Galvanization is a physiotherapeutic method in which the patient’s body is exposed to a continuous electric current of low strength and voltage.

Galvanic current penetrates the organs and tissues of the human body, stimulating the occurrence of complex physical and chemical processes.

Therapeutic effect

The mechanism of action of galvanization is the continuous effect of an electric current of low strength and intensity on individual areas of the patient’s body and skin. When a current is applied to the human body, the balance of ions in cells changes, and physical and chemical transformations occur.

The use of galvanization leads to the following effects:

Basic parameters of the procedure

The galvanization procedure in physiotherapy can be carried out with different dosages of density, current strength and duration of exposure. For this physiotherapeutic method, a current of low voltage (up to 80 V) and low strength (up to 50 mA) is used. The current density varies from 0.01 mA/cm2 to 0.08 mA/cm2.

The strongest current is used for therapeutic effects on the torso and limbs (from 15 mA to 30 mA). When applying electrodes to the area of ​​the head, face, mucous membranes, the current strength does not exceed 5 mA.

Current is supplied to the patient's body using electrodes (lead plates up to 1 mm thick, with a wet gasket, and a cord connected to the plate). Electrodes can also be built into a reservoir (“bath”), which is used to immerse the part of the body that requires therapy. A hydrophilic gasket and water in the reservoir are necessary to prevent burns to the patient’s skin from electrolysis products.

Electrodes can have a rectangular shape, be in the form of a half mask (for use on the face), in the form of a “collar” (for influencing the upper back and shoulder girdles), in the form of a funnel (for use in the ear area), or a “bath”. There are also cavity electrodes for intravaginal and rectal use.

After fixing the electrodes on the patient’s body, or placing a part of the body in the “bath,” the current is started and gradually increased until the required parameters are reached. The procedure ends with a gradual decrease in current until it turns off.

Electrodes can be applied transversely or longitudinally. Transverse application contributes to a more effective effect on deep-lying tissues. The electrodes are located on opposite parts of the body, opposite each other. The longitudinal arrangement ensures the effect on the superficial areas of tissue. Electrodes are applied to one side of the body.

When performing the procedure, it is necessary to take into account the patient's sensations. A normal reaction to the current manifests itself in the form of a sensation of “crawling goosebumps” or a slight tingling sensation. The current density must be reduced if a burning sensation occurs.

After 5-7 galvanization sessions, the patient’s condition may worsen. This effect indicates a positive effect from the procedures performed.

The duration of the procedure ranges from 15 minutes (for general exposure) to 40 minutes (for local exposure). The therapeutic course consists of 10-20 galvanization sessions. It is recommended to carry out the procedure daily or every other day. A repeat course is possible in a month.

Place in neurological and general medical practice

Galvanization is an effective method of treating the following neurological diseases:

Galvanization is also widely used in the following areas of medicine:

• cardiology;
• gastroenterology;
• urology;
• pulmonology;
• dentistry;
• surgery;
• endocrinology;
• orthopedics;
• gynecology;
• cosmetology;
• dermatology;
• ophthalmology.

Technique and methods of the procedure

Before starting the procedure, the patient's skin must be cleansed. If there is damage to the skin, these areas must be treated with Vaseline and covered with cotton wool, rubber or oilcloth.

Electrodes are applied longitudinally (impact on superficial tissues) and transversely (impact on deep tissues and organs). Arrangement transversely and diagonally is possible.

During the procedure, the patient takes a sitting or lying position. The electrodes are attached using adhesive plaster, bandage, or small containers with sand.

There are various methods of applying galvanization:

Electrophoresis as an improved galvanization method

The combination of galvanization with drugs is called electrophoresis. Galvanic current is used for more efficient absorption of drugs by the body, and makes their effect effective and mild.

Medicinal solutions are introduced into the body through the mucous membranes and skin under the influence of an electric field. The most effective effect is on hair follicles, sebaceous gland ducts, intercellular spaces and sweat glands.

Medicines used in electrophoresis contain ions (charged particles) that are introduced into the body by various electrodes. The choice of electrode depends on the charge of the ions. During one procedure, different substances can be administered from different points of influence.

The electrophoresis procedure is painless, but discomfort in the form of a slight tingling sensation in the area where the electrodes are applied is possible.

• inflammatory processes;

Electrophoresis can be carried out in various ways:

1. Through the skin– electrodes are placed on the patient’s skin.
2. Using baths– a solution of a medicinal substance is placed in a reservoir with built-in electrodes, and the part of the body that requires exposure is placed in this “bath”.
3. Cavity method– the drug solution is administered rectally or into the vagina. The electrode is also inserted inside. An electrode with a different polarity is attached to the outside of the body (used for the treatment of diseases of the large intestine and pelvic organs).
4. Interstitial method– the drug is administered orally, inhaled, intravenously, electrodes are applied to the affected organ or area (most effective for respiratory diseases).

As a result of the procedure, medicinal substances accumulate in the skin and can remain there from 12 hours to 20 days. Due to this, a longer effect of the drugs is ensured and they are slowly eliminated from the body.

The advantage of the method is that the accumulation of the drug occurs locally, without spreading it to the entire body.

The concentration of the drug in the area of ​​application is several times higher than the concentration with conventional methods of administration. Electrophoresis allows you to introduce drugs into areas with impaired microcirculation and blood circulation, where the penetration of medications is usually difficult. A positive feature of the method is also the low level of allergic and adverse reactions.

