Incl. expert tips for use with CHATTANOOGA therapy devices

Iontophoresis is a popular treatment method in pain therapy. Read here which complaints this form of therapy is suitable for and what scientific findings are available. In an interview with the Country Manager of enovis, you can also find out how the iontophoresis works with the CHATTANOOGA therapy devices.

Iontophoresis is part of electrotherapy. The treatment method uses weak direct electric current (galvanic current) to transport certain medications or substances through the skin into the body. These drugs are electrically charged, which allows them to move in the electric field and pass through the skin. The active ingredients used are often ointments.

For which complaints is iontophoresis suitable?

Iontophoresis is suitable for the treatment of degenerative joint complaints, for example osteoarthritis of the hand and finger joints, the hip joint or the knee joint. This form of therapy is also used for muscle and tendon pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, pain after operations and rheumatic diseases.

As with all treatments using electric current, iontophoresis also requires a thorough medical history to be taken beforehand. The treatment method is not recommended for some underlying conditions. These include heart problems, circulatory disorders, a tendency to bleed, thrombosis, tumors, open, inflamed or irritated skin, inflammation and febrile infections as well as hormone spirals.

Iontophoresis is also used in dermatology. There it is often used to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

What the research says

The treatment method has been used successfully in physiotherapy for decades, even if the effect for many indications is only weakly scientifically proven. Comprehensive meta-analyses are rare - partly because the studies are sometimes difficult to compare. However, positive effects of iontophoresis can be demonstrated in studies on specific applications.

For example, a research team investigated the iontophoresis method for knee osteoarthritis. They found a positive effect when using Perskindol Active Classic Gel via the positive electrode¹. Another study found promising improvements in neck pain after magnesium sulphate iontophoresis². Further studies show positive effects of iontophoresis for tennis elbow³ and carpal tunnel syndrome⁴.

Iontophoresis with the CHATTANOOGA therapy devices

Tilman Blachut is Country Manager Switzerland for the enovis Group, which includes the CHATTANOOGA brand, and explains in an interview how iontophoresis with the Intelect Mobile 2 Combo device and the Intelect NEO therapy system of the CHATTANOOGA brand.

MEDiDOR: Mr. Blachut, are the Intelect Mobile 2 Combo and Intelect NEO devices suitable for iontophoresis? Which program do you choose for this?

Tilman Blachut: Iontophoresis can be applied with both our Intelect Mobile 2 Combo device and the Intelect NEO therapy system. This is done using galvanic current, i.e. direct current. With the Intelect Mobile 2 Combo device, you select the "Low Level Galvanic" form of current. This is a galvanic current with a low level. The intensity is limited to 4.0 mA. With the Intelect NEO therapy system, select iontophoresis in the system under Electrotherapy. Detailed instructions for iontophoresis with the Intelect NEO therapy system can be found on page 55 of the user manual.

MEDiDOR: How is the application prepared?

Tilman Blachut: Iontophoresis is always carried out using galvanic current and two black carbon electrodes (positive and negative poles). These are placed in the rectangular yellow sponges, which are then positioned using straps on the area where the medication is to penetrate the tissue. For example, the electrodes are placed laterally and medially on the upper arm.

If this form of treatment is frequently used with different medications, the use of a so-called gauze (disposable filter) is ideal. The active ingredient is applied to the gauze and then attached to the skin under the yellow sponge. The side treated with the active ingredient faces downwards.

MEDiDOR: Is there anything that needs to be considered with this form of therapy?

Tilman Blachut: It is important to consider the polarity of the medication. You can find the information on the package insert. A positively charged active ingredient is applied under the positive electrode and then diffuses from plus to minus. A negatively charged active ingredient diffuses in the opposite direction.

Iontophoresis has established itself worldwide as a special and effective form of pain therapy, as pain can be treated specifically where it occurs on the body. In addition, the oral intake of painkillers can be reduced, which benefits the flora in the gastrointestinal tract of chronic pain patients in the long term.

Literature

1. Dakowicz, A. et al (2022). Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Iontophoresis with Perskindol Gel in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee Joints. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(14). https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/14/8489
2. Ibrahim, N. A. et al (2021). Effect of magnesium sulfate iontophoresis on myofascial trigger points in the upper fibers of the trapezius. Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 16(3). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1658361221000068
3. Da Luz, D. C. et al (2019). Iontophoresis in lateral epicondylitis: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 28(9). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1058274619303556
4. Huisstede, B. M. et al (2018). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Effectiveness of Physical Therapy and Electrophysical Modalities. An Updated Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 99(8). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003999317310948