Electrotherapy is treatment using current. Electrotherapy – treatment of diseases with electric current or magnetic fields Electrotherapy method

The physical ability of positive particles to move towards the negative pole and vice versa ensures accelerated circulation of blood flow and lymph, and, consequently, improvement of the entire body.

Long before the study of the influence of electric fields on the human body and the invention of power sources, ancient Greek healers used it for healing. nervous diseases or paresis of electric stingrays or eels. Franklinization (on behalf of the American scientist B. Franklin) is considered the first method of physiotherapy using a constant electric field. It made it possible to improve blood circulation, reduce blood pressure, accelerate wound healing, relieve pain, and significantly reduce the occurrence of allergic reactions.

Modern technology allows the use of constant or alternating pulse currents, different frequencies, different magnetic fields and their combination for treatment:

  • Diseases of the central nervous system(paresis and paralysis, decreased sensitivity of the limbs, slowed passage of nerve impulses, treatment of intercostal neuralgia, neuroses, etc.).
  • Treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system (traumatic injuries of the spine, soft tissues and/or their consequences, treatment of postural disorders, spinal curvatures, treatment of intervertebral hernias, protrusions, osteochondrosis, osteoporosis, arthritis, etc.).
  • Diseases and pathologies of the heart vascular system(thrombosis, rheumatoid arthritis, vegetative-vascular dystonia, ischemic disease, hypertension, angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, etc.).
  • treatment of headaches (migraines, tension pain, cluster and other chronic pain syndromes of the head).
  • Diseases of internal organs (liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system).
  • For the fusion of epithelial tissues, treatment of skin rashes, ulcers, trophic ulcers, etc.
  • In cosmetology for skin rejuvenation and removal of puffiness.

Types of physiotherapy using electricity

The most common types of physiotherapy are:

  • Galvanization - direct currents of low voltage and low strength. Depending on the area of ​​application (different parts of the body), the procedure time and dosage (tension) may vary. Activates blood flow in the extremities, restores damaged nerve fibers and soft tissues. Has an anti-inflammatory effect, relieves pain, relaxes, relieves muscle spasms. Can be used to treat inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract, hypertension, hypotension, vegetative-vascular pathologies, hearing and vision diseases. Widely used to treat diseases of the spine, spinal cord and joints.
  • Electrophoresis - low-frequency electrical discharges that enhance penetration medicines through the skin to the internal organs. The double therapeutic effect is achieved by activating blood circulation and deep absorption of drugs.
  • Darsonvalization is the use of alternating pulse currents of high, ultrasonic and supersonic frequencies. Used to relieve pain syndromes and relieve spasms smooth muscles, increases the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels (varicose veins, trophic ulcers, long-lasting wounds), recommended for insomnia, treatment of migraines, skin rashes, frostbite, neuroses, hypertension. Widely used in cosmetology as a local procedure for tightening and rejuvenating the skin, relieving swelling and congestion.
  • Electrosleep is the effect of electrical impulses on various areas of the brain. It has a calming, sedative, trophic, anticonvulsant effect. Can be used for insomnia, neurasthenia, mental attacks, ischemic attacks, asthmatic attacks.
  • Diadynamic therapy is pulsed exposure to direct currents of a constant frequency (50 Hz and 100 Hz) alternating periods. Causes a sensation of tingling, slight burning, warmth or vibration. It is used to treat injuries and bruises of the limbs and spine, arthritis, treatment of osteoporosis, thrombophlebitis and other diseases.
  • Diathermy - the use of currents high frequency, low voltage, high power. There is a feeling of strong heating of the skin, then deep heating of the internal tissues. Improves blood circulation, enhances metabolic processes, increases the body's immune resistance. Indicated for chronic inflammatory processes, pain syndromes (tonsillitis, rhinitis, etc.).
  • Amplipulse therapy is the use of modulated sinusoidal currents for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis, inflammation of the gastrointestinal system, pelvic organs, ligaments and joints.
  • Inductothermy is the use of a high frequency magnetic field with induced eddy currents. A more uniform distribution of currents promotes uniform heating of internal organs, better tolerance by the patient and has a more lasting therapeutic effect.