Appliances used

Devices for galvanization and electrophoresis are electronic rectifiers of alternating current of the lighting network. The following devices are used to carry out the galvanization procedure:

• “Potok-1”, “Potok-01M”, “Potok-Br”;
• "GR";
• "AGN-1", "AGN-2";
• "Radius";
• "NET";
• "ETER";
• "ELFOR", "ELFOR-Prof";
• "ESMA".

Apparatus for galvanization and electrophoresis ELFOR

Contraindications to the use of physiotherapy

• individual intolerance to galvanic current;
• the presence of neoplasms or suspicions of them;
• acute inflammatory diseases;
• severe cardiovascular diseases;
• acute purulent diseases;
• systemic blood diseases;
• severe atherosclerosis;
• eczema, dermatitis;
• feverish conditions;
• skin diseases;
• skin damage;
• impaired skin sensitivity;
• during pregnancy;
• with cachexia.

What is electrophoresis?

Medicinal electrophoresis is a combination of the effect on the human body of electrical currents and medicinal substances administered with their help. When using this method, a high healing effect is observed that a specific medicinal substance has on the body. The intensity of this effect depends on the degree of mobility of the drug in the electromagnetic field, the method and area of ​​its administration, as well as on the amount of the incoming drug.

Under the influence of current, medicinal solutions disintegrate into ions, after which they form hydrophilic charged complexes. If biological tissues occur on the path of dispersed particles, medicinal ions penetrate into their very thickness, where they exert their healing effect. Such treatment methods are practically harmless, so doctors often prescribe electrophoresis even for pregnant women. There are also no contraindications for children; moreover, these procedures very well help cope with the residual effects of colds. Therefore, pediatricians often recommend electrophoresis as a restorative therapy.

Indications for the use of electrophoresis

1. To treat bronchitis, electrophoresis with calcium is prescribed, which allows for a direct effect of a high concentration of the drug on the site of inflammation.

2. For arthrosis and osteochondrosis, electrophoresis with novocaine is performed as an anesthetic. In this case, an anode is installed on the area of ​​​​increased pain, under which a special gauze pad is placed, soaked in a 0.5% solution of novocaine hydrochloride. In case of intense pain, this procedure should be carried out twice a day for 20 minutes for two weeks.

3. For acne, furunculosis and skin cancer, electrophoresis with copper is prescribed, since it is this substance that has an antitumor effect.

4. Electrophoresis with lidase (in combination with collagenase) will help to cope with keloid scars at an early stage: the procedure will reduce not only the volume of such formations, but also stop their further growth.

5. Euphylline electrophoresis for children is prescribed for muscle hypertonicity. This medicine promotes the rapid growth of cartilage tissue and improves blood circulation.

6. For gynecological diseases, unsuccessful pregnancies and frequent miscarriages, electrophoresis is performed using zinc.

7. Intervertebral hernia at an early stage is effectively eliminated by electrophoresis with caripazim, which has a softening effect, resulting in relaxation of the nerve and pain relief.

Application of electrophoresis in pediatrics

Electrophoresis for infants is prescribed for hypotonicity or hypertonicity of muscles, as well as musculoskeletal disorders. It is also used to reduce pain during various diseases. This procedure has shown itself quite well in the treatment of diathesis rashes in infants. Electrophoresis for older children is often prescribed for such diseases when the action of the medicine must be directed to the center of the inflammatory process. Often this treatment method is used after fractures of the upper and lower extremities, for acne, boils, bronchitis, and even for curvature of the spine. As a rule, treatment with electrophoresis is carried out in combination with drug therapy.

Do you or your child have a weakened immune system and don’t know how to boost it? Do you often suffer from bronchial asthma? Do your relatives have problems with the cardiovascular system and are they swallowing all sorts of pills that have a negative effect on the liver? To cope with such situations, doctors often prescribe electrophoresis sessions to their patients. With the help of such procedures, a person will not only keep his liver healthy, but will also quickly get back on his feet, getting rid of the ailment that was bothering him. Thanks to electrophoresis, the medicine reaches the desired organs faster, while providing maximum effect. Today we will learn about the methods of conducting such sessions, in what cases they are prescribed, and also when it is prohibited to conduct them.

What is the procedure

Many people ask the question: “Electrophoresis - what is it and why is it better than taking medications orally, intravenously or intramuscularly?” Now let's try to answer this question. Electrophoresis is a medical procedure that has several names: ionotherapy, iontophoresis, ionogalvanization, galvanoionotherapy. This is physiotherapy based on the effects of drugs delivered using electric current. Administration of medications by this method has the following advantages over delivery of substances intravenously, intramuscularly or orally:

Longer therapeutic effect.

The ability to deliver the drug to the desired area of ​​the body, while bypassing other organs.

Minimal risk of side effects.

Painless procedure.

Preservation of the normal structure of the patient’s tissues when the drug is administered.

Basic electrophoresis techniques

1. Galvanic belt.
2. General electrophoresis according to Vermeule.
3. Ion reflexes according to Shcherbakov.
4. Facial electrophoresis according to Bourguignon.
5. Physiotherapeutic treatment endonasally.

Galvanic belt

Treatment with electrophoresis in this case is indicated for diseases of the female genital organs. This technique can also be used in relation to men with prostatitis, sexual dysfunction, and vascular disorders.

