Iontophoresis
If you are suffering from pain or chronic inflammation due to tendonitis/tenosynovitis the development of a new delivery system for iontophoresis has made it easier for you to return to your active lifestyle. Iontophoresis may also be used to breakdown scar tissue or reduce pain. When combined with a therapy program, it decreases pain and inflammation to allow the treatment process to proceed at a more rapid rate.
Iontophoresis is a non-invasive drug delivery method that uses a repulsive electromotive force to repel an ionically charged medication through the skin. The medication most frequently used to decrease edema is dexamethasone sodium phosphate. Saline or acidic acid may be used over a scar to decrease adhesions. Lidocaine is the medication most often used for pain relief. The development of a skin patch with an enclosed battery allows patients to move about freely and participate in their daily activities while receiving treatment. You can be taught how to administer the medication as part of a home program. Previously the treatment had to be administered in the clinic, it would take up to 40 minutes depending on the patients tolerance and could include skin irritation or burns, which occur with excessive amperage. Using iontophoresis as a part of a comprehensive treatment program can result in fewer and shorter treatment sessions.
Patches (see picture) have been developed that include an on-board battery. A low current electrical charge drives water-soluble ionic medication through the skin in six to twenty-four hours. It enables the medication to be delivered locally in high concentrations to provide a therapeutic effect with fewer side effects. The low current is better tolerated by patients and rarely causes the skin irritation seen with high amperage delivery systems.
Investigators have reported patients with musculoskeletal disorders treated with iontophoresis have increased range of motion, improved function and decreased pain. Hand & Upper Extremity Rehabilitation uses iontophoresis for musucloskeletal disorders in conjunction with patient education, ultrasound, stretching, strengthening exercises and the application of kinesiotape. Kinesiotape can be applied either a facilitate muscle function, inhibit muscle function or to decrease edema and pain. Ultrasound combined with a gradually progressive stretching program facilitates remodeling of the collagen fibers. Treatment can progress to include strengthening of not only the muscles involved but surrounding tissues to help prevent recurrence of symptoms.
If you have any further questions concerning iontophoresis please contact Hand & Upper Extremity Rehabilitation at (817) 861-7600
Hand & Upper Extremity Rehabilitation
305 Regency Parkway, Suite 605, Mansfield, TX 76063
Arlington: (817) 861-7600 | Mansfield: (817) 473-1650
Fax: (817) 861 - 7601
