Galvanic Current

DR.SHAFAQ SHAHID
LECTURER
DPT, MS-OMPT

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Direct Current

 It is an electric current that flows in one

direction for about one second or longer.
 Can be used in 2 ways on the face & body
 Measured in milliamps.
 Direct current (DC) – travels in 1 direction &
has no break in flow of electrons.

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Effects of DIRECT current

 Thermal Effects Joules Law

 Chemical effects Acid, Bases
 Physical Effects Electro Kinetic Effect
 Physiological Effects

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Thermal Effects

 Human tissues- conductors to electricity flow

 Current flow cause micro-vibrations – heat.
 Dry skin has more resistance to the flow of
current.
 The amount of heat produce is proportional
to the square of current, the resistance and
the time for which current flow.- joule’s law
 High intensities is avoided in DC

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Physiological Effects

 Effect on Blood vessels

 Ketaphoretic Effects
 Anaphoretic Effects
 Katelectrotonus
 Anelectrotonus
 Effect on body proteins (Coagulation at
Anode & Liquefaction at Cathode)

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Therapeutic Uses

1. Pain relief:
a. Anodal Galvanism
b. Cathodal Galvanism
2. Improved Circulation
3. Electrical Stimulation (Denervated
Muscles……2nd & 3rd Degree Nerve Injuries)

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 ANODAL GALVANISM

 Anode is an active electrode

 Cathode is larger and act as indifferent
electrode
 0.1-0.2mA/cm2 for 15-30Minutes

Effects:
 Acidic reaction
 Reduces nerve irritability (Anelectrotonus)
 It is use for Acute pain relief
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 Cathodal galvanism

 Cathode is an active electrode

 Anode is indifferent electrode
 0.5-0.8mA/cm2 for 5-10Minutes

Effects:
 Basic or alkaline reaction
 Increase nerve irritability (Katelectrotonus)
 Chronic pain Relieve

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 MEDICAL IONIZATION

 Both the electrodes are of same size

 Vasomotor stimulation of the skin
 Increased circulation to the body part where
it is applied
 Acute and inflammatory conditions such as
Raynaud’s disease, Burger’s disease

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Contraindications

 Infections
 Open wounds
 Bony areas
 Sensory loss
 Unconscious patients
 Over malignant area

 Relative (Metal Implants)

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Electrodes used in LFC

 Metal Electrodes
 Pad Electrodes
 Carbon-impregnated Rubber Electrodes

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Cont…

1. Metal Electrodes:
 Tin, Steel, Aluminium, Zinc
 Flat Electrodes
 Disc or ball electrodes
Advantages:
 Easily available, cheaper, longer lasting and can be
cut to desired size and shape
Disadvantages:
 Not flexible, burn and can be worn out

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Cont…

2. Pad Electrodes:
 Sufficient thickness of wet lint…16 layers
Advantages:
 Retain moisture, cheaper, even flow of
current, can be disposable and absorbs the
chemicals
Disadvantages:
 Time consuming, Short Circuit

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Cont…

3. Carbon-impregnated Rubber Electrodes:

 Rubber or Silicon is coated with Carbon to act
as Conductor
 Re-usable
 Self adhesive
 Disposable

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Prepration of patient

 1 comfortable
 2 consent
 3 expose area
 4 inspect the skin
 5 wash area
 6 place electrodes
 7 check for electric shock
 Preparation of apparatus

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Methods of Application

1. Direct Application
a. Active Pad Electrode
b. Indifferent Electrode
2. Indirect or under water application
a. Monopolar Bath (Salt Added to facilitate
the conduction process)
b. Bipolar Bath

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 SURGICAL GALVANISM

 It is the destruction of
superfluous hair (hypertrichosis)
by the use of galvanic current
 Cathode is use as an active
electrode
 Anode is indifferent electrode
 Half milli Ampere of direct
current is applied for one minute

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Cont….

 Bubble will come out and then hair can be

lifted easily with forceps
 Aseptic precautions should be taken during
this procedure
 10-20% chances of recurrence following this
technique

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