The galvanic belt can be either upper or lower. In the first case, one pad is impregnated with a special warm solution and then applied to the thoracic and lumbar back, in the second - to the sacral and lumbar vertebrae.

The duration of the procedure is approximately 10 minutes. And the course of such treatment can reach 20 sessions.

General electrophoresis according to Vermeule

In this case, 3 pads with medicine are used. The first (largest) is placed on the back, between the shoulder blades. And the other two are applied to the calves. Thus, electrophoresis is done on almost the entire surface of the body, except for the face, neck and head. Electrophoresis - what is it? In what cases is it prescribed? This is a special technique designed to help adults and children with problems such as vegetative-trophic disorders, neurosis-like conditions, weakened immunity, metabolic disorders, and diseases of the cardiovascular system.

The duration of the procedure using the Vermeule method can be from 20 to 40 minutes. The course of physiotherapy may be limited to 20 sessions.

Ion reflexes according to Shcherbakov

For the treatment of hypertension and neuroses, as well as if the patient has peptic ulcers or joint disorders, this particular method of performing a procedure such as electrophoresis is used. What is physical therapy according to Shcherbakov? In this case, electrodes are applied to the patient's upper and lower limbs. Moreover, this must be done strictly diagonally. For example, right arm and right leg or vice versa. A specialist applies pads with solutions of potassium, magnesium, sodium or bromine to the shoulder and hip. Above these places, the limbs are tied with a rubber bandage.

The duration of the procedure according to Shcherbakov’s method can reach 40 minutes, no more. In this case, it is necessary to take breaks. The course of such manipulations is usually 15-20 sessions.

Facial electrophoresis according to Bourguignon

According to this technique, one electrode with a drug-impregnated pad is placed on closed eyelids, and the second on the back of the neck. In this case, electrophoresis is prescribed to patients who have diseases of the eyelids and anterior segment of the eyes.

The duration of this procedure is short, can reach 8 minutes. The entire time the manipulation is being carried out, the specialist must monitor the process. After all, the eyes are a sensitive organ, and any impact on them can cause discomfort, redness or swelling. Therefore, the nurse must strictly monitor the patient so that he does not have complications.

Endonasal electrophoresis: what is it?

This is a procedure during which not fabric pads are used, but cotton swabs moistened with medicinal substances. Endonasal electrophoresis is done not through the skin, but through the mucous membrane. Thanks to this effect, ENT diseases are excellently treated. Endonasal electrophoresis is often performed on children aged 3 years and older. In this case, the electrodes are placed as follows: one, having two plates, is placed in both nostrils, and the second - on the back of the neck.

Effective treatment of hernia using physiotherapy

Electrophoresis with "Karipazim" - a substance made on the basis of biological additives such as proteinase, papain, lysocine, chymopapain, has the following effect:

Softens cartilage tissue.

Relieves inflammatory processes.

Increases the secretion of collagen, as a result of which damaged fibers are scarred and their elasticity is restored.

It is thanks to this effect that electrophoresis with Karipazim, an effective drug, has a positive effect on the body of a sick person, reducing the hernia in size, freeing a pinched nerve, and also softening inflammation and pain. Also, pads are moistened with this substance and applied to the human body for the treatment of radiculitis, keloid scars, joint lesions, and neuralgic problems. Karipazim is a white powder, which is diluted with normal saline before the procedure.

Requirements for medications used for physiotherapy

Any solution for electrophoresis must meet the following requirements:

1. Be pure, without impurities.
2. Prepare immediately before the procedure.
3. To prepare the solution, use only clean distilled water.
4. If the medicine does not dissolve in water, then instead of this component you need to use purified alcohol, or the drug “Dimexide”.

To carry out electrophoresis, solutions are used from elements such as iodine, bromine, calcium, the drugs “Novocain”, “Eufillin” and many others, which must be prescribed by a doctor.

Contraindications to the procedure

Many people ask the question: “Is it possible to do electrophoresis if a person has a high fever, skin problems, or wounds?” No, under no circumstances is it possible. However, these are not all contraindications through which the procedure cannot be carried out. If you have the following health problems, it is prohibited to prescribe electrophoresis to a patient:

Tumors of any etiology and place of occurrence.

Acute stage of the inflammatory process.

Bronchial asthma.

Problems with blood clotting.

Allergy to the components of the drug that needs to be administered.

Cost of the procedure

Electrophoresis, the price of which depends on many factors, can be performed in a district hospital, in a private clinic, or at home. Naturally, the cost will vary. In a district hospital, the electrophoresis procedure will be the cheapest. The patient will need to buy medications, and the manipulation itself is often performed free of charge. If you do electrophoresis in a private clinic, the cost of the procedure can range from 200 to 1000 rubles per session. It all depends on the status of the medical institution, equipment, and area of ​​influence. This procedure can also be carried out at home, but in this case the cost will also be high. Since a specialist will travel with equipment, and this will be an additional expense. But you can buy a special device and carry out the manipulations yourself, but you will have to fork out for the equipment, since the cheapest device costs about 5 thousand rubles.

