Physiotherapy > Electrotherapy > Flashcards

Electrotherapy Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the DEFINITION of Electrotherapy?

A
  • Use of Electrical Current for Therapy
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2
Q

What is the CLASSIFICATION of Electrotherapy?

A

1) According to DIRECTION
- AC / Biphasic Current
- DC / Monophasic Current

2) According to FREQUENCY
- LOW Frequency = Up to 1,000Hz
- MEDIUM Frequency = 1,000- 100,000Hz
- HIGH Frequency = OVER 100,000Hz

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3
Q

WHAT EFFECT does LOW / MEDIUM Frequency pose?

A
  • Pain-Relieving Effect
  • Trophic Effect
  • Electrostimulation of Muscles
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4
Q

WHAT EFFECT does HIGH Frequency pose?

A
  • Anti-Inflammatory Effect
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5
Q

What is GALVANIC CURRENT, and it’s PROPERTIES?

A
  • CONSTANT Current, meaning it DOES NTO change it’s Intensity / Direction

PROPERTIES of GC
- Direct Current
- Unidirectional
- Same Therapeutic Effects as LOW-Frequency Current, EXCEPT has NO Frequency

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6
Q

What are the Components of GALVANIC CURRENT Electrodes?

A
  • GENERATOR of Electricity
  • Control Panel
  • Cables LINKING Generator w/ Electricity
  • Electrodes
  • Hydrophilic Pads = TO PREVENT Chemical Burns
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7
Q

What happens when GALVANIC CURRENT Electrodes are placed into the body?

A

There’s 3 ZONES:

1) POLAR Zone
- BELOW the electrodes aka IN THE SKIN
- Where ions REACH the electrodes / gives away charge
- CONVERT from ELECTRICALLY active to CHEMICALLY active = causing CHEMICAL BURNS
- Hence HYDROPHILIC PADS are placed to PREVENT THIS!

2) PERI-POLAR Zone
- SPECIFIC Rxn takes place
- Change in EXCITABILITY of Tissues
- Hence ANODE is placed = TO INDUCE INHIBITORY Effects
- **CATHODE = For STIMULATORY Effects

3) NON-SPECIFIC Reactions = Such as Hyperaemia

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8
Q

What’s the DOSAGE for Electrotherapy?

A
  • DEPENDS on the Patient’s SUBJECTIVE Feeling
  • IF they feel tickling, but NO burning / pain
  • FIRST APPLY on a HEALTHY Area, THEN onto the TARGET
  • Units = mA/cm’2
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9
Q

What are the METHODS of APPLICATION for GALVANIC CURRENT?

A

1) LOCAL Method = On SPECIFIC Target

2) REFLEX Method
- SCHTERBACH’S COLLAR = 2 HUGE Electrodes for Migraines / Insomnia

- SCHTERBACH’S BELT = Placed on waist, for Infertility / Pelvic Pain

3) HYDROGALVANIC Band
- Mix of Hydrotherapy + Electrotherapy
- FOR = Degenerative Bone Diseases

4) 4-CHAMBER BED
- For Hands / Feet = In RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

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10
Q

What are the EFFECTS of GC / LOW-Frequency Current?

A
  • Muscle Membrane Contraction
  • Different Sensations on Skin = Tickling / Burning / Pain
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11
Q

What are the INDICATIONS / CONTRAINDICATIONS of GC / LOW-Frequency Current?

A

INDICATIONS
- Pain Relief
- Electrostimulation of MM

CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Malignancy
- Pacemaker
- Metal Implants
- Purulent Inflammation / Fever
- Pregnancy

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12
Q

What is Iontophoresis?

Give examples of Drugs Used

A
  • Delivery of drugs with the help of GC / Other form of DC
  • Lidocaine = Local Anaesthetic
  • Nivalin = Improves Neuroconductivity / Peripheral Nerve Damage
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13
Q

What are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Iontophoresis?

