1. DIDYNAMIC CURRENT
Miss Hira Jabeen
ANMC

2. OBJECTIVES Introduction Basic current (MF, DF )
Derivative of basic current
Brief description of Dia dynamic and basic currents
Characteristics of diadynamic current,
Techniques of application & treatment, frequency of treatment.
Clinical indication

3. Definition
“Didynamic current is a monophasic sinusoidal current being rectified main type current.”
It can be semi-wave and full-wave
Hz frequency
Pulse duration of 10 msec
Providing 100 stimuli / sec.

4. Types of Didynamic Current
Two basic forms:
Monophasic fixed (MF)
Diaphasic fixed (DF)

5. MONOPHASIC FIXED
Half-wave rectified sinusoidal current, with a frequency of 50 Hz
Series of 10 ms half sine-shaped pulses
10ms pulse width

6. Diaphasic Fixed Full wave rectified sinusoidal current
Continuous series of 10ms sinusoidal pulses
Freq = 100 Hz

7. Derivatives of Basic Current
CP (courtes periods )Module:
If two currents form MF & DF applied alternatively for 1 sec each

8. LP ( longus periodes) Module
If two MF currents are applied so that one series of pulses occupies the pulse interval of the other and one is of constant intensity while other is surged
The length of each surge and surge interval varies with different sources
Usually of 5 or 6 sec

9. Physiological Effects
Stimulation of sensory nerve
Stimulation of motor nerve
Muscle contraction
Chemical changes due to unidirectional flow of current

10. Therapeutic effects Pain relief Dec inflammation and swelling
Muscle re-education and strengthening
Inc local circulation
Facilitation of tissue healing

11. 1. Pain relief Pain gate mechanism
Pain suppression due to neurologically stimulated endorphins & enkaphlins
Removal of irritants by local inc circulation
Placebo effect
Vibration stimulation leads to central masking of pain sensation.

12. 2. Dec inflammation and swelling
Inc pumping action
Inc local circulation
Changes in cell membrane permeability
CP and LP currents stimulate increase blood flow to the muscle and reduce edema

13. 3.Muscle re-education and strengthening
Didynamic current stimulates the muscle fibers, causing muscle contraction
Rule
With weights

14. 4.Inc local circulation Altered autonomic activity
Dec sympathetic tone
Vasodilation
Release of histamine due to unidirectional effects

15. 5.Facilitation of tissue healing
Local circulatory & polar effects
Inc cell activity

16. Individualized Current effects
DF ( Fixed Di-phase):
It is used for the initial treatment and before application of other currents. The patient feels a prickling sensation, which subsides after a short time.
MF( Fixed Mono Phase):
The patient feels a strong vibration for longer time than the sensation of DF. It is used for treatment of pain without muscle spasm.

17. CP( short periods):
In DF phase, there are fine tremors in MF phase (strong and constant vibration).
There are rhythmic contractions, being used for treatment of traumatic pain.
LP(Long Periods):
It has a long-lasting analgesic effect. It is used with combination of CP in treatment of neuralgia.

18. Application of electrodes
Carbon rubber or metal with pads
Two equal sized on either side to be treated
Small electrode over trigger point and large placed more proximally

19. Sites Trigger points Painful area Nerve root (Paravertebral region)
Nerve trunk
Vasotropic ( tending to act on blood vessels)

20. Dosage:
Intensity: It should be increased gradually until definite vibration or prickling sensation occurs. Not tetanic
Duration: Not more than 12 minutes; each type for 3 minutes.
Frequency : Daily or every other day for 12 sessions

21. Indications
Didynamic stimulation causes relief of pain and edema in the following conditions:
1. Soft tissue injury (sprains, strain, contusion and epicondylitis).
2. Joint disorders (post-immobilization and arthritis).

23. 3. Circulatory disorders
(Raynaud's disease and migraine).
4. Peripheral nerve disorders
(neuralgia and sciatic neuritis).

24. Contraindications
Open skin: The current tends to concentrate at this point; small broken areas can be insulated by Vaseline.
Bony areas: It may produce a burn.
Loss of sensation: It can produce a burn.
Skin lesions: Eczema or fungi can be irritated and made worse.

25. Infections : It may cause spreading of infection.
Thrombosis.
•Cardiac pace makers
•Superficial metal
Tumours
Pregnancy

26. THE END