People's opinions about the procedure

Electrophoresis receives only positive reviews from patients. Parents who treat various problems in their children using this procedure are especially happy. Mothers note that during the session the child does not experience the stress that he could get if he was given an intravenous or intramuscular injection of medication. And in this case, boys and girls are not afraid, some even like to go to such procedures. And parents are happy that the medicine entering the child’s body in this way does not have a toxic effect. Also, many mothers like that this procedure allows them to achieve maximum effect even with small doses of medication. But you don’t want to stuff your children with drugs in large quantities. However, with electrophoresis you don't have to do this. After all, even a small dose of medicine will give a positive result. Plus, adult patients write that after electrophoresis sessions excellent results of therapy are observed, the disease quickly passes. People also note that the medicine that enters the body in this way stays there for a longer period due to its accumulation in the layers of the skin. And this, in turn, enhances the therapeutic effect of the drug.

Now you know what electrophoresis is and what popular techniques are used. We also determined what requirements the medications used to carry out this physiotherapy must meet. And we learned about how patients respond to electrophoresis sessions.

Most sites write about electrophoresis, that it is a way of introducing drugs into body tissues using a low-voltage, low-power direct electric current, that it combines the healing properties of electric current and the positive effects of the injected drug. But the features that will be discussed below are not disclosed everywhere.

The method is based on three phenomena:

1. Electrical conductivity of body structures.
2. The ability of current to directly influence processes in the area of ​​application (galvanization).
3. The ability of drugs to decompose into ions under the influence of electricity (electrolytic dissociation).

The galvanization effect involves the dissociation of inorganic salts of the body into positive and negative ions, moving in accordance with their own charge towards a positively or negatively charged electrode. Water moves along with the ions. As a result, swelling with loosening occurs under the cathode, while under the anode, the tissue thickens and shrinks.

In the area exposed to current, the movement of lymph and blood increases, metabolic and trophic processes and the regeneration of bone, nervous, and connective tissue are accelerated, and active substances are formed. These areas with increased intensity of metabolic processes become especially susceptible to administered medications, which gives electrophoresis a number of advantages over other methods of drug administration with a relatively small number of disadvantages:

Advantages	Flaws
Painless procedure	A limited amount of medication can be administered using this method.
In comparison with taking drugs orally and by injection, with electrophoresis, negative reactions to the drug occur much less frequently, and the side effects are much less pronounced	There are quite broad contraindications to the use of electrophoresis
The medicinal substance is introduced directly into the pathological focus with the formation of high concentrations there, but without saturating the body
A significant amount of the substance is injected into the surface layers of the skin and is permanently fixed there in the form of a “depot”, ensuring the duration of action of the medicinal substance.
The therapeutic effect of the administered drug lasts 1-20 days
The drug substance is not destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract
The substance is administered as a combination of individual ingredients, and not in molecular form, which increases its pharmacological activity in the complete absence of ballast substances

Side effects of the procedure

Along with such a wide range of advantages, the procedure also has a number of side effects in children and adults:

1. Electric current has a pronounced effect on growing areas of the bone and can slow down processes in them or unevenly accelerate and lead to the formation of small exostoses - growths.
2. Due to the increased sensitivity of children's skin, electrophoresis can cause irritation and dryness, so electrophoresis for children has limited indications.
3. Increased skin permeability makes the child's tissues especially susceptible to medications. And even seemingly adjusted dosages can cause allergic phenomena. Read more about the types of rashes in children and their causes.
4. Electric current actively affects the nervous system. In addition to a calming, positive effect, it can cause the opposite effect - increased excitability of the brain, drowsiness without falling asleep, irritability, photosensitivity.

Cathode and anode - electrophoresis key

Positively charged particles soothe, relieve pain, relieve swelling, negative particles relax, dilate blood vessels, improve metabolism

When choosing an electrophoresis technique, it is necessary to remember that opposite reactions develop in the tissues under the cathode and anode.

Under the cathode, a noticeable increase in the permeability of cell membranes is observed, tissues swell, metabolic processes are activated, and cells become more excitable.

Under the anode, the permeability of cells decreases, their excitability weakens, and metabolic processes are inhibited.

Taking into account the direction of current flow is also of great importance.. For example, when applying the cathode to the forehead or eyes, and the anode to the back of the head, a decrease in brain excitability is noted. With the reverse arrangement, the excitability of the brain decreases. The medicinal substance must be administered from a pole that corresponds in polarity to the charge of the substance. As a rule, one drug is administered from one pole.

Physiotherapist Irina Pashkovskaya talks about the electrophoresis procedure in the video:

7 ways to carry out the procedure for various pathologies

Examples of how electrophoresis is done for various diseases:
1
Electrophoresis of the maxillary sinus. After washing the sinus with a puncture needle, the patient is placed on his side. A 4x4 cm electrode is placed on the skin above the sinus, and a 10x10 cm electrode is placed on the back of the head. The medicinal substance used is mainly an antibiotic, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory. Indicated for inflammation of the maxillary sinus of various origins.
2
Electrophoresis of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and teeth. The prepared solution is taken into the patient’s mouth and held until the end of the procedure. 2 electrodes are placed on the upper and lower jaw on one side (of the same polarity), and 1 - on the back of the head (of the opposite polarity). This procedure is used for gum diseases of inflammatory origin (gingivitis, periodontitis), to improve healing after surgical interventions (for example, traumatic removal, alveolitis), for remineralizing therapy.
3
Electrophoresis according to Shcherbakov. A special cuff/pad surrounding the neck, shoulders and part of the back is placed on the appropriate area, and a second pad is fixed on the lumbar region. Electrophoresis of the collar zone is indicated for hypertension, sleep pathologies, and consequences of traumatic brain injury.
4
Electrophoresis of the stomach. A solution of the medicinal substance, diluted in the required concentrations, is taken orally by the patient. One electrode is fixed on the epigastric region or under the right ribs, the second - on the back. The patient is positioned on the back, stomach or side, depending on which part of the stomach is intended to be affected.
5
Lung electrophoresis used for bronchial asthma, atelectasis, chronic pneumonia and bronchitis. The bronchus is pre-irrigated during bronchoscopy or using ultrasound inhalation. Electrodes are placed on the skin of the chest and back.
6
Electrophoresis of Karipazim in case of osteochondrosis, it is carried out with the aim of lysing fragments of the intervertebral disc that have fallen into the intervertebral space. At least 3 courses of Karipazim per year are required for 3-4 years. The procedure involves a transverse placement of the electrode on the back and front surface of the body.
7
Electrophoresis of the pelvic organs. It is carried out using the classical method with the placement of electrodes on the skin of the symphysis pubis and sacrum, or in the form of an abdominal procedure with the introduction of one of the electrodes into the rectum or vagina. The cavity method is more effective in treating the bladder and prostate. In both methods, the drug can be administered transdermally or pre-injected into the rectum or vagina.

All indications and contraindications for the procedure

Indications for electrophoresis are:

• diseases of the peripheral nervous system – plexitis, neuritis, radiculitis;
• diseases of the central nervous system - neuroses, arachnoiditis, consequences of ischemic strokes;
• hypertension of 1-2 degrees, atherosclerosis of large and medium arteries;
• pathologies of the respiratory system - pleurisy, bronchitis, tracheitis;
• diseases of the digestive system - chronic gastritis, duodenal ulcer, biliary dyskinesia, intestines. If this may be a symptom of dangerous diseases, carry out an urgent examination;
• diseases of bones and joints - arthritis, deforming osteoarthrosis and osteochondrosis, recovery period after fractures and injuries;
• diseases of the genitourinary organs - urethritis, cystitis, chronic pyelonephritis, prostatitis, ovarian dysfunction;
• correction of functional disorders of nervous tissue in children (electrophoresis with aminophylline for infants who have undergone diarrhea);
• pathologies of the ENT organs - sinusitis, otitis, tubotitis, neuritis;
• eye diseases - retinal dystrophy, corneal opacities, consequences of injuries, optic nerve atrophy;
• normalization of the maturation of bone and cartilage tissue, especially in children (electrophoresis is used in infants with dysplasia).

At the department we often use electrophoresis for remineralizing therapy and for periodontitis. We get amazing effects. In particular, after a 2-week course of fluoride and calcium preparations, increased tooth sensitivity completely disappears.

With periodontitis, the gums become stronger quickly and for a long time. Electrophoresis, of course, is not enough for the complete disappearance of symptoms, but without it the duration of treatment is much longer.

The procedure relieves inflammation, pain, and has a resolving and regenerating effect.

Electrophoresis is contraindicated for:

• malignant neoplasms;
• tendency to bleeding, including hemophilia;
• systemic blood diseases;
• eczema and various etiologies of itchy dermatoses;
• increased sensitivity to current;
• the presence of metal implants;
• on the area of ​​the heart (the current affects the sinus node and disrupts the rhythm);
• hemorrhagic strokes;
• after suffering abdominal bleeding;
• pustular skin diseases.

Contraindications to electrophoresis in children correspond to those for adults, but additionally include increased attention to dosages.

Separately, about whether it is possible to do electrophoresis at a temperature . It is possible if the temperature is caused by the disease that is to be treated with electrophoresis. For example, temperature during exacerbations of systemic joint diseases. If it is ARVI or more severe causes, it is advisable to postpone electrophoresis.

If prescribed during pregnancy

During pregnancy, endonasal electrophoresis is successfully used during toxicosis

Pregnancy is not a contraindication for electrophoresis, and in some cases it is considered the most desirable method of administering medications.

In particular, the treatment regimen for uterine fibroids involves electrophoresis as one of the safest methods of therapy.

The use of electrophoresis in the first and third trimester of pregnancy is undesirable. due to the high reflex activity of the uterus during this period, but depending on what the pregnant woman needs electrophoresis for, the indications can be revised.

Otherwise, contraindications during pregnancy correspond to general contraindications. If there are contraindications to electrophoresis, phonophoresis is used - administration of drugs using ultrasound. The limitation is the destructibility of some substances under the influence of sound waves.

Electrophoresis for children: pros and cons

In pediatric practice, electrophoresis is used quite rarely. First of all, this applies to children aged from infants to primary school. Reason – more frequent occurrence of side effects. At the same time, it has been noted that electrophoresis for infants and young children is highly effective for hypo- and hypertonicity of muscles, hip dysplasia, and neurological pathologies, although the degree of this effectiveness varies for each child.

Electrophoresis is often combined with baby massage, which is carried out after the administration of medications and promotes better distribution of the medication in the body.

If your doctor has prescribed a course of electrophysiological procedures, you should not neglect it.

To begin with, it is enough to use the minimum effective concentrations of medications and current values, and once you are convinced of safety, switch to the indicated therapeutic values.

In medical practice, electrophoresis for newborns and infants is carried out for the purpose of:

1. Activation of cardiovascular and respiratory function.
2. Correction of tissue development of the hip joints. The procedure normalizes metabolic processes in the joints and helps strengthen them. But. Electrophoresis with calcium chloride always acts only as an additional measure in the complex treatment of hip dysplasia. It is impossible to cure a baby solely with such a physiotherapy procedure. This pathology implies not only underdevelopment of the joint, but also displacement of its components, which electrophoresis with calcium cannot influence.
3. Stimulates the maturation of nerve tissue.
4. Normalization of muscle tone. We talk about why a child can throw his head back in this article. And about the causes of chin trembling in infants.

Separately about the use for ICP

For newborns and infants, electrophoresis is sometimes performed to correct intracranial pressure (especially electrophoresis in the cervical region). This procedure is of controversial use in the correction of intracranial pressure.. Treatment for such a serious condition also requires serious treatment. Quite often, the diagnosis of increased ICP is made unreasonably and electrophoresis of the cervical spine of the infant is not necessary. But it has an effect on tissues and carrying out such a procedure for no reason is harmful.

Electrophoresis is used to improve brain nutrition and relieve intracranial pressure in infants

None of the diagnostic methods today makes it possible to measure ICP objectively. The doctor can always make a conclusion based on the totality of data.

If you have been prescribed electrophoresis according to Ratner with aminophylline to treat increased ICP without a serious examination, this is a reason to think about it. This procedure can only help with muscle hypertonicity and congestion in the cervical spine.

Ratner electrophoresis is a procedure in which one electrode is placed on the cervical vertebrae and the second on the ribs, on the right side of the sternum. Medicinal substance – Euffilin and Papaverine. Indicated for circulatory disorders in the cervical region, to correct the functional consequences of postpartum injuries, to improve metabolic processes in tissues.

Also, in order to reduce ICP, electrophoresis with magnesium is prescribed. The need for the procedure is also controversial and requires consultation with several pediatric specialists to make an informed decision. The child’s mother must understand, having received a referral for electrophoresis, that this cannot be the main and only method of treatment for suspected increased ICP.

Use at home

It is possible to use electrophoresis at home, but it will require certain knowledge. First of all, knowledge of the pathology in which the use of electrophoresis is expected, knowledge of how to prepare a solution for electrophoresis (principles of mixing and selecting the dosage of drugs), the ability to use the device itself for physiotherapy. For a person without medical education, a specialist must show the manipulation technique and control its implementation for the first time.

If you find it really difficult to go to a physical therapy office, try to find a way to do it. Or call a doctor at home if you want to perform electrophoresis at home. Still, this is an intervention in the body, albeit a gentle one. It must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.

Use of drugs and their effect

Among the most commonly used drugs in electrophoresis are the following:

Preparation	Dosage for electrophoresis	Pathology/Effect
ADRENALIN	1 ml of 0.1% solution in an isotonic solution 30 ml	As an addition to an anesthetic substance for pathologies of the musculoskeletal system - injuries, radiculitis
ANALGIN	5% solution	Exacerbation period and acute arthritis, osteochondrosis, arthrosis
AMINOCAPROIC ACID	0.5 ml 5% solution in isotonic solution 20 ml	Inflammatory foci of various origins to reduce the permeability of vascular walls, arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis
HEPARIN	5000 -10000 units per 30 ml of isotonic solution	Arthritis, polyarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis
HYDROCORTISONE		Similar to corticosteroids. Relieves inflammation in the joints, inflammation of the ENT organs, and spine
IODINE	2-5% potassium iodide solution	Arthrosis, exacerbation of osteochondrosis
POTASSIUM	2-5% potassium chloride solution	For inflammation of periarticular tissues, bursitis, myositis, tendovaginitis, epicondylitis
CALCIUM	2-5% calcium chloride solution	Indicated for the consequences of injuries associated with bone damage, allergies, blood clotting disorders; in children it is also useful for gingivitis and other diseases of the mucous membranes.
LIDOCAINE	0.5% lidocaine solution
NOVOCAINE	0.5-2% solution of novocaine	Chronic arthritis, arthrosis, spondylosis
NO-SHPA	4 ml of 1-2% solution per pad	Antispasmodic. Used for spasms of various localizations, mainly in the smooth muscle muscles of the gastrointestinal tract
PAPAVERINE	0.5% papaverine hydrochloride solution	Muscle antispasmodic. Used to restore neuromuscular conduction in case of injury
PLATIFFILIN	1 mg 0.2% per 20 ml sodium chloride	Used for hypertension and a tendency to hypertension to reduce blood pressure, for cerebrosclerosis, reduces the frequency of angina attacks, improves myocardial nutrition
PREDNISOONE	25 mg per 30 ml of 1% sodium bicarbonate solution	Anti-inflammatory. Corticosteroid analogue. Relieves inflammation of joints, ENT organs, spine
PENICILLIN	100,000-200,000 units per 20 ml of sodium chloride	Antibiotic. Used for bacterial infections of various locations
THIAMIN	2-5% thiamine solution	Impaired sensitivity in the limbs, paresthesia, numbness, weakness of muscle contractile function
TRYPSIN	10 mg per 20 ml acetate buffer solution	Dissolves dead tissue, thins viscous secretions, exudates, blood clots. For crush injuries during the recovery period
UNITOL	3-5% solution	To restore nerve conduction in case of polyneuropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus, treatment of post-traumatic cuts (impaired sensitivity)
FLUORINE	2% fluoride solution	Reduces bone resorption, stimulates osteoblasts to form new bone structures, in dentistry increases the mineralization of teeth, destroys bacteria that cause caries
CHYMOTRYPSIN	5 mg per 20 ml acetate buffer solution	Dissolves necrotic tissue, thins exudates, viscous secretions, blood clots. For spasms, crush injuries during the recovery period
EUPHYLLINE	0.5-1% solution	To the area of ​​the spine in case of impaired skin sensitivity according to the spinal roots, in case of osteochondrosis in subacute and chronic course with moderate pain syndrome.
EPHEDRINE	0.1-0.5% solution	For asthma, hypotension, otosclerosis, it constricts blood vessels, increases blood pressure, dilates the bronchi
FIBRINOLYSIN	20,000 units per 20 ml of acetate buffer solution	For subacute and worsening thrombophlebitis, for fresh hematomas. Dissolves blood clots, fresh blood clots