A

ADVANTAGES
- Local Effects
- Simultaneously treat w/ GC
- Has PROLONGED Effect
- NO Risk of Infections / Side Effects

CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Same as for GC
- Drug Allergies

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14
Q

What is the Frequency Used for Low-Frequency Pulsed Current?

A
  • Frequency Upto 8,000Hz
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15
Q

What are the 2 Types Of Low-Frequency Pulsed Currents?

A

1) Electrostimulation of Muscles

2) Pain Relief = aka TENS (Transcutaneous Electro Nerve Stimulation) Therapy

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16
Q

What are the INDICATIONS for Electrostimulation of Muscles using LPF?

A
  • Hypotrophic MM = AFTER Periods of Immobility
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Scoliosis
  • Post-Stroke Px = STIMULATE the Wrist + Finger Extensors
  • Hemiplegia - Paralysis
  • Accidents
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17
Q

IN Electrical Stimulation, what are the CORRESPONDING PARAMETERS?

A
  • 1) PHYSICAL Parameter = Muscle Properties
  • 2) CURRENT INTENSITY = Rheobase
  • 3) Duration of PULSE = Chronaxie
  • 4) Duration of PAUSE = Refractory Period
  • 5) WAVEFORM = ACCOMODATION Properties of the MM
  • 6) FREQUENCY = Functional Mobility
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18
Q

What are the PARAMETERS of Current for Muscles with PRESERVED Innervation?

A
  • Duration of Phase = *1ms**
  • Shape of Pulse = Rectangular / Triangular
  • Frequency = Relatively HIGH; 30-150Hz
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19
Q

What are the PARAMETERS of Current for Muscles with PERIPHERAL Nerve Damage?

A
  • Duration of Phase = 100-200-300ms
  • Shape of Pulse = Slowly Rising
  • Frequency = Very LOW ; 0.25-0.5Hz
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20
Q

What are the INDICATIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS for TEN Therapy with LPF?

A

INDICATIONS
- Pain Syndromes
- Osteoarthritis
- Trauma

CONTRAINDICATIONS = SAME as GALVANIC CURRENT

  • Malignancy
  • Pacemaker
  • Metal Implants
  • Purulent Inflammation / Fever
  • Pregnancy
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21
Q

What is an example of LOW-Frequency Currents?

A
  • DIADYNAMIC Currents = A Rectified alternating current
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22
Q

What are the Types of DIADYNAMIC Currents?

A

1) DEPHASE Fixed (DF) = 100Hz

2) MONOPHASE Fixed (MF) = 50Hz

3) COURTE PERIOD = SHORT Period w/ RAPID alternation BTW 50 - 100Hz

4) LONG PERIOD=LONG Period w/ SLOW alternation BTW 6 sec of MF and 10 sec of DF

5) RS = SYNCOPAL Rhythm ; 1 sec MF - followed by a pause of 50Hz

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23
Q

WHICH Diadynamic Currents have ANALGESIC and TROPHIC Effects?

A
  • Dephase Fixed (DF)
  • Monophase Fixed (MF)
  • Courte Period (CP)
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24
Q

WHICH Diadynamic Current has a SYMPATHETIC Effect?