Electrotherapy devices

Modern medical technicians and specialized companies offer a huge selection of devices of various sizes, characteristics and parameters for use both in medical institutions and at home. For electrophoresis and galvanization in physical rooms and at home, the following devices can be used: “Potok 1”, “ESMA 12.19 Lotus” or “ESMA 12.21U Galant”. "Aesculapius 2", "BTL 4000", "BTL 4000 Plus" allows you to generate pulses of various frequencies with a wide range. A much more expensive and functional device with a wide selection of programs, including electrosleep, is “Radius - 01FT”.

A wide range of physiotherapy, magnetic and electrotherapy for the treatment of diseases of the nervous system, diseases of the spine, curvature of posture, joints, internal and ENT organs, is offered at Dr. Bobyr’s clinic in Moscow or Zelenograd.

Contraindications for electrotherapy

Despite the positive impact and effectiveness of electrical procedures for improving the health of the human body, their use must be monitored by experienced doctors and used with great caution. Electro- and magnetic therapy is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women and patients:

  • with tumor formations of various etiologies;
  • those who have had a stroke or heart attack or suffer from heart defects;
  • With high temperature or fever;
  • having purulent inflammation of internal organs and tissues;
  • with acute bleeding and poor blood clotting;
  • with tuberculosis or other viral and infectious diseases;
  • with epilepsy or prone to convulsive conditions;
  • With chronic diseases liver and kidneys;
  • those suffering from Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis;
  • with individual intolerance to electric current or medications used for electrical procedures.

Electrotherapy is one of the methods of physiotherapy based on the controlled influence of electric current, magnetic and electromagnetic fields on the body.

Today it is known that the human body is a bulk conductor of charged ions migrating in the presence of an electromagnetic field. Positively charged particles move towards the negative pole, negatively charged particles move towards the positive pole, ensuring the normal functioning of all body systems.

One of the first methods of electrotherapy was franklinization - a method of combined exposure to a constant electric field on the body, accompanied by a “silent” discharge. The method of physical therapy developed by the American scientist B. Franklin, according to observations, caused only positive changes in the human body: it improved blood circulation, lowered blood pressure, had hyposensitizing and analgesic effects, and contributed to the rapid epithelization of wounds. Franklinization became the “first step” of practical medicine towards treatment with electricity.

Low frequency electrotherapy

Low-frequency electrotherapy refers to the method of galvanization - the effect of direct electric current of low voltage and strength on the body.

Sensitivity to galvanic current in different areas of the body is different, so the maximum current is used when treating the extremities (20-30 mA); when galvanizing the face and mucous membranes, the current value usually does not exceed 5 mA.

Depending on the time of action of low-frequency electrotherapy on the body and its dosage, galvanization causes an improvement in peripheral blood circulation and helps restore damaged nerves and tissues. The electrotherapy technique is indicated for diseases and injuries of the peripheral nervous system, disorders of the spinal and cerebral circulation, neurasthenia, vegetative dystonia, chronic inflammatory processes, diseases of the digestive system, hypotension, hypertension, angina pectoris, vascular atherosclerosis in the initial stage.

In cosmetology, low-frequency electrotherapy is used to painlessly remove toxins from tissue cells, eliminate shallow wrinkles and smooth out age-related wrinkles. Galvanization has a positive effect on dry facial skin, making it smooth and elastic, eliminating age spots and acne.

Iontophoresis is one of the methods of galvanization and electrotherapy, based on the combination of the effect on the human body of low-frequency current and a drug administered along with it, which ensures its higher therapeutic effectiveness and prolongation of action.

Medicinal substances (vitamins, hyaluronic acid) accumulate in the dermis and epidermis, gradually penetrating the blood and lymphatic vessels. Electrotherapy procedure together with medicines provides a quick and lasting rejuvenating effect.

Low-frequency electrotherapy is perfectly compatible with other popular cosmetic procedures: hardware cosmetology, laser rejuvenation, chemical peels, etc.

High frequency electrotherapy

High-frequency electrotherapy is a method of influencing the human body, which consists of using alternating current of high, ultra-high and ultra-high frequencies, named after the French physicist and physiologist Arsene d'Arsonval.

There are local and general darsonvalization. A course of general electrotherapy consists of 20-30 procedures and is used for diseases such as hypertension, migraine, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, increased fatigue, frostbite and non-healing ulcers.

