Using Electrical Stimulation to Deliver Medication
Iontophoresis is a punch in ofelectrical stimulationused in physical therapy.
A negatively- or positively-charged current is applied to skin treated with a medicated solution with the same polarity.
The current and the solution repel each other, pushing the medication deep into tissues.
Illustration by Lisa Fasol, Verywell
Iontophoresis can help manage scar tissue, decrease swelling and inflammation, and treat conditions like bursitis and tendonitis.
When usingiontophoresis, your physical therapist is using electricity to push medicine into your injured tissues.
Themedication used in iontophoresisis ionically charged.
Common Uses
There are many different uses for iontophoresis.
The medication used in iontophoresis depends on the goals of the treatment.
and analgesics to inflamed joints, muscles, and subcutaneous tissues.
A direct current electrical stimulation unit is used to apply iontophoresis.
The electrodes are then applied to your body.
The electrode with the medication is applied to the area of your body that is being treated.
The electrode without the medication is applied to your body nearby.
When the electrical current is turned on, you will likely feel a slight tingling sensation.
Sometimes the stimulation feels like a tiny bee sting.
If you are uncomfortable during the iontophoresis treatment, notify your physical therapist and adjustments can be made.
When your iontophoresis treatment is completed, your PT will remove the electrodes and inspect your skin.
Once you receive your iontophoresis treatment, your PT will give you specific instructions.
This altered circulation might “wash away” the medication that was just introduced to your body.
If you have any questions about what to do after iontophoresis, be sure to ask your physical therapist.
Side Effects
Iontophoresis is a safe procedure, and side effects are minimal.
While receiving the stimulation, you may feel a slight pin prick tingling sensation.
Redness may also occur underneath the electrodes used for it.
Some patients notice some dryness or rough skin in the area where the iontophoresis was administered.
This can be mitigated by using skin lotion over the area several hours after receiving the treatment.
Contraindications
While generally considered safe, the procedure is not without its limitations and safety issues.
Due to the lack of research into its affect on fetal health, iontophoresis is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Studies investigating iontophoresis have been performed, some of which are promising.
The group that received iontophoresis showed greater improvements in certain walking variables compared to the PT-only group.
Another study examined the effect of iontophoresis for shoulder impingement syndrome.
So, iontophoresis may be helpful for some conditions and not in others.
But the most important study participant is you.
It is used to introduce medication into your body to achieve specific therapeutic goals.
Iontophoresis may be one treatment that can help you return to normal activity quickly and safely after injury.
Iontophoresis involves electrical currents going through an area of your body.
This can cause a tingling sensation while the machine is on.
You shouldnt feel pain or a serious electrical shock, though.
Research has shown that six sessions of iontophoresis can result in improvement.
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