Introduction

The use of electric currents in physiotherapy is not a new concept. In fact, electricity has been used for thousands of years to treat various health problems by stimulating the nervous system.

Faradic current

Faradic current is an interrupted direct current. It can be used in treatment of conditions like neuralgia, facial palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, hemiplegia etc.

Galvanic current

The galvanic current is a form of low-level electrical stimulation that can be used to treat various conditions. It is often referred to as a “neural” or “electrotherapy” treatment because it uses electricity to stimulate nerves and muscles.

It has been used in physiotherapy for many years, with its popularity increasing in recent years due to its effectiveness at relieving pain and spasms, as well as helping with muscle relaxation and strengthening exercises.

Uses of Galvanic current

It stimulates the muscles and improves blood circulation. The galvanic current is used to treat facial palsy, trigeminal neuralgia and hemiplegia. It is also used in the treatment of neuralgias of the head and neck; upper limbs, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve entrapment; lower limbs (lumbar spine); shoulders; elbow joints; wrist joints & hands.

Duration of the contraction

The duration of the contraction is decided by the time gap between two impulses. This time gap is determined by the frequency of applied current, which determines rate of contraction.

The effect of galvanic stimulation on muscle fibres can be explained as follows: when you apply direct current on tissues, it causes an increase in their excitability and causes them to contract faster than usual (as shown in Figure 2). In contrast, when you apply alternating current (AC) instead of direct current, there will be no change in cell membrane potential because these cells are not directly exposed to any change in voltage; they still remain electrically inactive during both phases.

Each time gap produces a single contraction. The duration of each contraction is determined by the time gap between two impulses. Each impulse produces a single contraction.

Galvanic Current (Direct Current) (DC)

Galvanic current (also known as direct current) is a type of electric current that flows in one direction only and is used in physiotherapy. It is also used for treating various health problems like neuralgia, facial palsy, trigeminal neuralgia etc., by applying direct current electrodes to the skin.

The galvanic cell consists of two electrodes immersed in an electrolyte solution at or near their outer surfaces (1). The electrochemical reaction between these two electrodes produces electrons on one side which flow through an external circuit until they are absorbed by another electrode called “battery”, which contains both positive (+) and negative (-) terminal connections (2).

This consists of a direct unidirectional current that flows through electrodes to produce an electrical field and an electromagnetic field around the body between the poles of the electrodes. The electrical field is produced by two electrodes, while the electromagnetic field is produced by two poles.

Electroporation

Electroporation is the process by which electricity causes ions to be injected into a cell membrane. The electrical current causes depolarization of nerve fibers, which results in increased permeability of nerve membrane to sodium and potassium ions which depolarize the nerve fiber. This electromotive force creates a chemical change at the poles of the electrode and causes ion exchange across the cell membrane which results in increased permeability of nerve membrane to sodium and potassium ions which depolarize the nerve fiber. This process can be used for both physiotherapy and neuromuscular reeducation purposes.

Range of electric currents used in physiotherapy for treating various health problems.

Physiotherapy uses a range of electric currents for treating various health problems. The type of current used depends on the health problem, but in general it can be divided into two categories: direct and indirect (galvanic).

Direct currents are applied through electrodes that are placed under the skin or on top of muscles, tendons and bones. They are usually short-lasting (about 20 seconds) but may last longer if there is a risk that they will cause pain when removed from their site. Direct currents include:

• galvanic – this type is created by passing an alternating current through two metal plates separated by an insulating material; it causes a chemical reaction between one metal element (usually zinc) and another element (usually silver), which produces heat as well as electricity

Conclusion

It has been shown that the physiotherapy uses a combination of both galvanic and faradic current. The use of these currents together can help treat various physical ailments and improve their overall health. These currents are also used for treating conditions like neuralgia, facial palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, hemiplegia etc.