Low and medium Frequency Electrotherapy - Implox

Fig. 9.
Position of electrodes (Träbert)
The amplitude is increased at each step until muscle contractions occur. The muscle contractions must be palpable
or just visible. The contractions may contribute to improved perfusion of the muscles (muscle pump mechanism). As
soon as the contractions start to reduce, the current amplitude should be increased again. In practice, this means that
the current amplitude is increased at intervals of one minute. The limit of tolerance is generally reached after 5 to 7
minutes, after which the current amplitude is no longer increased. In some cases, current amplitudes of 70-80 mA
may be reached.
Although the direct value is relatively low, the increasing amplitude makes it necessary to use thick sponges
(minimum thickness 1 cm) that are thoroughly wet. If required, water may be added during the treatment.
The electrodes must be fixed firmly in place. Due to the muscle contractions evoked, fixation with the aid of sandbags
is not always sufficient.
In the literature, reference is made to a maximum treatment time of 15 minutes.
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