Galvanic Current

Assist. Prof.
Baha NACI
2022-2023 Spring Semester
07.03.2023
GALVANIC CURRENT
 Direct current is a form of current that has two
different poles and provides a direct, constant,
continuous current from one pole to the other.
Effects of Direct Current
➢ Chemical Effects
 Iontophoresis
 Medical galvanism
 Surgical galvanism
➢ Physiological Effects
 Interpolar
 Polar
❑ Heat effect: Galvanic currents are not used for heat in

physical therapy. Because the current intensities are very low.
IONTOPHORESIS
➢ Moving of the (+) charged ions towards the (-) pole and the
(-) charged ions towards the (+) pole is called
iontophoresis (Ion transfer).
➢ By using the ionic power through the skin, the process of

introducing some chemicals or drugs that can be ionized
into the body for treatment purposes is IONTOPHORESIS.
EXPERIMENTS
 LEDUC EXPERIMENT
 SCHATSKI EXPERIMENT
LEDUC EXPERIMENT
 In an experiment conducted by Leduc, one of two rabbits with
shaved bellies was given strychnine sulfate from + polar, and the
other one was given potassium cyanide - polar . At the end of the
experiment, it was observed that two rabbits died because
strychnine is a poison and is + charged. In addition, cyanide is a
poison and - loaded. Since the like polars would repel each other,
the poisons entered the body and it was seen that the rabbits
died.
 As a result of this experiment, it was stated that iontophoresis
occurs under that electrode when the electrode and the active
substance are charged with the same charge.
 Negatively charged ions should be located under the cathode,
and positively charged ions should be located under the anode.
LEDUC EXPERIMENT
SCHATSKI EXPERIMENT
 A hole was cut in the middle of the potato. This hole was filled with a
KI (potassium iodine) solution. Electrodes connected to the right and
left terminals cause Potassium(+) to collect at the cathode (-) and
Iodine (-) at the anode (+). The starch in the potato, which turns blue
with iodine, proves that the ions are displaced by the effect of
electricity.
AIMS OF IONTOPHORESIS
 To localize the desired
chemical substance to the
desired location.
 Through the skin, transmitting

substances which are not
desired to be transmitted
systemically to the body.
 To increase the effect of the

substances, which are absorbed
very slowly into the skin if
taken systemically, by storing
them in the skin.
Iontophoresis Technique
 A well-functioning tool should be present
 The poles should be well known.
 Electrodes should be selected according to the treatment area.
 Electrodes should be covered with a 16-20 layer cloth (pad) or sponge

cover.
 Whichever ion will be given to the patient, its solution should be

prepared (1-2%).
 Before treatment, the treatment area should be cleaned.

 If there is a wound or scratch in the area to be applied,
cellophane paper should be placed on it or it should be
covered with vaseline.

 The treatment should be explained to the patient.
 A sensory test should be performed on the treatment

area (sharp-blunt test with needle test).
 To reduce pain, the passive electrode should be larger

than the active electrode.
 Electrodes and pads should be bandaged so that they are
firmly in contact with the area to be treated.
 It should be wrapped with nylon.
 The current intensity should be gradually increased or

decreased.
 The patient should be in a comfortable position.
 After treatment, the electrode pads should be cleaned.


 The duration of treatment is 15-30 minutes.
Pathologies
• Pain: Hydrocortisone, salicylate, magnesium, lidocaine
• Inflammation: Hydrocortisone, salicylate
• Spasm: Magnesium, calcium
• Ischemia: Magnesium, mecolyl, salicylate, hyaluronidase
• Calcific tendinitis: acetic acid
• Fungus: copper
• Gout tophi: lithium
• Open wounds: copper
• Scar-Adhesion: Chlorine, iodine, salicylate
• Hyperhidrosis: tap water
• Hypo/hyper irritability: calcium
IONS APPLIED FROM (-) POLE
➢ IODINE (KI)
 In case of inflammatory conditions following the wound,

relieving stiff joints
 Releasing scar tissues
➢ CLORINE (NaCl, CaCl2)
 Releasing tissue stiffness

➢ SALICYLATE
 Rheumatic diseases
 It has an analgesic effect on sensory nerves.
➢ CITRATE
 Rheumatic diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis

IONS APPLIED FROM (+) POLE
➢ ZINC (ZnCl2, ZnSO4)
 It is especially used for superficial wounds, sinusitis,

ear infections.
 It is an antiseptic substance.
➢ COPPER (CuSO4)
 It is used for fungal infection, superficial wounds.

➢ HISTAMINE
 It is used for chronic inflammatory conditions,

circulatory disorders.
 It results in capillary dilatation, arterial dilatation,
increased capillary permiability
➢ MAGNESIUM
 It is used for bursitis, periarthritis.

