Electrotherapy
has become more widely accepted as a beneficial medical treatment in
many situations. However, like any medical treatment there are types of
patients and times when the process is not advised. Learn more about
the adverse effects, precautions, warnings and contraindications of
using this medical treatment.
Before any treatment using electrodes and lead wires begins, make sure that the manual and other pieces of information for the products have been thoroughly read and understood. Every piece of equipment is different and there are the different effects from using it. Also, a doctor should be the only one to advise the use of electrical stimulation device. Without a written prescription from a licensed doctor a person will not be able to get an electrical stimulation device legally. The main reason for this is because there are certain times when a patient shouldn't use electrotherapy. So, having a doctor review the patient's medical history helps determine if the choice is safe. As long as the patient is cleared from the reasons not to use one, it should be relatively easy to obtain a prescription. Electrical stimulation devices are overall quite safe compared to most alternative methods to treating pain. There are no invasive procedure and no habit forming prescription pain killers.
Do not use electrotherapy if:
· the patient has a cardiac pacemaker
· the patient has a diagnosis of cancer
· the patient is pregnant or trying to become pregnant, because electrical stimulation hasn't been tested in this setting
· there is a risk of hemorrhage
· there are other electronic device present, like heart monitors or EKGs
Take precautions when using electrotherapy if:
· the patient has a diagnosis of heart disease or this diagnosis is suspected
· the patient has a diagnosis of epilepsy or this diagnosis is suspected
· the patient has sensory nerve damage
· the patient is menstruating and the electrodes are placed over the uterus area
Be sure to avoid these situations during a treatment:
· placing electrodes over the carotid sinus nerves should be avoided in patients with known sensitivity in this area
· spasms of the laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles could occur if electrodes are placed over the neck and mouth
· keep electrical stimulation devices out of the hands of children
Be aware of the following reactions:
· It is important to use a proper coupling agent to minimize the risk of skin irritation and burn which can occur underneath electrodes
· Try to determine the cause of irritation, if it does occur. You may need to replace tape, coupling agent or electrode)
· Tape or gel can also cause a reaction.
A physician should always be consulted before an electrical stimulation treatment is given to any individual. It can be effective to manage pain relief and stimulate nerves. Plus, the risks are quite low compared to most other pain treatment options. Like with all medicines, treatments, procedures, etc. it's important to look at the patient's history to ensure electrical stimulation is a safe choice.
Before any treatment using electrodes and lead wires begins, make sure that the manual and other pieces of information for the products have been thoroughly read and understood. Every piece of equipment is different and there are the different effects from using it. Also, a doctor should be the only one to advise the use of electrical stimulation device. Without a written prescription from a licensed doctor a person will not be able to get an electrical stimulation device legally. The main reason for this is because there are certain times when a patient shouldn't use electrotherapy. So, having a doctor review the patient's medical history helps determine if the choice is safe. As long as the patient is cleared from the reasons not to use one, it should be relatively easy to obtain a prescription. Electrical stimulation devices are overall quite safe compared to most alternative methods to treating pain. There are no invasive procedure and no habit forming prescription pain killers.
Do not use electrotherapy if:
· the patient has a cardiac pacemaker
· the patient has a diagnosis of cancer
· the patient is pregnant or trying to become pregnant, because electrical stimulation hasn't been tested in this setting
· there is a risk of hemorrhage
· there are other electronic device present, like heart monitors or EKGs
Take precautions when using electrotherapy if:
· the patient has a diagnosis of heart disease or this diagnosis is suspected
· the patient has a diagnosis of epilepsy or this diagnosis is suspected
· the patient has sensory nerve damage
· the patient is menstruating and the electrodes are placed over the uterus area
Be sure to avoid these situations during a treatment:
· placing electrodes over the carotid sinus nerves should be avoided in patients with known sensitivity in this area
· spasms of the laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles could occur if electrodes are placed over the neck and mouth
· keep electrical stimulation devices out of the hands of children
Be aware of the following reactions:
· It is important to use a proper coupling agent to minimize the risk of skin irritation and burn which can occur underneath electrodes
· Try to determine the cause of irritation, if it does occur. You may need to replace tape, coupling agent or electrode)
· Tape or gel can also cause a reaction.
A physician should always be consulted before an electrical stimulation treatment is given to any individual. It can be effective to manage pain relief and stimulate nerves. Plus, the risks are quite low compared to most other pain treatment options. Like with all medicines, treatments, procedures, etc. it's important to look at the patient's history to ensure electrical stimulation is a safe choice.
No comments:
Post a Comment