Introduction to Electrophysical Agents

        
Electrotherapy is defined as the use of electrical modalities for the treatment purposes. To be more specific, electrotherapy uses energy waves to produce specific physiological and chemical effects in the body. Nowadays with the modern researches, many electrotherapy modalities had been created. Examples of the electrotherapy devices that are usually used in the treatment are UV Light, Short Wave Diathermy and Infra Red Ray.

Although there are already many modalities in this field, each of them has their own rules and steps that had to be followed. We must aware and obey all the rules, precautions, indications and the contraindications to the patients before doing any treatment to avoid unwanted accident.

This subject basicly introduces student to electrotherapy and provides them with better understanding of physiologocal and therapeutic effects of each treatment used.The importance of safe and effective treatment is also emphasized.It will enable students to perform modalities in physiotherapy management.

Examples of modalities in electrotherapy.

1. PARAFFIN WAX THERAPY

Starting from 1962 physicians arthritis specialist and physiotherapist have recommended the wax therapy for patient with :
-Arthritis
-Bursitis
-Eczema
-Fibromyalgia
-Fibrositis
-Inflammation
-Muscle Spasms
-Overworked/Fatigued Muscles
-Psoriasis
-Scar Tissue
-Stiff Joints
-Tendonitis
-Tennis Elbow


Pustular Psoriasis

The wax therapy also soothes and moisturizes the skin, opens pores, increases circulation, and promotes a sense of calm in the patient.

Paraffin treatments are not recommended for people with the following conditions:
-Hypertension
-Diabetes
-Varicose Veins
-Dermatological condition
-Cancer 

-Skin infection



Wax Therapy

2. SHORT WAVE DIATHERMY

Short wave diathermy is a high frequency machine that produces electromagnetic field to gain the therapeutic and physiological effect for treatment.

This machine is suitable for patients with:

-Edema 

-Pain on the musculoskeletel problem 

-Muscle spasm,sprain,cut and tear 

-Arthritis ,neuritis 

-Neck pain 

-Back pain 

- Lower limb pain 

-Acne vagaries

This machine dangerous to: 

-Patient using liniment 

- Using pacemaker,hearing aids 

-Malignant tumor 

-Metal implant 

-Rheumatic arthritis

The effects of this machine are:

-Improve blood circulation 

-Increase blood supply in tissue 

- Change in blood sugar level 

-Increase the local activities of metabolism 

-Reduce in pain and gain relaxation







Shortwave Therapy

3. ULTRA SOUND

Ultrasound machine is a modality with high frequency sound waves and can produce healing effects with correct usage of it.

Ultrasound can produce many effects:

- Increases in tissue relaxation
- Local blood flowScar tissue breakdown
- Reduce local swelling and chronic inflammation 

-Promote bone fracture healing

-Breakdown of the scar tissue

Ultrasound machine is uses to patients with:

-Break up scar tissue and adhesion
-Reduce inflammation, swelling and calcium deposit
-Create a deep heat to a localized area to ease muscle spasms
-Increase soft tissue extensibility prior to stretching and exercise
-Facilitate healing at the cellular level
-Speeds metabolism and improves blood flow
-Reduces nerve root irritation
-At low intensities can speed bone healing

This machine is danger or contraindicated to :

-Pregnant women
-Patient with
-The eyes of patients.
-cancer
-Testicles of patients
-Patients using pacemaker
-Patients with metal implant