➢ PROCAINE
 It is used for sprains, low back pain, muscle spasm.

 Relaxing function
➢ MECOLYL
 It is used for chronic RA, and peripheral vascular

diseases caused by vasospasm.
 It is used for Raynaud's disease, varicose ulcers.
IONS APPLIED FROM BOTH POLES
1. Tap water: used for hiperhydrosis
2. Ringer solution: used for open wounds

Iontophoresis for hiperhydrosis
Complications
• Burns:
- Chemical Burns: It happens due to
accumulation of excessive NaOH under
cathode. Compared to anode, larger cathode
is recommended.
- Thermal Burns: Excessive heat leads to
burns in high resistance areas.
➢Electrode pads with sufficient moist
➢Ensuring full contact
➢Absence of air gap between the skin and the
electrode is important
Complications
• Sensitivity and allergic reactions
➢ Iodine is not used in allergies for sea products
➢ Hydrocortisone may cause reaction in presence of
active ulcer, and gastritis
➢ Salicylate is not used in allergies for aspirin
➢ Metals such as copper, zinc, magnesium are not used
in presence of sensitivities for metals including watch
strap, bracelet
MEDICAL GALVANISM
 Anodal Galvanism
 Cathodal Galvanism
 Anode-Cathode bilaterally application
 Water applications
Anodal Galvanism
 The active electrode is the (+) electrode.
 It is used to benefit from the features of the (+) pole.
 It reduces muscle spasm and pain as the anode reduces the

excitability of the nerves.
 It is used especially in reducing pain in subacute conditions.
 It is used for joint sprains, joint stiffness, nonarticular rheumatic

diseases.
 Application Time: 45-60 Minutes

Cathodal Galvanism
 It is used to benefit from the features of (-) pole
 The active electrode is (-).
 It is used for chronic painful conditions, nonarticular rheumatic diseases, sprains.
 The active electrode is placed on the painful area and the passive electrode is placed
on any part of the body.
 It is used to soften scar tissue
 Application Time: 20-30 Minutes

Anode-Cathode bilaterally application
 It is especially preferred for joints.
 (+) and (-) electrodes are placed to the medial and lateral
parts of the joint.
 It is used for the same endications as for cathodal

galvanism
 Application Time: 20-30 minutes

Water applications
➢ ADVANTAGES
 Water is a good conductor.
 Since the skin is in water, its resistance decreases.
 Large areas can be stimulated.
 If the electrodes do not contact with the patient and if

the patient does not have metal objects, a burn does
not occur.
➢ DISADVANTAGES
 The current is not localized in a particular area
 Current accumulates especially on the surface

Application types
1. Bipolar
2. Monopolar
3. Schnee 4 basin application

Surgical Galvanizm
 It is the destruction of undesired tissues with direct
current.
 Destruction of skin blisters
 Removal of hair (epilation)

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
➢ Effects of the current on living tissues such as nerve,
muscle, blood circulation, and skin
 Inter-polar Effects
 Polar Effects
Interpolar Effects
➢ The effects occuring in the path which the current
passes through.
 Vasodilation occurs. Reasons for vasodilation:
The release of histamine substances,
Mechanical effect of ion bombardment,
Reflex vasodilation occurs with stimulation of sensory

nerve endings as a result of ion movements.
Polar effects
➢ Changes occuring under the electrodes
 + electrode →anelectrotonus → Nerve Conduction Velocity
 - electrode →catelectrotonus→ Nerve Conduction Velocity 

Effects of galvanic current on body tissues
Effects on Central Nervous System
 In an experiment on human, a man was placed in a
bathtub. A negative electrode was placed on the
head, while a positive electrode was placed on the
foot. When the current was applied, the patient
developed tension. When the current was cut off,
the patella reflex was increased.
 When the positive electrode was placed on the head

and the negative electrode on the foot, numbness
occurred with the application of current. When the
current was cut off, the patella reflex decreased.
Effects on sensory nerves
 Anesthesia is produced by stimulating the sensory

nerves.
 This anesthesia is evident under the positive pole.
 Pricking under the negative pole.
 However, its anesthetic effect is less than other

currents.
Effects on sensory organs
 Various tastes can be perceived by stimulating the

nerves in the sense of taste.
 With the optic nerve stimulation, a flash of light is

observed in the eye.
 Whistling, ringing or musical sounds are heard

when a negative electrode is placed on the ear.
Effects on muscles and peripheral nerves
 It provides easier excitability.
 Especially at the negative pole, the excitability is higher.
 It never causes muscle contraction.
 Excitability increases when negative poles are applied to

peripheral nerves.
 The positive pole reduces subacute pain.

