FARADIC TREATMENT UNIT

Typical Number in Hospital: 5

Cost Bands: 3,4

References: 10

Direct electrical stimulation of the nerves and muscles as a form of physiotherapy may be delivered through surface electrodes or in a current bath. The current may be pulses of direct current up to 3 seconds in length, bursts of low-frequency alternating current (typically 50 Hz), or series of short pulses a few milliseconds in length. This latter form of treatment is called faradism (the name derives from the generation of short pulses from faradic coils in which an inductor generates short pulses when its current supply is interrupted).

Faradic treatment units may be used for the activation of denervated or partially denervated muscles for the toning of wasted muscles, and for developing the blood supply in wasted limbs. The faradic treatment unit usually allows variation of the pulse length, height, and control over a range of pulsating wave forms including slowly rising pulse heights with periods of rest between them to allow the muscles to recover. Modern units are electronic but earlier units employ an induction coil such as the Smart Bristow faradic coil.

Although saline-soaked electrodes are normally applied over the muscles to be stimulated, the whole limb may be placed in a bath containing the electrodes (current bath), or an internal electrode may be used such as those used for the treatment of stress incontinence which employ vaginal or rectal electrodes in an attempt to stimulate and develop the muscles of pelvic floor.