The use of local high-frequency electrotherapy is widespread in cosmetology. When the electrode is applied to the skin of the face and neck, a simultaneous vasospasm occurs, during which blood and lymph begin to circulate intensively throughout the body, eliminating congestion, normalizing turgor and skin tone.

For cosmetic purposes, darsonvalization is used:

  • After therapeutic and hygienic facial cleansing;
  • Immediately before applying a mask or nourishing cream;
  • In order to eliminate signs of dry, flabby, aging skin;
  • For oily facial skin;
  • Combined with a head massage.

High-frequency electrotherapy is an effective and non-traumatic method of influence that evokes positive emotions in the patient and provides a lasting and visible result.

Pulsed electrotherapy

Pulse electrotherapy (or diadynamic therapy) is a method of influencing the human body with direct current pulses at a frequency of 50 and 100 Hz with continuous alternation of short and long periods. During the procedure, the patient feels tingling, slight burning, and vibration. Diadynamic therapy helps improve blood circulation, resolve swelling, increasing the oxygen content in the body's cells, and is used for severe pain, traumatic injuries, diseases of the musculoskeletal system and joints, epilepsy, migraine and some other diseases.

In the practice of physiotherapy, pulsed electrotherapy is often used in combination with mud therapy and therapeutic electrophoresis.

Under the influence of stress, a person is not always able to relieve muscle tension and fully relax. Diadynamic therapy is one of the most effective methods of relaxation, allowing to normalize the tone of spasmodic blood vessels and cause contraction of skeletal and smooth muscles.

In cosmetology, diadynamic therapy is rarely used, since high frequencies of the technique can cause tetanus - intense contraction of muscle fibers, causing painful sensations.

Contraindications to electrotherapy

Despite the numerous positive effects, it is necessary to resort to electrotherapy with caution, taking into account all the existing contraindications to electrotherapy:

  • Epilepsy;
  • Neoplasms of any location and etiology;
  • Feverish conditions;
  • Pustular infections;
  • Circulatory failure grade 3;
  • Hypertension stage 3;
  • Acute bleeding;
  • Vein thrombosis;
  • States of drug, alcohol or mental agitation;
  • Pregnancy;
  • Individual intolerance;
  • Active tuberculosis;
  • Multiple sclerosis;
  • Urolithiasis and cholelithiasis;
  • Parkinson's disease;
  • Individual intolerance.

WITH full list diseases for which the use of electrotherapy is not recommended can be obtained from a therapist or certified cosmetologist.

Today, there are many unique methods for treating various diseases, in which the human body is directly exposed to magnetic fields, current pulses, lasers, etc.

One of the most popular techniques is magnetic therapy, which is effective and indicated for many diseases and pathologies.

To treat various pathological diseases, doctors use pulsed currents in physiotherapy. Exposure to currents occurs in a certain rhythm, which is set on a special medical device that corresponds to the rhythms of any internal system or organ. human body, the frequency of the supplied pulses also changes.

Intended use in medicinal purposes pulses of low-frequency current can cause a number of the following diseases and manifestations:

  • electrical stimulation muscle tissue;
  • pain relief;
  • antispastic effect;
  • action that has a vasodilating effect;
  • obesity;
  • diabetes mellitus;
  • damage to the neuromuscular system;
  • hyperthyroidism;
  • other diseases endocrine system;
  • cosmetic skin problems;
  • disturbances of intestinal motility;
  • diseases of the pelvic organs (genitourinary system).

During the procedure, the effect on the muscles of pulsed currents is replaced by so-called rest phases. With each subsequent action, the amplitude pulse current and its rhythm smoothly increase and, thus reaching the highest point, and then also smoothly decrease their value to zero.

Electrodes through which an electric current pulse is applied are placed on certain points on the patient’s body, through which a specific muscle group is affected. The current strength is calculated by the doctor in such a way as to visually see muscle contractions, but at the same time not cause the patient a feeling of discomfort during the procedure. Typically the current can be between 10 and 15 mA. As a rule, the course of treatment consists of 15 to 20 procedures, each of which lasts 15 or 30 minutes.

