You would have heard about the usage of electrotherapy. It makes use of the electrical impulse to give you the desired relief from pain. But effective therapy depends on a lot on the effectiveness and longevity of the electrode gel that forms the interface between the electrode and the skin. Hydro-gel is often shipped with TENS unit supplies and is the most commonly used interface. It has been proved to be highly efficient in binding the electrode to the skin. It is also very useful in dispersing electrical stimulation to the affected areas. The hydrogel is able to perform well when it is able to retain the moisture properly. It is wet or hydrated as well. It is this liquidity that contributes to the re-usability of the electrode. If the electrode dries up due to dirt or the skin oils that together result in the reduced adhesion and conductivity.
Issues Due To Poor Adhesion
When the electrode adhesion deteriorates, patients may experience skin irritation. There is electrode arcing between the electrode and skin. And in extreme cases, you might even face burns due to arcs of the prolonged duration.
So How Do You Improve The Safety Of Self-Adhesive Electrodes?
There are certain that have been developed to make sure the safe, comfortable use of the inferential current therapy. The skin irritation is mainly for the short duration. And some of the remedies are removing the irritating electrode, use of the hydrogel formulation, use of the sensitive skin formulation. Edge biting happens when the hydro-gel dries up or is fouled. If there is a gap between the electrode and the skin the electrical current seeks the ground and circuit gets completed when the current touches the skin. Although it may not be a big safety issue, the discomfort may be inpatient non-compliance with electrotherapy. Finally, you may have to replace the electrode. If the arcing prolongs, it may result in burning but these burns might not cause permanent damage to the body tissues and they might not need any medical intervention to prevent the damage.
Some Best Practices For Practitioners
Along with TENS unit supplies, you may have to maintain a stock of the hydrogel electrodes. You may also have to keep fresh electrodes on hands for use as needed on a regular basis.
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