Study These Flashcards
A

DEPHASE Fixed

  • Treatment for Raynauds of the Sympathetic Ganglion
25
**WHICH** Diadynamic Current **gives ELECTROSTIMULATION of MM w/ PRESERVED Innervation**?
RS
26
What are the **CONTRAINDICATIONS** of **DIADYNAMIC Currents**?
**CONTRAINDICATIONS** = **SAME as GALVANIC CURRENT** - Malignancy - Pacemaker - Metal Implants - Purulent Inflammation / Fever - Pregnancy
27
What are the **3 METHODS of APPLICIATION** for **DIADYNAMIC Currents**?
- **LOCAL** Application - **SEGMENTAL** - Used for **DIADYNAMOPHORESIS**
28
What are the **ADVANTAGES** of **MEDIUM-Frequency Currents**, in comparison **TO LFC**?
- They're **LESS IRRITATING** to **Skin Receptors** - They have **INCREASED Penetration**
29
What is an **example** of **MEDIUM-Frequency** Currents?
**INTEREFERENTIAL** Currents
30
What are **INTERFERENTIAL Currents**?
- A form of **MFC** - Has **2 INDEPENDENT Pairs of Electrodes** - Has **2 SEPARATE Electrical Circuits** = **4000Hz** & **3900 - 3999Hz**
31
What are the **THERAPEUTIC Effects** of the **DIFFERENT Frequencies** of **MFC**?
- **90 -100Hz** = **Analgesic** for **Pain Syndromes** - **50 -100Hz** = **TROPHIC** for **Bone Healing, POST-Fracture** - **30 - 50Hz** = **TETANIC Contraction** for **ES of MM w/ PRESERVED Innervation** - **90 -100Hz** = **Analgesic** for **Urinary Incontinence**
32
What are the **CONTRAINDICATIONS** of **Interferential Currents (MFC)**?
- Everything **EXCEPT for METAL IMPLANTS** - Phlebothrombosis
33
What is **ULTRASOUND**?
- Form of **HIGH-Frequency Current** - An **INAUDIBLE MECHANICAL** Wave that's **MORE than >> 20, 000Hz** - Physiotherapy = **1MHz - 3MHz**
34
What are the **THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS** of ULTRASOUND**?
- Trophic Effect - Analgesics - Softens **CT** = Joint Stiffness / MM Spasm / Improves extensibility of **collagen fibres** - **THIXOTROPIC Effect** = For **Disc Herniation**
35
What are the **COMPONENTS** of **US**?
- Generator of **HIGH-Frequency** Current, giving a **PIEZOELECTRIC EFFECT** (transforms Electrical E TO Mechanical E) - Coupling Medium = Form of a **GEL**
36
What are the **INDICATIONS** for **US**?
- **Vertebrogenic** Disorders = Disc Herniation / Ankylosing Spondylitis - Musculoskeletal Disorders / MM Spasm - Degenerative Joint Disease / Joint Stiffness - Skin Diseases - Neurological Disorders
37
What are the **CONTRAINDICATIONS** for **US**?
**CONTRAINDICATIONS** = **Same as LFC** - Malignancy - Pacemaker - Metal Implants - Purulent Inflammation / Fever - Pregnancy - Epiphysis of Growing Bones
38
What is **PHONOPHORESIS**& what **drugs** are used?
**Drug Delivery** in the form of **gel** done **trans-dermally** using **ULTRASOUND** - **NSAIDs** - Corticosteroids - Fibrinolytics - Local Anaesthetics
39
What are the **CONTRAINDICATIONS** of **PHONOPHORESIS**
**CONTRAINDICATIONS** = Same as **US / LFC** - Malignancy - Pacemaker - Metal Implants - Purulent Inflammation / Fever - Pregnancy - **Drug Allergy**
40
What are **examples** of **HIGH-Frequency** Currents?
- D'Arsonval - UHFC = **Ultra-High Frequency Current** - Microwaves
41
What are the **PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS** of **D'ARSONVAL**?
- **HIGH** Frequency = **200 - 300KHz** - **LONG** Wavelength = **1000 - 2000m** - Has **fading oscillations** = hence has **WEAKER anti-inflammatory effect** / produces **LESS endogenous heat**
42
What are the **METHODS of APPLICATION** for **D'ARSONVAL**?
- **WHOLE** Body = For **Hypertension** / **Insomnia** - **LOCALLY** = Either with **contact** / **slight distance**