Pulsed currents are used in different types of physiotherapy:

  • Electroson. With this type of physiotherapy, low-intensity portions of current pulses are exposed, thus normalizing the functionality of the central nervous system. This effect occurs through the head receptors. Classic electrosleep uses pulses at frequencies from 1 to 150 Hz, with a duration of 0.2 to 0.3 ms. With this procedure, bifurcated electrodes are applied to both eyes of the patient, as well as to the mastoid area. As a result of such manipulation, normalization of brain activity, improvement of blood circulation, and the functioning of all internal organs and systems are noted.
  • Diadynamic therapy. It is carried out using low-frequency polysine wave pulses, with a frequency from 50 to 100 Hz. Pulses are applied separately or in a process with continuous alternation of short and long periods. The epidermis resists the effects of such a current, causing hyperemia, dilation of the walls of blood vessels and increased blood circulation. At the same time, muscle tissue and the nervous system are stimulated, resulting in a general therapeutic effect. Thus, the circulatory system, in particular the peripheral one, is activated, all metabolic processes in the body are improved, and the painful sensations. This method of pulse therapy is used to treat the peripheral nervous system and musculoskeletal system.
  • Interference. Low-frequency pulse currents are used (from 1 to 150 Hz), with a constant or variable frequency. This technique helps improve the functioning of motor muscles, increases blood circulation, reduces pain, and activates metabolic processes. Treatment is more effective in the treatment of subacute stages of diseases of the peripheral nervous system.
  • Amplipulsetherapy. Electrotherapy is carried out using sinusoidal simulated currents with low frequency (from 10 to 150 Hz), as well as mid-frequency (from 2000 to 5000 Hz). Such a sinusoidal current perfectly penetrates the skin without causing irritation, while it has a stimulating effect on muscle fibers, nerve fibers, improves blood circulation and metabolic processes. Treatment is prescribed for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, traumatic injuries, problems of the nervous system and many other pathological conditions.
  • Electrical stimulation used to stimulate or significantly enhance the functionality of certain internal organs and systems. Today, the most common types of electrical stimulation are stimulation of the heart, nervous system and motor muscles. Therapy is also indicated to maintain the vital activity of muscle tissue and its nutrition, to prevent such phenomena as muscle atrophy during periods of forced inactivity, and to strengthen muscles during the period of recovery and rehabilitation.
  • Fluctuarization. Currents used are partially or fully rectified alternating current, low frequency (from 10 to 2000 Hz). When exposed to such currents, tissue irritation and excitation occurs, lymph and blood circulation increases, the movement of leukocytes is activated, and the work of muscle tissue is stimulated.

Contraindications to the use of pulsed current therapy may include:

  • individual intolerance;
  • tumors;
  • second trimester of pregnancy, during which pulse therapy is used very carefully;
  • bleeding;
  • fresh hemarthrosis.

The effect of current pulses on the body causes irritating, exciting and stimulating effects that can help in the treatment of various diseases, pathologies and complications.

When current passes through the tissues of the body, it causes tension in the tissues and enhances the functioning of cell membranes.

Thus, it activates their functionality, stimulates cells and improves their vital functions, nourishes muscles, restores the functioning of nerve fibers, blood vessels, and joints. A disease such as prostatitis can also be effectively treated with pulsed currents.

When using therapy, the patient receives the following results:

  • Blood flow improves, and accordingly, the substances of medications used to treat prostatitis penetrate the tissues faster prostate gland.
  • Congestion in the pelvis is reduced.
  • Metabolism improves, which strengthens the entire body.
  • The synthesis of prostate secretion improves.
  • The permeability of cell membranes increases.

For effective therapy prostatitis, electrotherapy can be used with different types pulse currents. Galvanization allows you to influence the prostate gland with low-frequency currents with continuous action, this relieves inflammation and relieves pain. Medicinal electrophoresis helps enhance the effect of medications, as it increases tissue permeability at the cellular level.

With electrical stimulation, the function of the pelvic muscle tissue increases, which helps in the treatment of pathologies of the genitourinary system. Thanks to this technique, many patients with prostate problems receive high-quality and effective treatment. Reviews from both doctors and patients indicate that complex therapy with current pulses is one of the most effective methods treatment and prevention of prostatitis and many other diseases.

Electrotherapy is the use of the properties of electric current with therapeutic purpose, it occupies a separate large section in physiotherapy. Modern methods physiotherapy uses electric current to combat various pathologies: injuries musculoskeletal system, diseases of the nervous system, during recovery in the postoperative period.

