Electrical Currents for Tissue Healing & Edema Control/Iontophoresis Flashcards
(31 cards)
Define direct effects of electrical stimulation
- application of current to the wound
Define indirect effects of electrical stimulation
- edema control or delivery of medications transdermally (iontophoresis)
When are negative (black) electrodes indicated
- indicated for inflamed or infected wounds
When are positive (red) electrodes indicated
- indicated for healing of non inflammatory or noninfectious wounds
Define galvnotaxis
- natural movement of cells as a response to electrical current
Precautions for electrical stimulation
- particular attention paid to wound care
- impaired sensation or mentation
- aggressive treatment is not indicated, low levels of stimulation is all that is required
- infection control
What is attracted to the black/negative lead
- activated neutrophils
- lymphocytes
- platelets
- mast cells
- keratinocytes
- fibroblasts
What is attracted to the red/positive lead
- inactive neutrophils
- macrophages
- epidermal cells
parameters for the goal of treatment to be tissue healing in inflammatory phase/infection
Polarity: negative
Frequency: 60-125 pps
Duration: 40-100
Intensity: comfortable tingle
Treatment time: 45-60 minutes continuous 3-7 day/week
Parameters for a treatment goal of tissue healing proliferation phase/clean
Polarity: positive
Frequency: 60-125 pps
Duration: 40-100
Intensity: comfortable tingle
Treatment time: 45-60 minutes continuous 3-7 days/week
When is Estim best served for edema
- when it’s caused by inflammation or lack of motion
When is Estim not recommended for edema
- not recommended in cases of systemic (bilateral) edema caused by disorders such as heart failure
What kind of Estim can be beneficial for edema due to inflammation
- negative polarity shows that it can curb edema formation but can not get rid of already present edema
What Estim can be beneficial for edema due to lack of muscle contraction
- motor level stimulation has been shown to decrease foot & ankle volume when combined with elevation & compression garment
Parameters for a treatment goal for edema control for inflammation
Polarity: negative
Frequency: 100-120 pps
Duration: 40-100
Intensity: comfortable tingle
Treatment time: 20-30 minutes
Parameters for a treatment goal for edema control associated with lack of motion
Frequency: 35-50 pps
On:Off time: 2-5 equal on:off times
Duration: 150-350
Intensity: visible contraction
Treatment time: 20-30 minutes
Define cathode
- negative electrode that attracts positive ions
Define anode
- positive electrode that attracts negative ions
Contraindications for iontophoresis
- allergy to specific medication used
Most commonly used medication for iontophoresis
- dexamethasone which is negative
What proportionally determines the rate of penetration of medication for iontophoresis
- rate of penetration of the drug is proportional to the intensity
Describe phonophoresis
- use of sound energy to drive medication into a patient’s skin
- done with ultrasound
- transports whole molecules into the skin
Describe iontophoresis
- use of electrical energy to drive medication into a patient’s skin
- done with direct current
- transports ions into the skin
Typical skin reactions due to direct current
- capillary dilation/erythema of the skin
- small fluid filled bumps caused by the release of histamine from dermal mast cells
- concern for chemical burns
