Update: October 2018

Electrophoresis - refers to physiotherapeutic procedures and more than other methods are practiced for various diseases in adults and children. During the procedure, the human body is affected by electrical impulses (direct current), which are generated by a special device and have a therapeutic effect at the general and local levels. At the same time, drugs are administered through the skin or mucous membranes.

An excursion into the history of electrophoresis

The leading method of physiotherapy would not have been possible without a continuous current generator, which was created by the Italian physicist A. Volta in the 19th century.

The first talk about electroomos, which is the movement of solutions through capillaries when exposed to an electric field, took place as early as 1809. It was then that the scientist from Germany, Ferdinand Reis, first mentioned electrophoresis. However, his research was not widely disseminated.

In 1926, Arne Tiselius, a Swedish biochemist, described the first tube needed for the procedure. The first device for electroprocedures was invented in 1936 - the previously proposed tubes were transformed into more efficient narrow cells, and a little later they were replaced by glass sections. Long-term studies conducted on horse serum made it possible to reveal the mechanism of action of electrophoresis: molecules with an electric charge, under the influence of an electric current in a liquid medium, move to the zone opposite to the charged electrode.

Apparatus for the procedure

Electrophoresis is performed using different devices, but the most famous is Potok, which has been used in physiotherapy for more than 50 years. The structure of the device is simple: holes for electrodes marked + and -, buttons for determining the procedure time and a current regulator.

The devices of the new model are equipped with digital indicators and a display (Elfor, Elfor Prof, etc.)

The general positive effect of the procedure on the body

• Reducing the severity of the inflammatory process;
• Elimination of edema;
• Reduction of pain syndrome;
• Stimulation of the production of substances with biological activity;
• Relaxation of muscles with the elimination of increased tone;
• Calming effect on the central nervous system;
• Improvement of blood microcirculation;
• Acceleration of tissue regeneration;
• Defense activation.

Mechanism of therapeutic action

The action of an electric current leads to the fact that the drug is converted into ions with an electric charge, which penetrate the skin. It is in the skin that the main part of the drug remains, a slightly smaller part is transported through the lymph and blood throughout the body.

Ions with different charges have different effects on the body. So, negatively charged ions have:

• secretory effect, i.e. affect the production of substances with biological activity and their entry into the bloodstream;
• relaxing effect on smooth muscle tissue;
• vasodilating effect;
• normalizing effect on metabolism.

Ions with a positive charge have anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory, soothing and analgesic effects.

Areas of the skin involved in drug transport:

• excretory ducts of sweat and sebaceous glands;
• intercellular areas;
• hair follicles.

The efficiency of electrophoresis directly depends on the completeness of drug absorption, which is influenced by the following factors:

• the person's age;
• the strength of the supplied current;
• properties of the solvent in which the drug is dissolved;
• concentration and dose of the drug;
• ion size and charge;
• location of the electrodes;
• the duration of the procedure;
• individual characteristics of the organism, such as tolerance and susceptibility of the procedure.

How is the procedure carried out

Electrophoresis is carried out in a physiotherapy room by a medical worker. There are devices for home use, for each of which an instruction is developed, which should be strictly observed.

Classical percutaneous method. The nurse examines the areas of the body on which the electrodes will be placed - the skin must be healthy, without moles, lesions and inflammatory elements. On one pad, which is a sterile gauze, a pre-prepared main drug is applied, on the second, similar, another drug is applied, most often 2% aminofillin, which improves blood circulation, relaxes smooth muscles and has a slight analgesic effect. The first gasket is connected to the plus, and the second to the minus.

After preparation, the pads are applied to the skin, electrodes are attached to them and fixed with a load or elastic bandages, after which the device is turned on.

The strength of the current and the time of the procedure are selected individually. The nurse gradually increases the current during the procedure and asks how the patient feels. Normal sensations are a slight tingling in the place where the electrodes are attached. But burning, itching and pain are a signal to immediately stop the procedure.

The average procedure time is 10-15 minutes. Procedures for small children differ in shorter duration. The duration of the course is 10-20 procedures, which are carried out daily or every other day.

Other methods of electrophoresis

• Bath. The drug and solution are poured into a bath with built-in electrodes. After preparation, the patient immerses the affected part of the body in the bath.
• cavity. The solution with the preparation is introduced into the cavity (vagina, rectum) and one of the electrodes is brought into the same cavity. The second electrode is attached to the skin. Used for diseases of the large intestine and pelvic organs.
• Interstitial. The drug is administered in the traditional way, for example, intravenously or orally, and the electrodes are applied to the projection of the affected organ. Such an introduction is especially effective in pathologies of the respiratory organs (,).
  

Advantages and disadvantages of drug administration by electrophoresis

Advantages:

• The introduction is not accompanied by pain;
• A low concentration of a medicinal substance in solution (up to 10%), which is sufficient to provide a high therapeutic effect;
• The introduction of the drug directly into the focus of inflammation;
• Minimum adverse and allergic reactions;
• Long-term therapeutic effect of the administered drug (up to 20 days);
• The classical route of passage of drugs through the gastrointestinal tract when taken orally is bypassed, which means that the bioavailability of drugs increases.

Disadvantages:

• Not all drugs can be introduced into the body using electrophoresis;
• The procedure itself has a number of strict contraindications.

Drugs that are used in electrophoresis

Depending on the charge, the drug is injected through the positive or negative pole. During the procedure, it is permissible to use only those drugs that penetrate the skin. Each medicine has its own indications and has a certain therapeutic effect. Consider the main drugs used in electrophoresis:

The following drugs can be administered both from the anode and from the cathode):

• lidase
• eufillin;
• gumizol;
• histidine;
• trypsin and others.

Indications for electrophoresis

It is easier to list contraindications for treatment, since the procedure is indicated for most common diseases of almost all organs and systems. However, the lack of mass application of the available procedure and the interest of patients is explained by several factors:

• doctors do not always offer patients this method of auxiliary treatment;
• since the procedures are carried out in a physiotherapy room, the course of treatment is burdensome for some patients;
• not all people trust such procedures and treat them with caution.

Indications for the procedure in young children under 1 year old:

• hyper- or hypotonicity of muscles;
• neurological disorders of a slight degree of severity;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system (including dysplasia and immaturity of the hip joints);
• diathesis;
• burns;
• diseases of the ENT organs.

Contraindications to electrophoresis - absolute and relative

As with any other physiotherapy, electrophoresis is characterized by indications and contraindications. Contraindications are divided into absolute, in which the procedure is prohibited, and relative, in which the decision on the possibility of physiotherapy is made by the doctor.

Electrophoresis is not performed in the acute stage of the disease or during exacerbation of chronic pathologies - this is an absolute contraindication for all patients.

Even in the absence of direct contraindications to the procedure, the doctor always weighs all the pros and cons, assesses the general state of physical and mental health before prescribing physiotherapy.

Side effects of electrophoresis

If the technique of the procedure is fully observed, no side effects occur. Perhaps the development of allergic reactions to the drug used for treatment. Often, hyperemia remains at the site of application of the pad, which quickly disappears after the removal of the electrodes.

Until now, the effectiveness of physiotherapy remains in question, since this method of treatment and recovery requires a lot of time to get the first results. Accordingly, neither the doctor nor the patient at first can claim that the problem is being solved.

Electrophoresis also refers to one of the varieties of physiotherapy. To get the result from its use, the patient will have to go through 10-15 sessions, depending on the complexity of the problem being solved.

For example, the treatment of otitis media requires at least 12 sessions, but the result is worth it. Often, electrophoresis is performed with potassium or magnesium, and there is also a kind of procedure with Lidaza. With its help, not only the ears, throat, but also a number of gynecological diseases are cured.

The principle of electrophoresis

The whole essence of this procedure lies in the combination of exposure to the affected organ of a pharmaceutical preparation and direct current. This method allows you to achieve the desired concentration of the drug introduced into the patient's body, directly at the site of the focus of the disease. Thus, the medicine begins to act faster, the cure occurs in a shorter period of time.

The introduction of the drug in the case of using electrophoresis is carried out through the ducts of the sweat and sebaceous glands. Naturally, even such a directed action cannot retain the drug exclusively in the focus of the disease, a small amount spreads throughout the body through the blood and lymph.

Dosing of the procedure takes place in accordance with the selection of the optimal current strength for each individual case, as well as the condition of the skin.

Scientists have proven that the optimal period of time for which the drug accumulates in the focus of the disease is from 10 minutes to half an hour. Among the advantages of using electrophoresis, it is worth highlighting:

• a significant increase in the effect of drugs;
• no pain or discomfort during the procedure;
• does not require violation of the integrity of the skin or mucous membranes;
• the possibility of using during an exacerbation of the disease or during periods of remission;
• allows you to save on medicines.

The electrophoresis procedure is based on a number of patterns, which are taken into account by doctors planning a course of treatment or rehabilitation. Among the main patterns, it is important to know that:

These rules are the postulates on which the quality of carrying out such an important procedure for human health as electrophoresis has been based for years. Neglecting one of them in the process of compiling a course of treatment can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the procedure and even cause irreparable harm to human health.

Procedure procedure

Electrophoresis is carried out using movable or stationary electrodes. It is important to maintain the same polarity of the active electrodes with therapeutic agents applied to them throughout the entire cycle of procedures. The fact is that such changes can disrupt the process of transfer of the drug to the tissues of the human body, due to which the overall effectiveness of this type of physiotherapy will be significantly lower than expected.

The procedure necessarily involves positively and negatively charged electrodes - the anode and the cathode. For the convenience of their recognition, the cathode is usually painted black, and the anode red.

There is also a division into passive and active electrodes.

The active one has a smaller area of ​​contact with the skin surface, so it is used to act directly on the diseased area, and the passive one is located in the area close to the focus. This technique is called bipolar electrophoresis.

Between the active electrode and the surface of the skin on which it is applied, hydrophilic pads are placed, pre-impregnated with the drug. These pads are often made of gauze and should be slightly larger than the electrode so that it does not go beyond it and does not touch unprotected skin.

For the treatment of ear diseases, the electrophoresis technique is used, in which the electrode is placed in the nose or ear. In this case, the patient should not feel discomfort, only a slight tingling sensation. If an unpleasant burning sensation or pain occurs during the procedure, the doctor should reduce the current density transmitted from the device to the patient's skin as soon as possible.

Scientists have proven that it is the placement of the electrode in the ears that is a completely new method of treating ENT diseases, which has an efficiency that is many times higher than with the implementation of the percutaneous method. In this case, it is electrophoresis with Lidaza that will make it possible to save patients from otitis media, sinusitis and other serious diseases of the upper respiratory tract as soon as possible.

The duration of the course of physiotherapy and each procedure itself is determined by the type of drug used. Means with electrolytic properties are diluted with ordinary distilled water. If the dissolution of substances in the preparation is slow and the distillate is not enough for this, ethyl alcohol can be used.

Features of electrophoresis with Lidaza

This type of physiotherapy procedure is also found in the medical literature under the name of galvanotherapy or iontophoresis. With its help, the maximum effect on the focus of the disease is achieved.

The introduction of the drug is carried out so precisely and exclusively on the areas that require exposure. You do not have to worry about concomitant lesions of the mucous membranes and skin, which are possible with the standard form of the procedure.

Also, such treatment of the ear, throat or nose with Lidaza minimizes the risk of manifestation of individual body reactions to the drug. Moreover, minimal dosages are often used, since electrophoresis is a technique due to which all the medicine to the drop will be delivered to the area of ​​the body requiring treatment. The process of removing the drug remains invariably long, so the effect on the body of Lidaza will continue for a long time, which will positively affect the healing process.

Why is Lidaza used for such a procedure? It is based on hyaluronidases - substances whose main job is to break down hyaluronic acid.

Accordingly, Lidaza is able to increase the permeability of skin tissues and blood vessels, as well as improve the flow of fluids in them. Due to this, the penetration of the drug into the ears, nose or throat during the procedure is much faster, which protects the patient from prolonged exposure to direct current on his body.

The main advantage of using Lidaza is the physiological nature of the agent, which minimizes the risk of allergic reactions in humans, even in cases where long-term therapy is carried out. In addition to the treatment of ENT diseases of the ear, throat or nose, electrophoresis with Lidaza is often used in the gynecological field to get rid of adhesions in the uterine tubes, the absence of which can cause infertility in women.

Many doctors recommend surgical removal of such adhesions, but more and more often in modern clinics, women are offered a solution to this problem through physiotherapy - electrophoresis with Lidaza. It will take a long time to undergo such physiotherapy, but the method is many times safer than surgical intervention.

Electrophoresis is a painless solution to get rid of gynecological problems without the possibility of recurrence. Under the influence of direct current, the scars in the uterus soften and smooth out, after which the formation of new ones, even in inflamed areas of the uterus, is impossible.

In cases of ear treatment with Lidaza, the effectiveness of the procedure is several times lower compared to the results in gynecology. Electrophoresis prevents thickening of fluids in the ear. But this is where the effect of therapy ends, and for a full treatment, excess fluids from the ear still need to be removed. There are no contraindications to this medical manipulation, it can be prescribed according to indications even for small children suffering from otitis media. Also, this procedure will be effective for children requiring treatment for hip dysplasia.

A contraindication to the use of this type of physiotherapy is the presence of asthma, any infectious or oncological disease in an acute form, as well as high fever.

For any other clinical picture, the possibility of using this type of physiotherapy should be discussed with your doctor. He also selects the optimal duration of the course, and the volume of the drug used.

Characteristics of LF.

A liquid dosage form, an ophthalmic true solution for external use, a comprehensively free dispersion system with a liquid dispersion medium, was prescribed.

Compatibility - Components are compatible.

Working prescription:

Furacilini 0.02

Natrii Chloridi 0.85

Aquae purificatae 100 ml

Ophthalmic solutions are prepared under aseptic conditions, followed by sterilization (Order of the Ministry of Health No. 214 of 07/16/97). Solvent freshly distilled purified water, because eye drops are not required to be non-pyrogenic. To ensure osmotic concentration and for better dissolution of furacilin, 0.85 sodium chloride is added to the solution. Because the total mass of solids does not exceed 3%, then the volume of the solution increases slightly, so 100 ml of water is taken. Furacilin - a coloring drug, is stored in a special cabinet, dosed on hand-held scales allocated for working with it. For faster dissolution, boiling or hot water is recommended (the hot water used reduces the strength of the crystal lattice, increases the diffusion rate, i.e., accelerates the dissolution process). In a sterile stand, rinsed with hot purified water, measure 100 ml of hot purified water, in which, with stirring, dissolve 0.02 g of furacilin and 0.85 sodium chloride. After cooling, the solution is filtered through a washed cotton swab into sterile neutral glass dispensing vials. The solution is filtered through a washed cotton swab so that the filter material does not absorb the solution and the volume of the solution does not change. They are transferred for control for mechanical inclusions at UK - 2 (mandatory), qualitative and quantitative control (mandatory). The bottle is sealed with a rubber stopper, rolled in with an aluminum cap, labeled and sterilized at 120 ° C for 8 minutes (order dated July 16, 1997 N 214). After sterilization, the solution is re-checked for the absence of mechanical impurities and labeled.

Design: main label “Eye drops”. The label indicates: department, method of application, date (day, month, year). There are additional labels “Keep in a cool, dark place”, “Keep out of the reach of children”.

Shelf life for running in is 1 month (according to order No. 214 dated 16.07.07).

Aquae purificatae 100 ml

Furacilini 0.02

Natrii Chloridi 0.85

Prepared:

Checked:

Control at the stages of production.

Evaluate the correctness of the design of the PPC.

The quality of the closure (the aluminum cap should not be scrolled when checking by hand, the solution should not pour out when the vial is overturned), the volume of the solution.

Registration. The label is written out correctly, the date of preparation of the solution, the shelf life, the painting of the prepared and checked are indicated.

Organoleptic control.

Yellow liquid without mechanical inclusions.

Physiotherapy techniques are widely used to treat various diseases. One of these methods is electrophoresis.

What is the procedure? During treatment, drugs are injected into the body using an electric current. This can be done through the skin, injecting drugs through the mucous membranes in the body.

Electrical procedures are used in traumatology, colds and lung diseases. I found my grateful users and electrophoresis in gynecology.

Why doctors and patients love this electroprocedure so much:

• treatment is carried out without pain. Perhaps only a slight tingling at the injection site of the drug;
• the safety of the procedure. The probability of electric shock is minimal;
• can be prescribed even to pregnant women;
• minimal drug is administered. Due to this, there are practically no side effects;
• the drug accumulates at the place where the electrodes are installed. Then it spreads smoothly to all organs and systems of the body;
• With the help of an electric current, the active substance is split into ions. These are the most active particles, so the treatment is very effective;
• the medicinal substance does not enter the gastrointestinal tract. There is no contact with saliva, gastric juice, violation of the microflora in the stomach.

Electrophoresis is not seen in any unpleasant side effects, but there are situations when the procedure cannot be performed:

• oncopathology, regardless of their location and genesis;
• cardiovascular diseases. But not all - you need to consult either your doctor or a physiotherapist;
• acute inflammatory processes, which are accompanied by fever;
• skin diseases - dermatitis, eczema;
• violation of the skin in the places where the electrodes are attached;
• individual intolerance to electroprocedures.

Some doctors try not to prescribe electrophoresis during menstruation. But in fact, normal monthly bleeding is not a contraindication to the procedure.

Electrophoresis in gynecological practice is prescribed for inflammatory diseases of the small pelvis, chronic processes, various menstrual disorders, and adhesive processes. In the acute process, physiotherapy is not prescribed.

But in the subacute period, electroprocedures contribute to a speedy recovery.

So, drugs:

• electrophoresis with zinc.
  For the procedure, a 0.25-0.5% zinc solution is used. It is prescribed for endocervicitis of various etiologies, in the treatment of erosion. Zinc preparations are also prescribed for incomplete function of the corpus luteum.
• Chronic processes with pain syndromes are treated with potassium iodide.
  Magnesium and calcium preparations have proven themselves well. Relieves pain electrophoresis with novocaine.
• Adhesions and cicatricial processes in the fallopian tubes are softened with the help of lidase preparations with zinc.
  This allowed many women to conceive and carry babies normally.
• If painful menstruation is being treated, then painkillers are used.
  Assign from 6 to 8 procedures immediately before monthly bleeding.

Although while waiting for a child, a woman is trying not to prescribe extra medications, electrophoresis in this case is the safest way to introduce drugs into the body.

Indications for pregnancy:

• increased tone of the uterus; the threat of premature birth;
• gestosis and accompanying edema.

In this case, the electrodes are applied to the cervical-collar zone, and not to the pelvic area. Additionally, you can enter trace elements and vitamin preparations.

Additional contraindications for physiotherapy during pregnancy:

• some conditions of the unborn child, which exclude the impact of currents and drugs;
• blood clotting disorder;
• kidney and liver diseases;
• eclampsia is late gestosis, which is accompanied by convulsions;
• nausea and frequent vomiting.