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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of using a smaller electrode in a monopolar arrangement?
What is the primary purpose of using a smaller electrode in a monopolar arrangement?
In which scenario is a monopolar arrangement typically utilized?
In which scenario is a monopolar arrangement typically utilized?
Which arrangement involves four electrodes of equal size that intersect to focus on a painful area?
Which arrangement involves four electrodes of equal size that intersect to focus on a painful area?
How does placing electrodes farther apart from the same channel affect current delivery?
How does placing electrodes farther apart from the same channel affect current delivery?
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What can cause a patient to experience more sensation under one electrode in an electrotherapy setting?
What can cause a patient to experience more sensation under one electrode in an electrotherapy setting?
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What is the recommended placement distance for electrodes from the same circuit for comfort?
What is the recommended placement distance for electrodes from the same circuit for comfort?
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What is the characteristic of a bipolar arrangement of electrodes?
What is the characteristic of a bipolar arrangement of electrodes?
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Which therapy technique requires the mixing of current from two channels?
Which therapy technique requires the mixing of current from two channels?
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Study Notes
Electrode Arrangements in Electrotherapy
-
Monopolar:
- Uses 2 electrodes of unequal size.
- The smaller electrode has a higher current density.
- One electrode is the cathode (-), the other is the anode (+).
- Used for:
- Denervated muscle stimulation
- Iontophoresis
- High-voltage pulsed current (HVPC) for acute edema and wounds (often chosen for monopolar arrangement).
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to target small muscles or isolated contractions, especially in areas with closely situated motor points
- Active electrode placed over motor point, dispersive pads placed over the same muscle.
-
Bipolar:
- Uses paired electrodes (2 or 4) of equal size.
- Current density is evenly distributed.
- Can be arranged in various configurations (e.g., intersecting, linear).
- Used for:
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- High-voltage pulsed current (HVPC) (alternative setup to monopolar).
-
Quadripolar:
- Uses 4 electrodes of equal size.
- Electrodes are arranged to surround the painful area.
- Current density is spread equally.
- Primarily used for:
- Interferential current (IFC) – current mixing is fundamental to this modality
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) (often to encompass the painful area)
Electrode Placement Considerations
- Longitudinal Placement: Increases conduction along a muscle—beneficial for muscle contractions.
- Distance Between Electrodes: Increasing distance between electrodes (in the same channel) allows deeper current penetration.
- Electrode Spacing: Electrodes in the same circuit should be positioned at least one electrode width apart for comfort.
- Patient Sensation: Sensation may be heightened under an electrode placed over a motor point or trigger point, poor electrode contact, electrodes of unequal size.
-
Electrode Care:
- Avoid bathing and sleeping with electrodes attached.
- Store electrodes on acetate when not in use.
- Replace electrodes if they don't adhere to the skin appropriately.
-
Positive & Negative Electrodes:
- Anode (+)
- Cathode (-)
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Description
Explore the different electrode arrangements used in electrotherapy, focusing on the monopolar and bipolar configurations. Understand their applications in muscle stimulation, iontophoresis, and pain management techniques. This quiz will enhance your knowledge of electrotherapy practices.
