In the course of electrotherapy, electric current is used for therapeutic purposes. Here, the applied current strength, frequency and pulse width depend on the underlying symptoms. In most cases, electrotherapy represents an accompanying measure to the therapy of the underlying disease.
What is electrotherapy?
Electrotherapy is a therapeutic application of electric current in general medicine and physical therapy. The physiotherapeutic or medical application of electric current is referred to as electrotherapy and is generally aimed at pain relief, improvement of disturbed joint and muscle functions, and optimization of blood circulation and thus the trophic (supply and metabolic) state of the tissue treated. Depending on the specific disease or individual symptoms, different frequencies (galvanic, low, medium, high-frequency current) are used therapeutically in different areas of the body. The most commonly used methods are galvanotherapy, in which direct current is used, low-frequency stimulation current therapy and high-frequency short-wave therapy. In particular, electrotherapy is used for pain syndromes of the musculoskeletal system, wear-related spinal changes, muscular tension and strains, weakened or paralyzed muscles, and incontinence resulting from impairment of the bladder or pelvic floor muscles.
Function, effect, and goals
By means of electrical stimuli, electrotherapy is intended to trigger nerve responses that contribute to pain relief as well as improvement of blood flow and functionality of disturbed muscle areas. The mode of action depends on the specific electrotherapy method chosen, which in turn correlates with the underlying symptomatology or disease. However, the basic principle is the conductivity of the human organism, which is provided by the blood and lymphatic system, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, as well as organs and muscles. As a rule, accumulators or batteries serve as power sources. Within the framework of galvanic electrotherapy with direct current (0 Hz), relief of pain symptoms is achieved by the positive and negative ions (electrically charged particles) moving in the same direction through the body. The direct current is transferred to the organism by plate electrodes or hydroelectric partial or full baths (Stangerbad). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a medical electrotherapy. The goal of this therapy is to influence nerve pathways that serve to conduct pain in such a way that pain transmission to the brain is reduced or prevented. Click to enlarge. In addition, there is a stimulation of blood flow and metabolism (especially cell growth and division) in the treated area, which supports healing. Electrotherapy with low-frequency stimulation current (1 to 1000 Hz) is used to stimulate muscle and nerve fibers, causing the muscles to first contract and then relax. This form of therapy is used in particular for partially paralyzed or weakened muscles (muscular atrophy) to ensure their function and prevent further weakening, with different low frequencies being used depending on the stage of the disease. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS for short) is a special form of treatment for musculoskeletal pain in cases of neuralgia or tumor pain when the cause of the symptoms cannot be eliminated. Here, the affected person can independently regulate the current intensity, frequency (up to 200 Hz) and pulse width (up to 0.5 s), which are conducted into the organism via electrodes over the painful areas. Medium-frequency interference or alternating current (1000 to 100,000 Hz) is used to relieve pain and/or stimulate muscle activity. The increased blood flow also loosens the muscles and reduces swelling (especially edema). High-frequency or short-wave therapy (above 100,000 Hz) causes heating of deeper localized tissue, which also has an analgesic and circulation-enhancing effect. This form of electrotherapy is primarily used for impairments of the musculoskeletal system and the respiratory tract (chronic bronchitis).
Risks and dangers
Risks, side effects or dangers result from improper use of electrotherapy. For example, too high a dosage can lead to skin damage as well as disturbed blood circulation and sensitivity and cardiac arrhythmias. Low-frequency stimulation current therapy in particular can lead to burns in the areas where contact is made with the skin via electrodes, which is why a moist sponge should be used to protect the skin, for example. High-frequency electrotherapy in the uterine region is also contraindicated in the presence of pregnancy, as there is an increased risk of fetal or embryonic malformations (so-called teratogenic or fertility-damaging effect). Furthermore, electrotherapy should not be applied if conditions such as cardiac arrhythmia, acute inflammation, thrombosis (blood clots), open skin areas, arteriosclerosis or other arterial circulatory disorders are detectable. In addition, electrotherapy is excluded in the case of metals in the body of the affected person (e.g. joint prostheses such as knee endoprostheses) and cardiac pacemakers. Furthermore, malignancies (malignant tumor diseases), hemophilia (increased bleeding tendency) and feverish courses of disease are contraindications. For people who are afraid of electricity, an alternative to electrotherapy should also be considered.