Effects on vessels
 A sudden, short-term, temporary vasoconstriction

occurs when first applied.
 Following this, a prolonged vasodilation is produced.
 Redness and hyperemia of the skin are observed

under the negative electrode. This is because the
capillary vessel is chemically affected.
MODIFIED GALVANIC CURRENT
1. INTERRUPTED GALVANIC CURRENT
 Rectangular Galvanic Current

 Triangular Galvanic Current
2. SURGED GALVANIC CURRENT

Interrupted Galvanic Current
 The current transition and resting times are in the ratio of
1 to 2.
 250ms to 500ms, 300ms to 600ms..

Surged Galvanic Current
 The current transition and resting times
1sn 1sn
➢ It is surged to get 25 contractions per minute.
➢ There is a constant contraction of the muscle over 60

contractions per minute. This is called tetanic
contraction.
Effects of Modified Galvanic Current on Body Tissues
 Stimulating the sensory nerves
 Reflex Vasodilation and Erythema
 Stimulating motor nerves
 Stimulating denervated muscles
 Creating contraction of the muscle
 Used in circulatory disorders
 Used in diagnosis by electricity

Monopolar Technique
 Pencil electrode and plaque electrode are used.
 The plaque electrode is passive and is placed on the muscle origo.
 The pencil electrode is placed on the motor point of the muscle.
 90 contractions should be taken from one muscle in one session.
 In order not to cause muscle fatigue, it is applied in a way that takes

30-30-30 or 45-45 contractions.
 Used to treat isolated muscles.

Bipolar technique
 Two plaque electrodes are used, one is placed on the origo
and the other on the insertion.
 300 contractions should be taken in one session.
 ( 7,3,10=20 min) rule is applied.

Bipolar technique
Two Pencil Electrodes
 Having a contraction between the beginning and the

end points of a muscle by bringing two pencil
electrodes closer and then moving them away.
 Mostly used for deep muscles.

Water Application
 It is a rarely used method.
 Used for diseases such as poliomyelitis, Guillain-

Barre.
Thank you..

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Assist. Prof.

❑ Heat effect: Galvanic currents are not used for heat in

➢ By using the ionic power through the skin, the process of

 Through the skin, transmitting

 To increase the effect of the

 The poles should be well known.

 Electrodes should be selected according to the treatment area.

 Electrodes should be covered with a 16-20 layer cloth (pad) or sponge

 Whichever ion will be given to the patient, its solution should be

 Before treatment, the treatment area should be cleaned.

 A sensory test should be performed on the treatment

 To reduce pain, the passive electrode should be larger

 It should be wrapped with nylon.

 The current intensity should be gradually increased or

 The patient should be in a comfortable position.

 After treatment, the electrode pads should be cleaned.

 In case of inflammatory conditions following the wound,

 Releasing tissue stiffness

 It has an analgesic effect on sensory nerves.

 Rheumatic diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis

 It is especially used for superficial wounds, sinusitis,

 It is used for fungal infection, superficial wounds.

 It is used for chronic inflammatory conditions,

 It is used for bursitis, periarthritis.

 It is used for sprains, low back pain, muscle spasm.

 It is used for chronic RA, and peripheral vascular

1. Tap water: used for hiperhydrosis

2. Ringer solution: used for open wounds

 Anode-Cathode bilaterally application

 It is used to benefit from the features of the (+) pole.

 It reduces muscle spasm and pain as the anode reduces the

 It is used especially in reducing pain in subacute conditions.

 It is used for joint sprains, joint stiffness, nonarticular rheumatic

 Application Time: 45-60 Minutes

 The active electrode is (-).

 It is used for chronic painful conditions, nonarticular rheumatic diseases, sprains.

 It is used to soften scar tissue

 Application Time: 20-30 Minutes

 It is especially preferred for joints.

 It is used for the same endications as for cathodal

 Application Time: 20-30 minutes

 Water is a good conductor.

 Since the skin is in water, its resistance decreases.

 Large areas can be stimulated.

 If the electrodes do not contact with the patient and if

 The current is not localized in a particular area

 Current accumulates especially on the surface

3. Schnee 4 basin application

 Destruction of skin blisters

 Removal of hair (epilation)

 Vasodilation occurs. Reasons for vasodilation:

The release of histamine substances,

Mechanical effect of ion bombardment,

Reflex vasodilation occurs with stimulation of sensory

 + electrode →anelectrotonus → Nerve Conduction Velocity

 - electrode →catelectrotonus→ Nerve Conduction Velocity 

 When the positive electrode was placed on the head

 Anesthesia is produced by stimulating the sensory