REFERENCE TEXT BOOK Electrotherapy & Actinotherapy by P. M. Scott Electrotherapy by Jugmohan
SHS.305 COURSE OUTLINE CURRENT: Low Frequency Current (Faradic, Interferential, Galvanic, Ionization) High Frequency Current (Short Wave Diathermy) Cryotherapy
Lecture outline This lecture deals about the basics of electrotherapy in the following sub-categories; Terminology, Introduction, Classification of electrotherapy & basic model of electrotherapy intervention. Key concepts in Electrotherapy / Electro physical agents Basics of Electric current / Electricity. Shock, types & Prevention strategies
INTRODUCTION - ELECTROTHERAPY Electro – Electric Current / Electrical Energy Modality – Machines/ Equipment's Therapy – Treatment of disease, Non surgical treatment approach It means various forms of THERAPEUTIC applications using Electrical Energy as primary source
Electrotherapy - Definition Electrotherapy can be defined as the treatment of patients by electrical means.
ELECTROTHERAPY For treatment purposes in patients we use some electrical devices – electrotherapy The devices that we use – electrotherapy modalities/ equipments
Instruments used in Electrotherapy
Introduction – Changing nature of Electrotherapy Electrotherapy is a long-established place in therapy practice. From the published & experimental evidence, it appears that electrotherapy can be clinically effective.
The evidence would suggest that when the appropriate modality is applied at the right dose for the presenting problem, it can make a significant contribution to the improvement & well being of the patient. For any therapeutic intervention to be effective there is a need for a clear assessment, a rationalization of the problems(s) & the construction of a proposed treatment plan that matches the needs of the individual taking into account their holistic circumstances, not just their presenting signs & symptoms. CONCEPT BEHIND - ELECTROTHERAPY
The therapist then re-evaluates the outcomes as the treatment progresses, modifying the treatment package in the light of these results. (+, -) The research evidence suggests that electrotherapy can be effective as an element of treatment. Further work is needed to evaluate the combinations or treatment packages – that are most effective. INTRODUCTION - ELECTROTHERAPY
Basic Model of Electrotherapy Intervention A simple, but effective clinical decision making model (represented in the adjacent diagram) can be utilized. All electrotherapy modalities involve the introduction of some physical energy into a biologic system . This energy brings about one or more physiological changes , which are used for therapeutic benefit.
Basic Model of Electrotherapy Intervention
ELECTRICITY – Basic concepts explained Matter - any material that occupies space and has mass. Elements - all matter are made of elements, over 100 elements are known. Compounds - combination of two or more elements joined together at the atomic level. Atom - the smallest recognized particle of matter that retains the properties of a given element. Atoms of elements are combined together to form compounds.
The atom consists of : A) Protons - very dense, positively charged B) Neutrons - dense, neutrally charged C) Electrons - negatively charged particles that orbit very rapidly about the nucleus of an atom. Atomic charge balance - all atoms contain the same number of negative electrons as positive protons, thus as neutrons have no charge, then net positive charges = net negative charges (protons = electrons)
Ionic Bonds - bonding in which one or more valence electrons are transferred from one atom to another. Ions - electrically charged atoms. positive ions - tend to lose electrons during bonding negative ions - tend to gain electrons during bonding. Two particles of opposite charge attract each other & two particles of the same charge repel each other.
Potential It is electrical condition of that body when compared to the neutral potential of the earth Bodies with an excess of electron are called negative Bodies deficient in electrons are called positive The Unit of potential is volt
Capacitance It is the ability of the body to hold an electrical charge Capacitance depends upon the material and surface area of the body. There is inverse relationship between capacitance and potential (larger the body the smaller the potential) Difference of potential Exists between similar bodies charged with different quantities of electricity. Electron moves from the more negative to less negative one. The force producing the movement is called an electro motive force (EMF)
The charged body is continually seeking to attain its neutral state : if negative, by losing electrons; if positive gaining electrons.
Characteristics of charged body These shows certain properties The lines of force (LOF) surrounding an isolated charged body are straight. Lines of force (LOF) repel one another. LOF pass more easily through conductors than through insulators LOF concentrate on that part of the surface of a charged body nearest to another object over which they can exert an influence.
Electric Fields - LOF An electric field exists around any charged particle. If a smaller charge that is free to move is placed in the field, the paths it will move along are called lines of force.
Examples of electric fields near charge particles and plates
Electromotive force - EMF Electromotive force , or most commonly emf or electromotance is that which tends to cause current (actual electrons and ions) to flow. More formally, emf is the external work expended per unit of charge to produce an electric potential difference across two open-circuited terminals. The electric potential difference is created by separating positive and negative charges, thereby generating an electric field. The created electrical potential difference drives current flow if a circuit is attached to the source of emf.
Electrical energy Electrical energy is the energy carried by moving electrons in an electric conductor. It cannot be seen, but it is one of our most useful forms of energy because it is relatively easy to transmit and use.
Electric Current / Electricity An electric current is the flow of electric charge (Usually electrons) in a circuit. Factors essential for production of electrical current are 1. Potential difference (PD) 2. Conducting pathway (between two points of PD) PD (+ -) It is measured in – Amperes (A) Higher potential Lower potential
Presence of Potential difference Generation of electric current / electricity
Types of electricity / Current Currents can be classified into 1 . Alternating (AC) 2 . Direct (DC) 3 . Pulsatile (PC)
TYPES EXPLAINED 1. Direct current (DC) The current flows only in one direction. 2. Alternating (AC) T he continuous flow of electrons is bidirectional E lectrons flowing in an alternating current always move from the negative to positive pole
3. Pulsatile (PC) C ontain s three or more pulses grouped together and may be undirectional or bidirectional
CURRENT FLOW THROUGH BIOLOGIC TISSUES E lectrical current tends to choose the path that offers the least (LESS) resistance to flow . The conductivity of the different types of tissue in the body is variable. Typically, tissue that is highest in water content ( highest in ion content ) is the best conductor of electricity. The skin has different layers that vary in water content, but generally the skin offers the primary resistance to current flow and is considered an insulator .
CURRENT FLOW THROUGH BIOLOGIC TISSUES Blood is a biologic tissue that is composed largely of water and ions and is consequently the BEST electrical conductor of all tissues. Muscle is composed of about 75 percent water . Muscle tends to propagate an electrical impulse much more effectively . So it is a good conductor. Peripheral nerve conductivity is approximately six times that of muscle. Fat contains only about 14 percent water and is thought to be a poor conductor . Bone is extremely dense, contains only about 5 percent water , and is considered to be the poorest biologic conductor of electrical current.
Therapeutic uses of modalities Promoting blood circulation Stimulating the muscle activity Influencing the nerves and transmission of pain Warming the skin and tissues lying deeper Stimulation of the metabolism processes and reinforcing the body’s defense mechanism
Cont…. Sensory stimulation To reduce pain Used as placebo effect Ion movement Analgesia Recent researches shows Fracture healing Wound healing Ligament and tendon healing
SUMMARY Terminology, Introduction, Classification of electrotherapy & basic model of electrotherapy intervention. Key concepts in Electrotherapy / Electro physical agents Basics of Electric current / Electricity.