currents

Current Usage There are two different types of currents used within the treatments outlined in this unit: Alternating current – used for creating the effects of High Frequency and Faradic treatments Direct current – used for creating the effects of Faradic and Galvanic treatments The remaining electrotherapy equipment do not use electrical currents to produce the treatment benefits, only as the electrical power source.

Electric Power Electrotherapy equipment takes its power from either the mains socket or alternately from battery power. Electricity for the mains socket is an alternating current, while the power supplied from a battery is a direct current. Electrical currents flow in what is known as a cycle. Power or energy is measured in watts. The pressure or force of flow of electrical current is measured in volts. Amps measure the flow of electrical current around the circuit. The measurement of how many complete cycles per second is known as the frequency, Frequency is measured in hertz.

Alternating Currents This is a rapidly moving or oscillating current, which completes a circuit by moving forward and back in opposite directions. The frequency of the oscillations is measured in hertz (the amount of complete cycles per second). The measurement of the oscillations produces the effects of the use of Alternating currents in the electrotherapy equipment: Few oscillations per second results in low frequency More than 100,000 oscillations per second results in high frequency Example of usage: To deliver electrical stimulation to the muscle in faradic treatments High frequency stimulates cell renewal, healing and skin function when used in a High Frequency treatment.

Direct Currents The flow of this current is uninterrupted and flows constantly in one direction: to complete the cycle direct currents require two electrodes. We recognise these electrodes as the ‘anode – positive electrode’ and the ‘cathode – negative electrode’ used in Galvanic treatments. One electrode acts as the active electrode to produce the desired effects and the other is the inactive electrode, completing the circuit. The effects produced from use of a direct current results form chemical changes occurring as the current flows. Example of usage: Introduction of active ingredients into the skin through iontophoresis Effective cleansing during the desincrustation

Health & Safety Considerations Always refer to the individual manufacturers guidelines for each machine used. The following information is given as a general guide. Check client for contraindications and test the client for sensitivity Remove client’s jewellery Make all electrical checks Ensure all wires are securely attached to the machine and ensure electrical plug fittings are secure and no twisted cables Ensure all dials are at zero Adjust current slowly (either up or down); do not treat for too long or on too high an intensity. Turn current down slowly upon completion of treatment.