I personally use electrophoresis quite widely. Primarily for paresis, segmental type sensory disorders, and traumatic neuropathies. They tried it for diabetic polyneuropathy, but the effect was achieved only in its initial stages.

The use of anticholinesterase drugs – Neuromidin, Mediatorn – shows itself especially well.

I often use B vitamins. The effect, of course, depends on the pathology and susceptibility of the patient, but it occurs quite quickly - on the 4-7th day.

Conclusion

Summarizing the information about what electrophoresis is, we can say that this is one of the most effective and safe ways of administering medications for a wide range of diseases, as well as during pregnancy. Simple, but requiring an understanding of a number of physical laws and pharmacology of the substances used, it is not in vain that it is carried out by specially trained personnel. This is a medical procedure, and the doctor decides whether it is necessary.

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To supply direct current to the patient, electrodes made of metal plates (lead, staniol) or conductive graphitized fabric and hydrophilic fabric pads are used.

The latter have a thickness of 1-1.5 cm and protrude beyond the edges of the metal sheet or conductive fabric by 1.5-2 cm.

There are other types of electrodes: glass baths for the eyes, cavity ones - in gynecology, urology. Hydrophilic pads are designed to exclude the possibility of contact of electrolysis products (acids, alkalis) with the skin and are made of white fabric (flannel, flannel, fleece).

Do not use pads made of wool or dyed fabric. Hydrophilic gaskets are sewn together from 5-6 layers of fabric (for ease of rinsing in water, boiling and drying), a pocket is sewn from one layer of flannel, into which a lead plate is inserted, connected to a current-carrying wire, a metal clamp or soldered directly to the wire.

In the office it is advisable to have a set of lead plates of various areas from 4 to 800-1200 cm2 or carbon graphite plates of the same area. In recent years, disposable electrodes have been produced. Electrodes of a special shape are used (in the form of a half mask for the face, a “collar” for the upper back and shoulder girdles, two-bladed, round for the eye area, etc.).

You should know that lead ions have a harmful effect on the body, so nurses who constantly work in this office should receive pectin or marmalade. Lead plates must be periodically cleaned with sandpaper and wiped with alcohol to remove lead oxide deposits, and also thoroughly smoothed with a metal roller before the procedure. The electrodes are fixed using elastic bandages, sand bags or the weight of the patient's body.

Before the procedure, the nurse should familiarize the patient with the nature of the sensations under the electrodes: uniform tingling and mild burning. If unpleasant painful sensations or uneven burning sensations appear in a certain area of ​​the skin, the patient, without moving or changing position, should call a nurse. It is not recommended to read, talk, or sleep during the procedure. After the procedure, rest for 20-30 minutes is necessary.

Before the procedure, you should make sure that there are no scratches, abrasions, maceration, or rashes on the skin. Hydrophilic cloth pads are well moistened with warm tap water and placed on the patient’s skin, a lead plate with a current-carrying wire is located in the pocket. It is advisable to place filter paper on the skin under the cloth electrode to protect the pad from contamination.

The location of the electrodes on the patient's body is determined by the localization, severity and nature of the pathological process. There are transverse, longitudinal and transverse-diagonal techniques. With a transverse arrangement, the electrodes are placed on opposite surfaces of the body - one against the other (stomach and back, outer and inner surfaces of the knee joint, etc.), which provides a deeper impact. With the longitudinal technique, the electrodes lie on one surface of the body: one more proximally, the other more distally (longitudinally along the spine, along the course of a nerve or muscle).

In this case, more superficial tissues are affected. The transverse diagonal technique is characterized by the location of electrodes on different surfaces of the body, but one is in its proximal parts, the other is in the distal parts. If they are located close together, the distance between the electrodes should be at least half their diameter.

Electrophoresis is the method most often used to introduce electrolyte drugs into the body, which dissociate into ions in solutions. Positively charged ions (+) are introduced from the positive pole (anode), negatively charged (-) - from the negative pole (cathode). For medicinal electrophoresis, you can use various solvents, the universal one and the best one is distilled water. If the drug has poor solubility in water, dimexide is used as a solvent, which also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

For electrophoresis of complex organic compounds (proteins, amino acids, sulfonamides), buffer solutions are used. Drugs, for example, lidase or ronidase, dissolved in an acidic (acetate) buffer solution with pH = 5.2, are administered from the positive pole. Its prescription is: sodium acetate (or citrate) I.4 g, glacial acetic acid 0.91 ml, distilled water 1000 ml, 64 units of lidase (0.1 g of dry matter). 0.5-1 g of ronidase is dissolved in 15 or 30 ml of acetate buffer.

