HIGH VOLTAGE GALVANIC

Electrotherapy

I. Devreux - Electrotherapy

OBJECTIVES
Review of the Introduction to the Subject Specify the Characteristics of High Voltage Galvanic Current Explain the Physiological Effects Detail and Summarize the Usage of HVGC:
Indications and Contraindications

I. Devreux - Electrotherapy

Introduction
Previous currents were either not comfortable (as in continuous currents). Some were not as effective as needed and only acting superficially ( as in surged direct current).

The Farradic Current gave more effects but on superficially innervated muscles ( as in alternated surged currents).
The High Voltage Current has been designed as an new alternative to be reaching deeper layers of the muscles.

I. Devreux - Electrotherapy

High Voltage Galvanic Current

It is abbreviated HVGC High-voltage galvanic stimulation (HVGS) produces a high-voltage current with a high-peak intensity of a maximum of 300 to 400 ma but with a low-frequency current and a very short duration, ranging between 50 and 100 msec.

I. Devreux - Electrotherapy

Characteristics:
The high-peak intensity produced is of a twin-pulsed shape. It is safer and more comfortable to the patient than faradic current because of its short duration. It penetrates deeper than that of low-voltage currents. Direct stimulation of deep nerves and muscles can be effective.

I. Devreux - Electrotherapy

Characteristics (cont.):
It can stimulate either an isolated muscle or muscle group according to the appropriate technique. It does not produce contraction in the denervated muscle as the pulse duration is too short to depolarize the muscle membrane. Partially innervated or totally innervated muscle will respond well to high-voltage galvanic current.

I. Devreux - Electrotherapy

Physiological Effects of HVGC:

Pain reduction:
It is accomplished either through: decreasing pain by using two small electrodes closely-spaced in a narrow area. or minimizing pain fiber stimulation by using two widely-spaced large electrodes.
Both of these methods can stimulate the release of opiate substance; -endorphins in the central nervous system in order to suppress pain.
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Effects in Pain Relief

The endorphin substance ( morphine like substance) is found in high concentration in the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Electrical stimulation will activate the portion of the brain to release B-endorphin and stimulate the analgesic system.
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Physiological Effects of HVGC:

Increase of joint mobility:
It is due to reduction of pain through the direct effect of the current on blood vessels, which leads to improvement of circulation. So, high voltage galvanic stimulation is effective in healing after fractures, menisectomy, osteoarthritis and frozen shoulder. Reduction of post-traumatic edema is evident immediately after treatment. I. Devreux - Electrotherapy

Physiological Effects of HVGC:

Improvement of peripheral circulation: It is due to: the stimulation of muscle pumping effect on the venous circulation and stimulation of sympathetic neurons, which subsequently cause vasodilatation. - Electrotherapy I. Devreux

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Physiological Effects of HVGC:

Healing of ulcers:
It is accomplished through electrical stimulation with the positive electrode, which increases the repair process.
Furthermore, electrical stimulation with the negative pole destroys bacteria (abiotic effect).
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Physiological Effects of HVGC:

Relief of muscle spasm:
It is done due to reduction of pain through strong muscle contraction, which produces relaxation.

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Indications:
As a low-frequency current, with the exception of treating the denervated muscles, it may be used for: Facilitation of muscle contraction inhibited by pain. Re-education of weak muscles. Reduction of post-traumatic edema. Mobilization of joint stiffness.

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Indications:
Reduction of pain and muscle spasm (arthritis, sprain and strain). Improvement of peripheral circulation. Healing of ulcers.

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Contraindications:
They are similar to those of the other low frequency currents: Skin lesions. Acute infections and inflammations. Thrombosis. Loss of sensation. Cardiac pacemakers. Superficial metal

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Dosage:
It is adjusted according to the patients tolerances. In cases of edema, muscle spasm and stiff joint, the dose must be high enough to produce muscle contraction:

- Pulse rate: 80 pulses / sec.

- Treatment duration: 20 - 30 minutes.

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Cutaneous Pain
Cutaneous pain: This pain is perceived as a result of stimulation of Pain receptors in the skin. Pain receptors are slowly adapting receptors, which continuously inform the CNS about tissue damage. Thin myelinated Alpha fibers : have a diameter of 1 -5 microns and conduction velocity of 5-15 meters /sec.(fast pricking pain-reflex) Non-myelenated C fibers: Having a diameter of less than 1 micron and a conduction velocity of 0.5 meter /second.(slow burning pain) I. Devreux - Electrotherapy 20

Electrotherapy combined with Hydrotherapy

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Revision and Conclusion

The Characteristics of High Voltage Galvanic Current? The main effects on the patients?

Which pathologies are treated and which are not?

Explain the procedure of application.

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