. Constant DC/Galvanic current Manish Goon MPT , D. OM ( BELGIUM) ,

2. Galvanic current It is a steady direct current which is rectified and made suitable for therapeutic use. Long duration current having pulse duration more than 1ms up to 300ms to 600ms. Most commonly used duration is 100ms. It requires a frequency of 30 pulses/minute. If duration increases the frequency must be reduced.

3. Types of galvanic current CONSTANT GALVANIC CURRENT An electric current that moves in one direction with constant strength. MODIFIED GALVANIC CURRENT When the direct current is made to interrupt. The current flows and stops at regular interval producing various waveforms ( triangular ,trapezoidal, saw tooth and depolarized) . Also called interrupted galvanic current.

4. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS Muscle contraction: the intensity and duration of impulses in galvanic current is adequate so that it can cause a sluggish worm-like contraction. Sensory nerve stimulation: when current is applied it produces sensory stimulation resulting in the feeling stabbing or burning sensation. Motor nerve stimulation: it produces contraction of muscles supplied by that nerve. Blood flow: it increases blood circulation causing erythema under both the electrodes but is more under the cathode it is caused by capillary hyperemia.

5. ELECTROTONUS: Sub-threshold nerve stimuli do not cause an action potential but it affects membrane potential. this is called electro tonus. When a constant current passes through any part of a nerve it alters its sensitivity. Catelectrotonus : local depolarization and increased irritability of a nerve in the region of the negative electrode or cathode on the passage of a current through it. Anelectrotonus : decreased irritability of a nerve in the region of positive electrode or anode on the passage of a current through it.

6. Therapeutic effect IONTOPHORESIS: non-invasive therapeutic procedure which involves introduction of free ions into the skin in ionic form . hyperhydrosis . (water glycopyronium bromide iontophoresis/water iontophoresis) Pain reduction (sodium salicylate) Magnesium sulphate and calcium chloride (muscle spasm) Hyaluronidase (edema)

7. Pain relief Strong sensory stimulation blocks the pain at the spinal cord level by pain gate mechanism. The hyperemia occurring may help to remove the nociceptive substance thus reducing pain.

8. Acceleration of healing Speculation no concrete evidence.

9. Dangers and precautions Burn Electric shock. Skin irritation Systemic effects

10. contraindications Skin lesions. Impaired cognitive ability. Pregnancy (1 st trimester). Over carotid sinus. Loss of sensation. Cancer. Cardiac pacemaker. Superficial metals.

11. INTERRUPTION IS THE MOST COMMON MODIFICATION OF DIRECT CURRENT,THE FLOW OF CURRENT COMMENCING AND CEASING AT REGULAR INTERVAL

12. referrence Electrotherapy explained: theory and practice