This article will discuss the various uses of electrotherapy in medicine, and also describe the main mechanism of its action on the human body.

Mechanism of action

To understand why electric current has become so widely used in medical practice, you need to understand the subtle mechanisms and principles of its influence on the body.

It affects the human body on several levels:

  • Local. Covers the immediate area of ​​application of electric current. Local blood circulation is stimulated, immunity is increased, and metabolism is accelerated.
  • Reflex-segmental. Electric current during the procedure causes somatovegetative reflexes, which cause vascular and metabolic changes already at the level of internal organs (after all, as is known, internal organs have connections with certain areas of the skin, influencing which can indirectly influence the organs).
  • Organismic level. The effect of electrical procedures on the body extends to the higher parts of the nervous system, then the release of biologically active substances (serotonin, histamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine) occurs, which, carried through the bloodstream, provide general action physiotherapy – strengthening the immune system, mobilizing the body’s strength, accelerating recovery and regeneration processes.

According to the nature of the energy conducted to the patient, electrotherapy methods are divided into remote and contact, according to the voltage - into low-frequency currents (galvanization, electrophoresis) and high-frequency currents (darsonvalization, franklinization), according to the mode of exposure - into direct currents and alternating currents ( pulse). Below we will look at some of them in more detail.

Methods using direct currents

One of the methods of physiotherapy that uses direct electric current is galvanization. At a relatively low current (about 50 mA), the voltage reaches 80 Volts.

The skin has great resistance to current with such parameters, which is why the most significant reactions develop with this method of physiotherapy. The patient's skin under the electrodes turns red, and a burning and tingling sensation appears, which may gradually increase during the session. This occurs due to the formation of heat, changes in the usual movement of ions in the skin and the pH of the environment.

Biologically released active substances Activated enzymes increase blood flow to the application area. Burning and tingling in the area of ​​the procedure depend on the duration of exposure, and also intensify with increasing current strength. Thus, direct current electrotherapy enhances lymph and blood circulation, stimulates metabolic processes, enhances the secretion of glands, and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

More often in medical practice electrophoresis is used. Electrophoresis is the combined action of current and a certain amount of drug.

Since ions in the skin move at low speed under the influence of electrical procedures, and the resistance of the skin is high, the pharmaceutical preparation penetrates only into the upper layers of the skin and creates a depot in it. From it, the drug slowly spreads throughout the body through the bloodstream, so you should not expect a quick effect with this procedure. Only a few percent of the dosage of the drug used in electrophoresis ends up in the depot.

The advantages of the procedure include:

  • Can be used on almost any part of the body.
  • The therapeutic effect can last up to several days, as a drug depot is formed.
  • Minimum quantity side effects, drugs introduced into the body in this way have no effect on internal organs.
  • The drug is in an active form - ionic.

Since the main effect produced by current during electrophoresis occurs directly under the electrodes, the main indication for prescribing such a physiotherapy procedure as medicinal electrophoresis is the presence of various local pathological processes. Systemic effects on the body are usually not observed, with the exception of cases of disorders of the autonomic nervous system, when even a small dose of the drug can develop a reflex systemic reaction.

Methods using pulsed currents

For pulsed currents, strength and voltage do not have constant values. It is these currents that form the basis of electrosleep - the effect on the body as a whole through the scalp. This procedure is designed to normalize the state of the central nervous system. Current is passed through closed eyelids and the mastoid area using special electrodes.

Receptors of the scalp are monotonously irritated by current; weak currents even penetrate into the subcortical-stem regions of the brain, causing normalization of central nervous system function. Since the nervous system begins to function better, its effect on other organs also changes. This may explain the positive effect of electrosleep in many diseases.

Diadynamic therapy is another way of using pulsed currents in medicine. It has the following properties:

  • Improves local blood flow, dilates blood vessels, relieves vascular spasms.
  • Stimulates metabolic processes.
  • Has an analgesic effect.

This method of physiotherapy is widely used for diseases of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.

Amplipulse therapy produces all the effects similar to diadynamic therapy not only in the superficial parts of the skin, but also in internal organs. At certain current parameters it can cause strong muscle contraction, which is used when electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves is necessary.

Electrical stimulation is used to enhance the functioning of certain organs and systems. The most widely used is electrical stimulation of the heart, muscles and nerves.

Methods using high frequency currents and voltages

Darsonvalization is based on the use of high frequency current. The current, passing through the skin cells, expands small blood vessels and increases the intensity of blood flow in them, eliminating vascular spasms. Thus, tissue ischemia passes and the associated pain and paresthesia go away.

The therapeutic application of exposure to a high-voltage constant electric field is called franklinization.

Providing a local effect, this method of physiotherapy activates metabolic processes in the scalp, brain and its membranes, and when exposed to the area of ​​a wound or ulcer, it dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, relieves spasms if present, and stimulates erythropoiesis. Franklinization is indicated for disorders of the nervous system and for poorly healing wounds.

Methods based on the effect of electric and magnetic fields

UHF therapy is the use in medicine of the effects of an ultra-high frequency electromagnetic field on certain areas of the body. Such a magnetic field has great penetrating power. It passes through the skin with subcutaneous fat, penetrates into blood vessels, joints, bones, bone marrow and other tissues.

Inductothermy is the use in medical practice of a high-frequency magnetic field that releases heat in tissues. The method is based on the generation of heat obtained from a cable close to a certain area of ​​the body, through which a high-frequency current passes, producing an alternating magnetic field. Heat arises in the very depths of the tissues of the human body.

During this procedure, various changes occur: blood flow accelerates, blood pressure decreases, peripheral circulation, microcirculation, and rheological properties of blood improve, it has an anti-edematous effect, regeneration processes are stimulated, and blood clotting is reduced. Since the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow is stimulated, the number of red blood cells in the blood increases, accordingly, hemoglobin increases, and the ability of leukocytes to capture (phagocytosis) increases. The immune system is also strengthened, muscle performance increases, and a calming effect appears.

General contraindications

There are some most common contraindications for treatment electric shock. These include:

  • Heavy general condition patient, exacerbation of decompensated somatic disease.
  • Heart or respiratory failure.
  • Insufficient liver and kidney function.
  • Disorders of the blood coagulation system.
  • Malignant neoplasms.
  • Acute infectious diseases.
  • Pregnancy (refers to relative contraindications; most methods can be freely used in the first half of pregnancy, in the second - if indicated).

Despite these contraindications, the final decision to prescribe physiotherapy is made by the physiotherapist based on a general, holistic impression of the patient’s health status and determination of his treatment needs.

Electrotherapy in physiotherapy in modern world has universal application. Electric current therapy is used in hospitals, outpatient treatment facilities, at home, in cosmetology, and also as part of spa treatment. Specialists - physiotherapists - are familiar with the huge variety of electrotherapy methods. They are the ones who choose one or another treatment method depending on the needs of their patient.

Physiotherapeutic procedures are an integral part complex treatment diseases of various nature and degree, including chronic ones, promote rapid recovery, eliminate pain and prevent relapses of the disease. Physiotherapy is also widely used during the rehabilitation period.

Recently, patients are most often prescribed therapeutic and preventive procedures in which the therapeutic power of electric current is used - electrosleep, darsonvalization, galvanization, UHF exposure.

Electrotherapy techniques

Electrotherapy (electrotherapy) is one of the effective types of physiotherapeutic treatment, which is based on the effects of electric current and electromagnetic fields on the human body.

The healing power of current was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, thanks to scientific research in the field of medicine. The founders of electrotherapy are the great scientists Luigi Galvani, Duchenne, D'Arsonval, Faraday. This method is based on the influence of electrical impulses, magnetic and electromagnetic fields in certain doses. Electricity is one of the properties of any living organism, therefore the use of electric current is not foreign to tissues and organs.

This technique in medical practice is used to treat neuroses, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular, urinary systems, in the treatment of respiratory diseases, elimination of inflammatory processes in tissues, in dentistry, as well as in cosmetology. With the help of electrotherapy, drugs can be locally administered that act directly on the inflammatory focus or site of tissue damage.

Electrotherapy helps reduce and eliminate pain symptoms, relaxation of muscles, improvement of microcirculation of blood and lymph, activation of the body's defenses, reduction of tissue swelling, improvement of metabolic processes.

