Medicinal electrophoresis is a physiotherapeutic technique based on the complex effect of electric current and individual pharmacological preparations.
When applying this technique, the positive biological effect of direct current is enhanced by the pharmacological effect of drugs, which is associated with their electrophoretic activity in an electromagnetic field.
Today, electrophoresis with lidase is used quite often. In this case, the solution of this substance dissociates into ions, which turn into charged hydrophilic complexes. If this solution is placed in an electric field, then the ions begin to move towards opposite poles. If there are biological tissues on their way, then the electrically charged particles of the drug will penetrate into them and show the corresponding therapeutic effect. In this case, the drug first penetrates into the epidermis and dermis, and then into the interstitium and endothelium of the blood and lymphatic vessels.
Electrophoresis with lidase is often prescribed for the early formation of hypertrophic scars. ATduring this period, fibroblasts actively synthesize hyaluronic acid, therefore, to reduce defects on the skin, a specific enzyme, hyaluronidase (lidase), should be used.
It is worth noting that electrophoresis with lidase can be combined with collagenase, gamma-interferon, as well as with prednisolone or dexamethasone, since corticosteroids inhibit the proliferation and synthesis of fibroblasts, block enzymes that are responsible for collagen synthesis, and reduce the permeability of the vascular walls.
It should also be said that electrophoresis with lidase can be prescribed for joint lesions, when their stiffness, deformity, and pain occur. It is to alleviate such symptoms that electrophoretic administration of lidase is used, which is alternated with a solution of novocaine, which makes it possible to alleviate the condition of patients after 5-6 sessions.
Electrophoresis with lidase is also used in gynecological practice. So, this physiotherapy procedure is performed for women with adhesions in the reproductive organs, as well as for infertility.
It must be remembered that an allergic reaction can develop to any drug, therefore, before using electrophoresis with lidase, an intradermal test for this drug must be carried out.
How is electrophoretic drug administration performed?
During electrophoresis, electrodes with gaskets are applied, which are made of filter paper and pre-wetted in a solutionmedicinal product. In this case, two electrodes are placed on the lower third of the lower leg, two more - on its upper third. The procedure should last 20 minutes and be carried out at least 10 times. After three months, the course of treatment is repeated if necessary.
For those patients who cannot attend the physiotherapy room all the time, electrophoresis is performed at home.
We should also mention a method that is gaining ground in molecular biology - DNA electrophoresis. It is used in cloning, sequencing and quantification of deoxyribonucleic acid.
