HIGH VOLTAGE GALVANIC

Electrotherapy

I. Devreux - Electrotherapy

OBJECTIVES
Review of the Introduction to the Subject
Specify the Characteristics of High Voltage
Galvanic Current
Explain the Physiological Effects
Detail and Summarize the Usage of HVGC:
Indications and Contraindications

I. Devreux - Electrotherapy

Introduction
Previous currents were either not comfortable (as in continuous
currents).
Some were not as effective as needed and only acting
superficially ( as in surged direct current).

The Farradic Current gave more effects but on superficially

innervated muscles ( as in alternated surged currents).
The High Voltage Current has been designed as an new
alternative to be reaching deeper layers of the muscles.

I. Devreux - Electrotherapy

High Voltage Galvanic Current

It is abbreviated HVGC
High-voltage galvanic stimulation (HVGS) produces a
high-voltage current with a high-peak intensity of a
maximum of 300 to 400 ma
but with a low-frequency current and a very short
duration, ranging between 50 and 100 msec.

I. Devreux - Electrotherapy

Characteristics:
The high-peak intensity produced is of a twin-pulsed
shape.
It is safer and more comfortable to the patient than
faradic current because of its short duration.
It penetrates deeper than that of low-voltage currents.
Direct stimulation of deep nerves and muscles can be
effective.

I. Devreux - Electrotherapy

Characteristics (cont.):
It can stimulate either an isolated muscle or muscle
group according to the appropriate technique.
It does not produce contraction in the denervated muscle
as the pulse duration is too short to depolarize the
muscle membrane.
Partially innervated or totally innervated muscle will
respond well to high-voltage galvanic current.

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Physiological Effects of HVGC:

Pain reduction:
It is accomplished either through:
decreasing pain by using two small electrodes
closely-spaced in a narrow area.
or minimizing pain fiber stimulation by using two
widely-spaced large electrodes.
Both of these methods can stimulate the release of opiate
substance; -endorphins in the central nervous
system in order to suppress pain.
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Effects in Pain Relief

The endorphin substance
( morphine like
substance) is found in
high concentration in the
hypothalamus and
pituitary glands.
Electrical stimulation
will activate the portion
of the brain to release
B-endorphin and
stimulate the analgesic
system.
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Physiological Effects of HVGC:

Increase of joint mobility:
It is due to reduction of pain
through the direct effect of the
current on blood vessels,
which leads to improvement of
circulation.
So, high voltage galvanic
stimulation is effective in healing
after fractures, menisectomy,
osteoarthritis and frozen
shoulder.
Reduction of post-traumatic
edema is evident immediately
after treatment.
I. Devreux - Electrotherapy

Physiological Effects of HVGC:

Improvement of
peripheral circulation:
It is due to:
the stimulation of
muscle pumping effect
on the venous
circulation and
stimulation of
sympathetic neurons,
which subsequently
cause vasodilatation.
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Physiological Effects of HVGC:

Healing of ulcers:
It is accomplished
through electrical
stimulation with the
positive electrode, which
increases the repair
process.
Furthermore, electrical
stimulation with the
negative pole destroys
bacteria (abiotic effect).
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Physiological Effects of HVGC:

Relief of muscle spasm:
It is done due to reduction of pain through strong
muscle contraction, which produces relaxation.

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Indications:
As a low-frequency current, with the exception of treating
the denervated muscles, it may be used for:

Facilitation of muscle contraction inhibited by pain.

Re-education of weak muscles.
Reduction of post-traumatic edema.
Mobilization of joint stiffness.

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Indications:
Reduction of pain and muscle spasm (arthritis, sprain
and strain).
Improvement of peripheral circulation.
Healing of ulcers.

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Contraindications:
They are similar to those of the other low
frequency currents:
Skin lesions.
Acute infections and inflammations.
Thrombosis.
Loss of sensation.
Cardiac pacemakers.
Superficial metal

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Dosage:
It is adjusted according to the patients tolerances.

In cases of edema, muscle spasm and stiff joint, the

dose must be high enough to produce muscle
contraction:

- Pulse rate: 80 pulses / sec.

- Treatment duration: 20 - 30 minutes.

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Cutaneous Pain
Cutaneous pain: This pain is perceived as a result of
stimulation of Pain receptors in the skin.
Pain receptors are slowly adapting receptors, which
continuously inform the CNS about tissue damage.
Thin myelinated Alpha fibers : have a diameter of 1 -5
microns and conduction velocity of 5-15 meters /sec.(fast
pricking pain-reflex)
Non-myelenated C fibers: Having a diameter of less than
1 micron and a conduction velocity of 0.5 meter
/second.(slow burning
pain)
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Electrotherapy combined with

Hydrotherapy

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Revision and Conclusion

The Characteristics of High Voltage Galvanic Current?
The main effects on the patients?

Which pathologies are treated and which are not?

Explain the procedure of application.

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