Galvanization in medicine is a method of physiotherapy, consisting in the action on the body of a constant continuous current of low voltage (30-80 V) and a small (up to 50 mA) force. The effect is made by means of contact electrodes attached to the body in the desired region.
Types of galvanization and electrophoresis
Special electrodes made of sheet steel or sheet lead, up to 0.5 mm thick, connected by a wire to the galvanizing apparatus are used for the procedure. Over the electrodes, a gauze or other gasket is usually applied that is larger than the electrode, which is wetted with warm water before the procedure.
Galvanization of individual zones
It is used to influence a specific area. The most common variants of such galvanization in physiotherapy are galvanic collar, galvanic belt, nasal galvanization.
General galvanization
A large electrode (15x20 cm) is placed between the patient's blades and connected to one of the poles of the apparatus. The electrodes connected to the second pole are located in the calf muscles area. Thus, the whole body is exposed to the current.
Electrophoresis
Combines the method of conventional galvanization and the introduction of a drug substance into the body with it. To carry out electrophoresis, the pad of one of the electrodes is not wetted with water, but with the corresponding medicinal solution.
Indications and contraindications for galvanization
Depending on the strength, place and time of exposure by galvanization, it is possible to achieve an increase or decrease in tissue function, improve peripheral circulation, accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues, improve the regulatory function of the nervous system.
Galvanization is used in the treatment of:
- diseases and injuries of the peripheral nervous system;
- neurotic states, autonomic dystonia, neurasthenia;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- angina pectoris ;
- chronic inflammatory processes;
- hyper- and hypotension;
- atherosclerosis in the initial stage;
- some of the ENT diseases;
- some eye diseases;
- chronic arthritis.
Contraindicated this method of treatment when:
- individual intolerance;
- purulent and acute inflammatory processes;
- severe atherosclerosis;
- systemic blood diseases;
- infectious diseases, accompanied by an increase in body temperature;
- damage to the skin and skin diseases;
- pregnancy.