5.2.1 Modes of Attaching the Electrodes
The following techniques to attach electrodes are common in stimulation current therapy:
Bipolar Here you apply two electrodes of equal size. This is the most common mode especially for
pain therapy and circulatory stimulation.
Monopolar Preferably used when treating small areas, e.g. nerve and muscle stimulation points, espe-
cially on the hands or in the face. This therapy mode includes using two electrodes of differ-
ent size, with the bigger (indifferent) one being fixed proximally in most cases. The size of
the indifferent electrode must be big enough not to stimulate any more (size = two to three
times). A punctiform electrode is mostly used as small (different) electrode.
5.3 Safety Precautions for Stimulation Current Intensity
Please observe the following safety precautions when adjusting the intensity of the stimulation current ap-
plied to the patient:
• Always bear in mind that the patient may display an altered sensitivity, and may therefore not be
properly aware of the current intensity.
• Be especially careful in measuring doses for blonde, light-skinned patients, and for thin-skinned pa-
tients.
• Explain to patients that if they experience unpleasant or even burning sensations under one of the
electrodes, they must point this out. Where available, give the patient the release button for interrupt-
ing the therapy.
• Pay particular attention when using current forms with a high galvanic component (G , DF , MF , CP ,
LP , UR , IG 30 , IG 50 , as well as T/R with pulse lengths above 50 ms and associated pauses below
200 ms) that the recommended intensity of 0.1 mA/cm
2
of active electrode area is not exceeded!
• If you use electrodes of various different sizes during a treatment, the smaller of the two electrodes,
the so-called "active electrode", is always considered when measuring the intensity.
5.3.1 Recommended Intensities
The maximum intensity to be applied depends on the type and size of the electrodes. Please observe the
maximum intensities as specified in section Safety Precautions for Stimulation Current Intensity on page 42
!
Plate Electrodes
Type Size of the Plate Electrode
(Viscose Cover; in cm)
Effective Area
(cm2)
Maximum Intensity for Currents with
High Galvanic Component (mA)
EF 10 4.0 x 3.0 (5.5 x 5.0) 10 1
EF 50 8.0 x 6.0 (11.0 x 9.0) 50 5
EF 100 12.0 x 9.0 (14.0 x 12.0) 100 10
EF 200 17.0 x 11.0 (20.0 x 15.0) 200 20
Vacuum Electrodes
5 Therapy with Stimulation Current PHYSIOMED ELEKTROMEDIZIN AG
42 IONOSON-Basic
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