The techniques used in electrotherapy differ from each other and are based on the use of current of a different nature (alternating or direct), frequency, strength and voltage. Therapeutic and preventive procedures are selected individually for each patient. The following will describe the most common procedures that relate to electrotherapy.

Some types of electrotherapy are contraindicated in case of epilepsy, active form of tuberculosis, neoplasms in organ tissues, pregnancy, severe heart pathologies, liver or kidney failure, bone fractures and individual intolerance to the procedures.

Electroson

This method of electrotherapy is based on the impact of low-frequency pulsed current, strength and voltage directly on the nervous system, resulting in a slowdown and inhibition of all processes in the nervous system. nerve cells, which in turn causes sleep of varying depths and durations. Recently, this technique has found wide application in the treatment of various diseases.

This method is based on the reflexive, monotonous and rhythmic effect of electric current on the brain, as a result of which a special psychophysiological state develops in the body. After several electrosleep procedures, the activity of the nervous system noticeably improves, the blood supply to the brain increases, and the overall emotional state of a person improves. Electrosleep also helps lower the pain threshold (pain-relieving effect) and reduces inflammatory processes in tissues.

Electrosleep is most often used in treatment chronic form coronary disease, hypotension, traumatic cerebropathy, neuropsychiatric disorders, peptic ulcer, rheumatism, and this procedure is prescribed to patients who have undergone heavy operations or heart attack.

Contraindications: circulatory failure, arachnoiditis, hysteria, inflammatory eye diseases, individual intolerance to electric current, the presence of metal fragments in organ tissues (brain, eyes, hearing organs).

Electrophoresis

The basis of electrophoresis is the combination of the effects of galvanic current and a small amount of drugs on certain areas of the body. The medicinal substance is applied to the surface of the electrodes and when interacting with the electromagnetic field, it penetrates into the skin, mucous membranes, bloodstream or tissue cells.

Electric current several times enhances the active effect and effectiveness of drugs, increasing the sensitivity of tissues and cells to their effects, and at the same time reduces the amount side effects. The areas of skin to which the electrodes are adjacent must be free of grease, clean, and without damage. Immediately before the procedure they are moistened special solution and only after that electrodes are placed, which, if necessary, fix elastic bandages. During this procedure, there is no pain effect at all, and patients only feel a slight tingling sensation. The duration of the procedure is from 10 to 30 minutes. The maximum effect is felt after 10-15 procedures.

Electrophoresis has a relaxing, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilating effect.

Main indications for electrophoresis:

  • Plexitis, neurotic diseases, radiculitis;
  • Dental pathologies and diseases;
  • Chronic ischemic disease, hypertension, atherosclerotic lesions of the vascular system;
  • Gynecological pathologies;
  • Chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer;
  • Diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Diadynometry, DDT method

This method is based on the individual use of low-frequency single-phase dynamic current for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. Typically, DDT is used to relieve symptoms during long-term treatment of a disease or in cases of a terminal illness.

This technique also significantly improves overall physiological processes in the body and allows you to stimulate metabolic processes in tissues, and also relieves pain, relieves spasms and eliminates inflammatory processes. In addition, diadynometry stimulates the secretory function of the glands internal secretion and normalizes the functioning of the entire endocrine system and promotes the supply of nutritional components to tissue cells.

Most often, DDT is prescribed to patients suffering from arthritis, neuroses, gynecological pathologies, ankylosing spondylitis, radiculitis, bruises and abdominal adhesions.

The session duration does not exceed 10 minutes and can include from 5 to 10 sessions.

Ultrashort wave therapy, UHF therapy

The essence of this technique is based on the interaction of a high-frequency electromagnetic field on the body with the help of special capacitor plates. During this procedure, the tissues of the bronchial walls significantly relax, the secretory function of the bronchial glands decreases, and the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and bile secretion increase.

UHF therapy is prescribed for otitis media, trophic ulcers, sore throat, bronchial disease, furunculosis, traumatic injuries of the musculoskeletal system.

Darsonvalization

This method was developed by the French scientist D’Arsonval, which is based on the effect of high-pulse and high-frequency electrodes on certain areas of the patient’s body. It is worth noting that this technique is widely used in cosmetology, since after just a few sessions the appearance and general condition of the skin significantly improves.

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