ELECTROTHERAPY: PRINCIPLES OF APPLICATION

Sagar Naik, PT

PRINCIPLES OF APPLICATION:

Sagar Naik, PT
Receiving the Patient:
Good morning sir / madam. Please be seated (Please take your seat). I am your therapist who is going to treat you. Dont worry; I will do my best for you.

Instruction: Sir / Madam, please wait for few minutes until I go through your case sheet.

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Case Sheet Reading: Checking General Contraindications:

I will go through Laboratory investigation reports Assessment and diagnosis done by the physician This may be very helpful in finding out the general contraindications for my treatment. By this I will also be able to know about previous medical or physiotherapy treatment if any taken by the patient and its effects. By using rapport with patient and by case sheet reading, I will check the general contraindications (related to the modality to be used). They are, Hyperpyrexia Epilepsy Severe renal and cardiac problems Cardiac pacemakers Severe Hypotension and hypertension Infections Pregnant women Metal Implants

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ELECTROTHERAPY: PRINCIPLES OF APPLICATION

Sagar Naik, PT

Mentally retarded patients Mentally upset patients Malignancy Eyes Anterior aspect of neck & carotid sinus Instruction: Sir / Madam, please wait for few minutes until I prepare things for your treatment.

Tray Preparation:

Patient Tray or Skin Resistance Lowering Tray & Skin Sensation Testing Tray
1) Pillows 2) Cotton 3) Soap 4) Towel 5) Mackintosh 6) Kidney Tray 7) Petroleum jelly or Vaseline 8) Test Tubes (hot & cold) 9) U pin (sharp & blunt) 10) Clips 11) Bowel of water 12) IR lamp 13) Hot & Cold packs

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Treatment Tray
1) Pillow 2) Towel 3) Bed sheet 4) Cotton 5) Adhesive tapes 6) Straps 7) Salt 8) Powder 9) Scissor 10) Inch tape 11) Paper
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ELECTROTHERAPY: PRINCIPLES OF APPLICATION

Sagar Naik, PT

Checking Local Contraindications:

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Apparatus Preparation: Apparatus Checking:
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I will put the patient in any comfortable position and then I will check for local contraindications. They are, Open wounds Scars Local skin infections Cuts Abrasions Eczema Localized hemorrhagic spots Skin sensitivity (testing) Demonstrate with hot and cold test tubes & U pin.

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Instruction: As I have found no general contraindication and local contraindications, I will proceed with my treatment. (Examiner)

The apparatus and accessories needed should be assembled and suitably positioned. I will visually check the electrodes, leads, cables, plugs, power outlets, switches, controls, dials, and indicator lights for cracks and breaks.

I will check the apparatus in front of the patient. I will demonstrate the treatment to the patient.

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12) Graph paper 13) Pencil 14) Eraser 15) Scale 16) Goggles 17) Machine & accessories 18) Sand bags 19) Crepe bandages

ELECTROTHERAPY: PRINCIPLES OF APPLICATION

Sagar Naik, PT

Give an explanation of the treatment to the patient. Explained about the type of sensation, which will be experienced by the patient.

I will position the patient in most comfortable position. (Mention the position for the treatment to the examiner.)

NOTE:

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Selection of Technique:
Place electrodes properly.
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Skin Resistance Lowering:
NOTE:
I will do skin resistance lowering.

The position of the part to be treated should be completely relaxed. Patient should be made comfortable by using maximum number of pillows and sand bags for the support. Position of the patient should be such that all the joints of the body are completely relaxed. If possible give the position in which patient can see the treatment.

Uncover the part to be treated. Use pillows, mackintosh, and towel for supporting and whipping off the water. Make use of soap and possible hot water as it will make the skin surface warm.

Select the type of application of the treatment wherever possible. (Tell to the examiner.)

Placement of Electrodes:
I will do placement of electrodes.

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Positioning the Patient:

ELECTROTHERAPY: PRINCIPLES OF APPLICATION

Sagar Naik, PT

Instructions & Warnings:

Instructions:

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Treatment:
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Warnings:

Dont move during the treatment. Dont sleep while the treatment is going on. Dont touch the cables, apparatus, therapist, and any other metal nearby you.

As there are chances of getting a blister due to excessive current or over heating, so please inform me if the current is not comfortable or heating is more. If there is any burning sensation immediately inform me, as it might lead to burn. Inform me if the position is not comfortable. The warning given should be noted on the patients record card.

Instruction: Sir / Madam, we are going to start the treatment now.

I will explain the examiner about my operations. Increase the intensity knob till it is comfortable for the patient. Duration of the treatment is decided on the basis of the condition.

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Use adhesive tapes or straps for placing the electrodes. Apply electrode gel evenly on entire electrode. Maintain good contact between the skin and the electrode. Tie the electrodes with even pressure. Wires or leads should not cross each other during the treatment. I will again check all the connections.

ELECTROTHERAPY: PRINCIPLES OF APPLICATION

Sagar Naik, PT

The patient must be observed throughout to ensure that treatment is progressing satisfactorily and without adverse effects.

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Recording:

Switch off the machine and the main supply. Remove the electrodes and clean the patient. At the termination of treatment I will inspect the treated part for any adverse reactions. If there is any mild erythema, I will apply powder. If it is too severe, then I will advise him/her to go to the physician. An explanation of what to expect is given as well as instructions of when to come again and what must be done between treatments. Then I will do my winding up procedure.

An accurate record of all parameters of treatment including region treated, technique, dosage, and the resultant effect must be made. This is for both assessment purposes and for legal requirements.

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Termination of Treatment: