Electrotherapy (ET)

What is electrotherapy?

Electrotherapy, also known as electrostimulation, is a form of physical therapy and as such is part of physiotherapy. Electric current is used for therapeutic purposes in four procedures:

• Direct current therapy (galvanization)
• Low frequency therapy with impulse currents (up to 1000 Hertz)
• Medium frequency therapy with alternating currents (1 to 100 kilohertz)
• High frequency therapy (over 100 kilohertz)

How does electrotherapy work?

Electric current stimulates blood circulation and metabolism and leads to warming of the skin as well as deeper tissue layers. Muscles are stimulated, even in case of paralysis, tensions are loosened.

Direct current therapy shows an analgesic effect in the area of the positively charged anode, and a stimulating effect in the area of the negatively charged cathode. Low frequencies stimulate not only muscle activity and blood circulation, but also the flow of lymph to the center of the body. Treatment with alternating currents in the medium frequency range particularly increases the endurance of the muscles, which are thus better supplied. High-frequency therapy, on the other hand, loosens tensions and accelerates the metabolism due to the heat produced, and supports the healing of injuries.

What is done in electrotherapy?

In electrotherapy, electricity is supplied through electrodes glued on or attached in tapes. Polarity and placement of anode and cathode are done depending on therapy form and goal.

In hydroelectric baths, warm water conducts the current. Depending on requirements, a hydroelectric full bath (rod bath), a hydroelectric partial bath or the so-called four-cell bath (for arms and legs) can be used (we do not offer this type of therapy!).

In the special form of iontophoresis, charged active ingredients of medications are carried deep into the tissues by the current flow. The drugs are distributed on the skin via ointments, gels and similar substances before the electrodes are attached (we do not offer this type of therapy!).

The therapy is terminated by slowly lowering the current intensity.

To avoid burns or burns, the therapist is present throughout the treatment and checks for skin changes after completion. Occasionally, cardiac arrhythmias or sensitivity to touch may occur.

When to use electrotherapy?

Electrotherapy is used wherever stimulation of blood circulation, metabolic processes and lymphatic drainage can bring about an improvement in symptoms. In particular, pain relief, but also the activation of muscles are in the foreground for conditions such as:

• Circulatory disorders
• Muscle atrophy
• paralysis
• chronic inflammations
• non-activated arthrosis
• muscle pain syndrome
• Weakening of the pelvic floor muscles with incontinence

Electrotherapy must not be used on patients with pacemakers, metallic implants, hormonal coils, open wounds, inflammatory skin lesions or fresh blood clots, or in early pregnancy. In the case of electrotherapy lasting longer, as in the treatment of pain, a break of at least fourteen days must be taken after ten weeks.