FARADIC CURRENT

TAMILVANAN MANI

CONTENTS

Define Faradic current. Describe parameters of stimulation. Describe the physiological effects and therapeutic effects. List out the clinical indications. List out contraindications. List out the precaution and hazards.

DEFINITION

A short duration interrupted current with an asymmetric biphasic pulse, with a pulse duration of 0.1- 1ms & a frequency of 50 and 100hz.

MODIFIED FARADIC CURRENT

MODIFIED FARADIC CURRENT PURPOSE:- to produce a near normal tetanic contraction(Twitching of muscles) and relaxation of muscle, by surging or ramping HOW ? :-circuit is modified to give surges of various durations, frequencies and wave forms: unmodified/in surges/surges varying in duration & intervals/saw tooth,triangular,trapezoidal

SURGE-RAISING UP AND DOWN

WAVE FORMS

PARAMETERS OF STIMULATION

Wave form subject preference Amplitude of (s) max tolerable

Phase duration 20 to 1000ms

Electrodes size of electrode

Frequency of stimulation 30 to 50 pps Duty cycle 10 to 15 sec on / 50 to 120 secoff

PARAMETERS OF STIMULATION

Type Of Contraction Isometric No.Of contractions per session 10 to 20 at max tolerable Frequency of stimulation 3 to 5 times/week Ramping rapid rise for acute and normal & slow rising for chronic or regenerating nm tissues/also to reduce fatigue

PHYSIOLOGICAL & THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS

Stimulation of sensory nerves results in prickling sensation and reflex vasodilatation Stimulation of motor nerves results in contraction of muscles supplied by the nerve Effects of muscle contraction increase in metabolism/demand for oxygen & food stuffs/out put of waste products including metabolites

Metabolites cause dilatation of capillaries and arterioles & blood supply to the muscle is increased

PARAMETERS OF STIMULATION

Pumping action of muscle improves venous & lymphatic return Stimulation of denervated (m) not satisfactory Chemical effects of faradic current negligible

CLINICAL INDICATIONS

Facilitation of muscle contraction Re-education of muscle action Training new muscle action All types of nerve lesions Improved venous & lymphatic drainage Prevention & loosening of adhesions

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Pacemakers Thromboembolism/phlebitis Hyper & hypotensives Areas of excessive adipose tissues

Neoplasm
Areas of active tissue infection Devitalized skin Active hemorrhage

Fresh fractures
Patients unable to understand the nature of intervention or provide feedback

AVOID!

Carotid sinus Thoracic region Phrenic nerve Trunk of pregnant subject

HAZARDS

Chemical change due to inadequate skin protection Disruption of stimulating devices due to proximity of diathermy equipment which results in altered output