IONTOPHORESIS

•Iontophoresis is a therapeutic technique,which involves the introduction of ions into the body tissue through the patient’s skin.The basic principles is to place the ion under an electrode with the same charge,i.e negative ion placed under cathode and positive ion placed under anode.

Iontophoresis= It is direct current used to activate the muscle directly,without activation of peripheral nerve
• Direct muscle stimulation is required pulse or phase duration of at least 10 milli second, and more often uses even longer duration.

• This technique is also known as technique of ion transfer into the body tissues by using Electrical current as a driving force ( LeDuc).

•Iontophoresis has several advantage therapeutically such as being painless,sterile and noninvasive methode to introduce specific ion into the body tissue. 1)Type of Electrode= The size and shape of Electrode can cause a variation in current density at the site of treatment.Less the size of Electrode more will be current density and more ions will be transferred.Increasing the size of Electrode will be decreases the current intensity thus reduces the concentration of ions at the electrode. 2)Current intensity and duration of treatment= Low intensity current are more effective for driving the ion into the body . The intensity may range from 5-12mA.The treatment may last for about 15-20 min.

• METHOD OF TREATMENT. 1) skin should be cleaned. 2) Electrodes must have proper contact with the skin surface. Proper straps must be used to keep the contact of Electrodes. 3) In case the ion are used in the form of ointment,a layer of it is applied at the site to be treated. 4) In case the ion are in the form of a solution,lint pad of absorbent material is used and soaked in the ionic solution. 5) Appropriate ions are used for specific condition.

INDICATION FOR USE. •Local edema. •Bursitis/ Tendo-nitis. •Myositis. •Skeletal muscle spasms. •Calcific tendonitis. •Tendosynovitis. •Reduce inflammation. •Muscles and joitns pain.

CONTRAINDICATION. •Patient with cardiac pacemaker •Loss of sensation. •A pregnanat woman. •Patient with metal implant. •Patient with history of hypersensitivity. •Dirty skin. •Open wound or burns.

PRECAUTION:_ • Never attempt to reuse disposable assemblies. • Do not use Electrodes that appear damaged or altered. • Do not use a patient with pacemaker. • Do not apply Electrodes over damaged skin. • Do not apply the electrodes over the temporal or orbital region. • Patient with known skin allergies should use lower current setting. • If blistering occur discontinue use. • Advise patient of skin irritation or burns that may occur.

COMMON USES. •Decrease swelling. •Decrease pain. •Decrease inflammation. •Reduce calcium deposits in the body. •Decrease muscle spasm.

SIDE EFFECT. Redness of trratment skin,pompholyx,Dry skin.