Iontophoresis

Physiocare Physical Therapy provides iontophoresis therapy, as one of many available modalities for treatment

JUPITER IONTOPHORESIS THERAPY

Iontophoresis is used to decrease inflammation. Medication is administered into the body through the skin using iontophoresis, which is a type of electrical stimulation. There is a bit of chemistry involved in explaining why the treatment is effective. In essence, a medication ionically charged with a negative charge has a negative electrical charge applied to it. Then the negative electricity will push away the medication or repel it into your tissues, when a positive charge is applied on another part of your body. It is extremely effective, because unlike taking an oral (by mouth) anti-inflammatory that may circulate through your whole body, this acts on a small targeted area, allowing it to be highly effective.

more about iontophoresis physical therapy

The main purposes of iontophoresis are for decreasing and relieving pain, inflammation, edema, swelling, and muscle spasms. 

Iontophoresis involves using a hybresis device, which may create a slight tingling or burning sensation. A session usually lasts about 3-5 minutes. If at any time a patient is uncomfortable, he or she can inform the physical therapist administering the treatment, who can make needed adjustments.

TREATMENT FOR IONTOPHORESIS AT PHYSIOCARE

Because iontophoresis is not suitable for everyone, our physical therapists at Physiocare ensure that a patient is eligible before using it as part of a treatment plan. For example, electrical stimulation should never be used on an individual with a permanent pacemaker.

Iontophoresis is a passive procedure. Successful programs of physical therapy require active involvement, in addition to other helpful modalities.

If you are interested in receiving physical therapy, including perhaps iontophoresis treatments, feel free to contact us at Physiocare Physical Therapy. We are a direct access facility; a doctor referral is not required for us to begin treating patients to address pain and restore strength, mobility, flexibility, balance, and endurance.

MEDICATIONS USED WITH IONTOPHORESIS

A prescription from a patient’s physician is required before a particular medication can be administered during iontophoresis.

The patient will pick the medication up at his or her pharmacy and bring it to his or her physical therapy appointment. The most commonly used medication with iontophoresis therapy is dexamethasone. Iontophoresis is used commonly to treat the following conditions:

  • Tennis elbow

  • Golfer’s elbow

  • Patellar tendinitis

  • Adhesive capsulitis