Stangerbad is a physiotherapeutic treatment method combined with electrotherapy. In this method, the patient to be treated lies in a special tub filled with water. Electricity pulses are passed through the water through metal plates at the end of the tub and on the sides. This therapy aids in the healing or relief of chronic and acute conditions.
What is the Stangerbad?
The Stangerbad is a form of electrotherapy. This form of treatment is performed in a special tub. The sides of the tub are covered with galvanized metal plates. These can be freely chosen to work as plus or minus poles. In this form of therapy, not only the current stimuli play an important role, but also the heat effect. With the help of a control panel, the treating therapist can regulate the distribution of the poles and the current intensity. During the Stangerbad, the patient lies in the tub provided for this purpose and is treated with current pulses that can be adjusted to his or her complaints. The current impulses emitted are clearly exerted during the treatment, but depend on the patient’s sensation. It should be noted that the patient does not feel pain with stronger current impulses, but too weak an impulse should also be avoided. Often, the therapy of the Stangerbad is also combined with an underwater pressure jet massage.
Function, effect and goals
Stangerbad is a very effective application from the field of physiotherapy. It is designed to apply current pulses as a targeted stimulus to the muscles and nerves to aid in the healing of chronic or acute conditions. The current pulses are passed through the water via metal plates. The plates act as a positive pole (anode) and negative pole (cathode), which plate acts as an anode or cathode can be variably adjusted by the patient and the treatment goal. The stimulating impulses cause a so-called heat effect, which is also very important for the success of the treatment. The blood circulation is increased. Locally there is an increase in blood circulation of up to five times more than normal. The warm water in the special tub also holistically stimulates the blood circulation of the skin surface. The increased blood circulation mainly promotes metabolism within the cells, which contributes to renewal and regeneration of the attacked cells. The Stangerbad is often used for rehabilitation of patients with joint problems. Especially in case of postoperative joint problems, a Stangerbad is very helpful. Muscle tissue that is chronically cramped is relaxed again due to the enormous increase in power in combination with electric stimuli. Chronically cramped muscle tissue often occurs in back pain. Consequently, back pain can be relieved or even eliminated with the help of a Stangerbad. The main feature of the Stangerbad is nerve stimulation. The nerves are stimulated by the current impulses. The muscle tone can be increased or decreased due to the flexible alignment of the positive and negative poles. This improves the contractility of a muscle, which has a positive effect on the mobility of joints. Furthermore, therapy by means of current impulses alleviates chronic pain. The patient should feel a slight tingling sensation on the skin due to the current impulses, but this should not be experienced as unpleasant or even painful. Usually, current strengths of 200-600 mA are used in the therapy during the Stangerbad. In addition, salt or other additives can be added to the water to improve the conductivity of the current in the water. Today, a bar bath may only be performed under the stipulation of strict regulations. These are laid down in the Medical Devices Act, the Medical Devices Operator Ordinance and the DIN standard. The legislator sets very strict guidelines for therapies with water in combination with electricity in order to avert possible dangers. In addition, the special tub and all other equipment needed for a Stangerbad must be provided with the GS sign and a CE marking. Furthermore, it is specified that the therapy room where the special tub is located must be equipped with a window. The Stangerbad is offered as a service by the health insurance companies for various clinical pictures and complaints. The listing of these clinical pictures is approved for the treatment.Due to the individually adjustable possibilities of the Stangerbad, both cramped muscles (hypertonus) and weak muscles (hypotonus) can be treated. Furthermore, complaints of supporting muscles, rheumatic diseases or chronic and painful spine disease are indicated. Absolutely contraindicated is the Stangerbad, if cardiovascular diseases, which are acute or chronic, are present. In addition, this therapy should not be performed if there is a flu-like infection with fever.
Risks, side effects, and hazards
Most side effects, risks and dangers arise in electrotherapy due to incorrect application and lack of professional knowledge. For example, incorrect dosage of current strength can lead to damage to the skin, sensitivity disorders, circulatory disorders and cardiac arrhythmias. In addition, any form of electrotherapy should not be performed if diseases such as inflammation, thrombosis, cardiac arrhythmia, arteriosclerosis or other diseases in the field of blood circulation are present. Also, if there are metals in the patient’s body, such as a joint prosthesis or a pacemaker, the Stangerbad is contraindicated. Furthermore, a Stangerbad may not be carried out if malignant tumor illnesses, an increased bleeding tendency (hemophilia) or other illnesses with feverish courses of disease are present. For patients who are afraid of electricity, an alternative therapy to electrotherapy should be used. In general, hydrostatic pressure, electric current, and heat are considered risk factors in the Stangerbad.
