Electrophoresis.

Electrophoresis is the movement (transfer) of charged particles caused by the action of an external electric field. Electrophoresis was discovered by F. Reiss in 1807. Not only simple chemical compounds, but also colloidal particles, proteins and even cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, etc.) are subjected to electrophoresis.

Electrophoresis is used for therapeutic purposes in physiotherapy. In the chemical industry it is used to precipitate fumes and mists, to study the composition of solutions, etc. Electrophoresis is one of the most important methods for the separation and analysis of the components of substances in chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology.

Drug electrophoresis is the effect of a constant electric current on the body combined with the introduction of a variety of drugs through the skin or mucous membranes.

In physiotherapy electrophoresis is the most popular method, as it has many positive effects on the patient's body:
- reduces the intensity of the inflammatory process;
- has an anti-edema effect;
- eliminates pain syndrome;
- relaxes high muscle tone;
- produces a calming effect;
- improves microcirculation;
- accelerates the process of regeneration of tissues;
- stimulates the production of biologically active substances (e.g. vitamins, trace elements, hormones);
- activates the body's defenses.

Apparatus for galvanization and electrophoresis
 

The principle of the method is that drugs enter the body through the intercellular spaces, sebaceous and sweat glands in the form of positive or negative particles (ions). The drug dose during electrophoresis is low: only 2-10% of the total amount of drugs contained in the pad.
Most of the pharmacopreparation is retained in the skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue, i.e. it does not enter the bloodstream immediately, but a day or more after the procedure. This is the reason for delayed (prolonged) effect of physiotherapy: improvement of metabolism and innervation, elimination of pain, swelling, etc.

During electrophoresis active medications accumulate to the maximum in the pathological focus, because the pad with the drug is placed directly on the "sore spot", and several times higher than the dose administered by injection or oral. Therefore, the effectiveness of drug electrophoresis is quite high. Bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, the pharmacopreparation causes almost no adverse effects on the body.

Medicinal electrophoresis is a fairly versatile and affordable method of physical therapy, but it has a number of contraindications.

Contraindications:
-tumors of any localization and etiology;
-heart failure;
-the presence of an artificial pacemaker (pacemaker);
-inflammatory process in the acute phase;
-high body temperature;
-bronchial asthma (severe form);
-blood clotting disorders (increased bleeding, susceptibility to bleeding);
-skin pathologies (eczema, dermatitis);
-skin diseases (eczema, dermatitis);

-Disorders of the sensitivity of the skin;
-mechanical injuries in the area of application of the pads (wounds, cuts, abrasions);
-intolerance of electric current;
-allergy to the drug, which is required to be administered with electrophoresis.

List of references used:
1. general physiotherapy (textbook). Authors: D.R. Rakita, O.M. Uryasyev, A.K. Ushmarov.
2. Physiotherapy and physioprophylaxis (textbook). Authors: Safronenko V.A., Hasanov M.Z. Under the general editorship of Professor Chesnikova A.I.
3. Physiotherapy. Authors: L.M. Kliachkin, M. N. Vinogradova.

The literature on this topic you can download from our site in the appropriate section: Literature. Physiotherapy.