Electrolysis Definition: Passage of electric current in a solution for ionization is called electrolysis.

For ex: Saline solution is used to demonstrate the effect of electrolysis. It contains two types of ions, one is the Na+ ions and Cl- ions. Whenever you are dissolving the Nacl salt in water, it is getting ionization in to Na+ and cl- ions. The positively charged Na+ ions are moving towards the negative terminals

(cathode) and the negative charged Clions moving towards the positive terminal (Anode). Electrons flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal through the external circuit. But the direction of current flow is said to be opposite to electron flow. Current leaves the positive terminal and flows through the circuit to the negative terminal. In the electrolyte there is a migration of positive ions and polar water molecules to the cathode.

The water molecules pick up electrons from the cathode, forming hydrogen atoms and thence hydrogen gas, and leaving hydroxide ions in solution. Thus the solution near the cathode becomes alkaline. The positive sodium ion remains in solution. At the anode, the chloride ions release electrons and become neutral atoms which form chlorine gas. Some of the chlorine reacts with the water to form a mixture of hydrochloric and hypochlorous acids. So the solution near the anode becomes acidic.

Physiological effects 1. Hyperaemia. The most marked circulatory changes take place in the skin and superficial tissues just under the electrodes. If sufficient intensity of current is given, to a maximum of 0.8 mA per cm2 there will be a marked counter irritant effect produced by the capillary hyperaemia of the dermis. This will relieve pain in the treated area. 2. Sedation: At the anode, if a low dosage is given for a longer period of time, such as 0.3 mA per cm2 for

30 minutes, then an analgesic effect is felt in the area just under the anode. The direct current is thought to reduce nerve conduction velocity. HIGH VOLTAGE GALVANIC STIMULATION Physical properties High voltage galvanic generators produce a high voltage current with a high peak intensity but a low average current, and a very short pulse duration. The high peak intensity, usually produced as a twin pulse, can reach

a maximum of 300 to 400 milliamperes. These peaks are safe, however, because of the short pulse duration and have the advantage of penetrating deeper than the currents produced by low voltage generators. Thus direct stimulation of deep nerves and muscles can be very effective and using appropriate techniques, a muscle can be stimulated to contract in isolation or as part of a total pattern of movement. The short pulse duration, ranging between 50 and 100 microseconds,

permits selective stimulation of sensory and motor axons with little effect on the pain fibres. So is more comfortable to the patient. With such short pulse durations, the chemical effects of low voltage interrupted direct current have not been demonstrated and stimulation can safely be maintained for longer periods of time. High voltage galvanism will not produce contraction in denervated muscles as the pulse duration is too short to depolarize the muscle membrane. However partially or

totally innervated muscles will respond to high voltage galvanism. Indications 1. Pain reduction: It is by two mechanism a) By providing supra painful stimuli in a very narrow area, using very very small electrodes closely spaced. b) By minimizing pain fibre stimulation and providing for maximal sensory fibre stimulation using larger electrodes with careful intensity control so that sensory fibre

stimulation which is not painful occurs. 2. Increased joint mobility: The reduction of pain by HVPGC may increase joint mobility. Other mechanism may include the direct effect on blood vessels, increasing circulation, or other effects on joint connective tissues which are yet to be proven. 3. Increase in peripheral circulation: This may be achieved by stimulation intermittent muscle contractions stimulating

the muscle pump effect on the venous circulation. Alternatively, the deeper penetration of the high voltage current may stimulate the sympathetic neurons directly causing vasodilatation. 4. Healing of ulcers. a. A positive electrical potential exists in the ulcer and by adding external positive current the repair process is accelerated; It is also suggested that electrical stimulation with the negative

pole will destroy any bacteria present. b. Healing may be