43
What are the **THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS** of **D'ARSONVAL**?
- **MILD** Inflammatory effect - Pain relief - **Bactericidal** - **Anti-itching** effect - Improves **tone of BV wall** - **Trophic** effect
44
What are the **CLINICAL APPLICATIONS** of **D'ARSONVAL**?
- Wounds - **Puritis** - Varicose Veins - Haemorrhoids - Neuralgia - Reticulitis
45
What are the **CONTRAINDICATIONS** of **D'ARSONVAL**?
**CONTRAINDICATIONS** = Same as **LFC** - Malignancy - Pacemaker - Metal Implants - Purulent Inflammation / Fever - Pregnancy
46
What are the **PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS** of **ULTRA-HIGH Frequency Current**?
- **MORE THAN >> 27 MHz** - **SHORT** Wavelength = **11m**
47
What are the **METHODS Of APPLICATION** for **UHFC**?
**1) CAPACITATIVE** = Treating w/ **electrical** field - **APPLICATORS** = Pad Electrodes (Rubber) + Air-Space Plates - Heat up tissues with **HIGH** Resistance + **LOW** Blood Supply (Skin, Bones + Fat) **2) INDUCTIVE** = Treating w/ **magnetic** field - **APPLICATORS** = Drum Electrodes + Cables **(Monophasic)** - Heat up tissues with **LOW** Resistance, reaching **blood** (MM + Internal Organs)
48
What are the **CLINICAL APPLICATIONS** of **UHFC**?
- **ENT Inflammatory** Disorders - Surgical Inflammatory Disorders = **Carbuncle / Furuncle** - Skeletal Disorders = Osteoarthritis / RA - Synovitis of Joints
49
What are the **CONTRAINDICATIONS** of **UHFC**?
**CONTRAINDICATIONS** = Same as **LFC** - Malignancy - Pacemaker - Metal Implants - Purulent Inflammation / Fever - Pregnancy
50
What are the **2 TYPES** of **MICROWAVES**?
**1) DECIMETER WAVES** - Frequency = **433 MHz** - Wavelength= **69cm** **2) CENTIMETER WAVES** = For more **localised** diseases - Frequency = **24 - 50 MHz** - Wavelength= **12.2cm**
51
What are the **CONTRAINDICATIONS** of **Microwaves**?
**CONTRAINDICATIONS** = Same as **LFC** - Malignancy - Pacemaker - Metal Implants - Purulent Inflammation / Fever - Pregnancy - Ovaries / Testes - Epiphysis of Growing Children
52
What are the **Types** of **THERMAL SENSATION** when **applying HFC**?
- 1) **ATHERMAL** = **NO** Sensation - 2) **OLIGOTHERAML** = **MILD** Sensation - 3) **THERMAL** = **MODERATE** Sensation - 4) **HYPERTHERMAL** = **Unpleasant Vigorous Heating** of Tissues
53
What are the **ADVANTAGES** of **EXOGENOUS** Heat **OVER >>** Endogenous?
- Has **DEPTH** effect - Has **LONGER-LASTING** effect, since it **DOES NOT** stop, after the procedure has ended - **DOES NOT OVERLOAD** the **Thermoregulatory** Mechanisms of the body
54
**HOW** does **ENDOGENOUS** Heat create an **ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Effect**?
- **DIRECT BACTERICIDAL** Effect - **ACTIVATION** of the *RETICULOENDOTHELIAL** System - **SPEEDS UP RESORPTION** of **Oedema**
55
What are the **TYPES** of **MAGNETIC FIELD**?
- Constant - Alternating = **Sinusoidal** / **Pulsed**
56
What are the **THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS** of **Magnetic Field**
- Analgesic - Anti-inflammatory - Trophic Effect - Good for BVs / Improves blood rheology
57
What are the **CLINICAL APPLICATIONS** of **Magnetic Field**?
- ENT Disorders = **Tonsillitis / Otitis** - **Neurological** Disorders - **Gynaecological** Diseases - Respiratory Diseases = **Asthma / Pneumonia** - Musculoskeletal Disorders - Inflammatory Disorders
58
What are the **CONTRAINDICATIONS** of **Magnetic Field**?
- **Same as INTEFERENTIAL** = Everything **EXCEPT for METAL IMPLANTS** - Phlebothrombosis
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