For electrophoresis of trypsin and chymotrypsin, a borate buffer with pH = 8.0-9.0 (alkaline medium) is used, which is introduced from the negative pole. Its composition: boric acid 6.2 g, potassium chloride 7.4 g, sodium (or potassium) hydroxide 3 g, distilled water 500 ml. 10 mg of trypsin or chymotrypsin is dissolved in 15-20 ml of borate buffer. Given the complexity of preparing these buffers, B.C. Ulaschik and D.K. Danusevich (1975) suggested using distilled water, acidified with a 5-10% solution of hydrochloric acid to pH = 5.2 (for introduction from the anode) or alkalized with a 5-10% solution of caustic alkali to pH = 8.0 (for introduction from the cathode) .

Here is the table. 1, which indicates the required amount of caustic alkali or hydrochloric acid in various dilutions for alkalization and acidification. For example: we take 10 ml of a 0.5 solution of glutamic acid and add 0.16 ml of caustic alkali, we obtain a solution with a pH of 8.0 and introduce it from the negative pole. When adding hydrochloric acid, a pH = 5.0 is created.

Table 1. Required amount of caustic alkali or hydrochloric acid in various dilutions for alkalization and acidification

The concentration of solutions of medicinal substances used for electrophoresis most often ranges from 0.5 to 5.0%, since it has been proven that large quantities should not be administered. The consumption of medicine for every 100 cm2 of pad area is approximately from 10-15 to 30 ml of solution. Potent drugs (adrenaline, atropine, platiphylline, etc.) are administered from solutions in a concentration of 1:1000 or applied to the pad in an amount equal to the highest single dose.

Medicinal substances are prepared for no more than a week, potent ones - immediately before administration. To save money, medications are applied to filter paper, which is placed on the patient’s skin, and a cloth pad moistened with warm water is placed on top. Medicinal substances used for electrophoresis are given in table. 2.

Table 2. Medicinal substances used in electrophoresis with direct electric current

When electrophoresing one drug, one hydrophilic pad of the appropriate polarity is moistened with its solution. When two substances of different polarity are simultaneously introduced (“bipolar” electrophoresis), both pads (anode and cathode) are moistened with them. If it is necessary to administer two drugs of the same polarity, use two spacers connected by a double wire with one current pole. In this case, one pad is moistened with one, the second - with another medicine.

For electrophoresis of antibiotics and enzymes, in order to avoid their inactivation by electrolysis products, special multilayer pads are used, in the middle of which 3-4 layers of filter paper are placed, moistened with a “safety” solution of glucose (5%) or glycol (1%). You can also use regular hydrophilic pads, but their thickness should be at least 3 cm.

After each procedure, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the pads with running water at the rate of 8-10 liters per pad to remove medicinal substances from them. There should be 2 sinks in the “kitchen”: one for indifferent pads, the other for active pads, that is, moistened with a medicinal substance. For potent drugs, it is more advisable to have separate pads on which the name of the drug can be embroidered.

Pads soaked in different medicinal substances should be washed and boiled separately to avoid contamination with ions harmful to the body. At the end of the working day, hydrophilic pads are boiled, wrung out and left in the drying cabinet.

The introduction of medicinal substances onto dimexides using current is called superelectrophoresis. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has the ability to enhance the effect of many drugs and increase the body's resistance to the damaging effects of low temperatures and radiation. DMSO has a pronounced transporting property. DMSO is considered bipolar, but transport towards the cathode is more pronounced.

Dimxide can be used in the form of applications to the skin, since it is detected in the blood within 5 minutes. The maximum concentration is observed after 4-6 hours, the drug is retained in the body for no more than 36-72 hours. 70-90% solutions have a pronounced effect, but they are rarely used due to a severe allergic reaction. Pure dimxide is best used in the form of compresses, and used as a solvent during electrophoresis.

Slightly soluble drugs prepared in DMSO penetrate in greater quantities and to greater depths (dermis and subcutaneous tissue). At the same time, they enter the blood faster, and their pharmacological effect increases significantly.

For electrophoresis of water-soluble drugs, it is recommended to use 20-25% aqueous solutions of dimexide, and for poorly and water-insoluble drugs - 30-50% aqueous solutions. To prepare the latter, the medicine is first dissolved in a concentrated solution of DMSO, and then, with constant shaking, distilled water is added to the desired concentration.

For electrophoresis from a DMSO medium, use a 5-10% solution of aspirin in 50% DMSO, a 5-10% solution of analgin in 25% DMSO, a 1-2% solution of trypsin in 25% DMSO, 32-64 units of lidase in a 25% DMSO solution, 2-5% solution of adebite in 25% DMSO. All of these drugs are administered bipolarly. Dimxide causes an allergic reaction in some patients, so before the first procedure, apply a 25% solution of the drug to a small area of ​​skin and observe the reaction after 30-40 minutes. If swelling, redness, or itching appears on the skin, then DMSO should not be used.

Appointment procedure. The prescription indicates the name of the method (galvanization or electrophoresis with the designation of the concentration of the solution and the polarity of the ion), the place of exposure, the technique used (longitudinal, transverse, etc.), the current strength in milliamps, duration in minutes, sequence (daily or every other day), number procedures for a course of treatment.

Bogolyubov V.M., Vasilyeva M.F., Vorobyov M.G.