Core of the method and applied physical factors
The technique is based on the directional movement of medicinal substance ions under the influence of an electric field. In physiotherapeutic practice, the electrophoresis of pharmacological agents is implemented using various types of electric current:
- application of direct current;
- use of pulsed currents;
- electrophoresis using diadynamic currents (so-called DDC electrophoresis), selected according to the patient's individual status.
In restorative treatment programs, a combined application of pulsed currents with magnetophoresis and phonophoresis is also permitted.
Application of electrophoresis in arthrology
In disorders of the osteoarticular system, medicinal electrophoresis is part of the clinical complex of non-pharmacological and local therapy, alongside ultrasound therapy (ultraphonophoresis), inductothermy, ultra-high-frequency electric field therapy (UHF field), and alternating magnetic field therapy (AMF).
The prescription of electrophoresis is based on an assessment of the nature of the joint pathology and individual tolerance, with expert guidelines classifying the method as level of recommendation C (level of evidence — 5).
Electrophoresis in surgery: wound healing and necrosis
Physical therapy is prescribed from the first day and continues until the completion of injury treatment. The choice of tactics directly depends on the status of the wound — whether it is sterile or infected.
| Tissue status | Indications for electrophoresis | Drugs used |
|---|---|---|
| Infected wounds (after surgical debridement) | Microcirculation disorders, pronounced edema, and pain syndrome | Procaine, systemic antibacterial agents |
| Purulent necrosis stage | First stage of physical therapy (in combination with short-wave ultraviolet radiation, UHF electric field, ultrasound) | Systemic antibacterial drugs, enzymatic agents |
The main clinical objectives of electrophoresis in the injury zone are suppressing the infectious agent, reducing pain intensity, local dehydration of the wound surface, and anti-inflammatory action.
The role of electrophoresis in tuberculosis rehabilitation
Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis are indicated for the inclusion of physiotherapeutic technologies in the overall restorative treatment program (LoR C, LoE 3).
The choice of factor is strictly regulated by the mechanisms of its therapeutic action. Medicinal electrophoresis is prescribed alongside methods such as low-intensity laser therapy, magnetotherapy, ultrasound, sinusoidal modulated currents (SMC), aerosol therapy, and UHF electric field therapy.
To remember the effects of electrophoresis in an infected wound, the acronym OBED is helpful: Obezbolivanie / Pain relief (procaine), Borba s infektsiey / Combating infection (antibiotics), Eestestvennaya degidratatsiya / Natural dehydration, Deystvie protivovospalitelnoe / Anti-inflammatory action.
Class and exam questions
Which drugs are administered via electrophoresis in wound infections?
In an infected wound, following surgical debridement, systemic antibacterial drugs are administered via electrophoresis, along with the local anesthetic procaine for pain relief and correction of microcirculation disorders.
What currents are used for medicinal electrophoresis?
The procedure is performed using direct current, pulsed currents, and diadynamic currents (DDC electrophoresis), which are prescribed strictly according to individual indications.
Which physiotherapeutic methods are combined with electrophoresis in purulent-necrotic processes?
At the initial stage of necrosis, electrophoresis of enzymes and systemic antibiotics is combined with short-wave ultraviolet radiation (SUV), ultra-high-frequency electric field therapy (UHF field), and ultrasound skin treatment.
What else to study on this topic
- Features of performing physical procedures through a bandage and during dressing changes in aseptic wounds
- Bacteriostatic action of skin darsonvalization via ozone synthesis
- Specifics of using sinusoidal modulated currents (SMC therapy) in joint pathology
- Second stage of physical therapy for tissue necrosis: inductothermy, microwave therapy, and infrared radiation
- The role of exercise therapy from day one in knee and ankle joint pathology
Master the entire topic in the "Physiology" course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
- Complete study guide on "Medicinal electrophoresis" and 4,128 other pages of the subject
- Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
- AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
- 114 video lessons on the subject
Other topics in the "Additional Topics" section
Free video lessons: PhysiologyShort lessons with study notes — no registration required.
Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.