Galvanic current is a low frequency, interrupted direct current with pulse durations over 1ms up to 300ms and frequencies under 50Hz. It was discovered in the 1780s by Luigi Galvani and can cause contraction of denervated muscles through sluggish contractions, stimulation of sensory nerves resulting in pain sensations, and stimulation of motor nerves at high intensities. Therapeutically, galvanic current is used to retard muscle atrophy and substitute for normal muscle contraction in denervated muscles by slowing structural and functional changes like loss of activity and fibrosis through electrical stimulation. It can also be used facially to reduce dullness, fine lines, wrinkles, and improve elasticity and oxygen supply.

1. Galvanic current

2. GALVANIC CURRENT
INTRODUCTION-
It is also LOW FREQUENCY CURRENT
Long Duration Interrupted Direct Current
PULSE DURATION –more than 1ms which may be upto 300ms.
FREQUENCY-less than 50 Hz
HISTORY-
LUIGI GALVANI (1737-1798) discovered the Galvanic current in
1780s.

3. • FOR GALVANIC=Procedure of application will be same as with
faradic
• Electrode padding should be proper as long duration pulses
are liable to cause chemical burns
• No metal should be allowed to come in contact with patients
tissue

4. Physiological Effects
of
Galvanic Current

5. • Contraction of denervated muscles
• Stimulation of sensory nerves
• Stimulation of motor nerves

6. Contraction of denervated muscles
• Occurs only when intensity and duration of current is
adequate.
• The contraction is sluggish.
• Normal contraction and relaxation of denervated muscles is
slower than that of innervated muscles.

7. Stimulation of sensory nerves
• Impulses are of longer duration.
• Results in stabbing or burning pain.
• Reflex vasodilation of superficial blood vessels resulting in skin
erythema.

8. Stimulation of motor nerves
• Contraction of muscles but at very high
intensity.
• Brisk contraction followed by relaxation of
innervated muscles.

9. Therapeutic effect of galvanic current
Galvanic current for treatment is to maintain the muscle in a
healthy state and to retard atrophy, making muscle contract
with electrical stimuli would substitute for the beneficial effect
of normal muscle contraction.
When muscle in de-innervated , many structural and
functional changes occur such as :-
oloss of voluntary and reflex activity .
oAtrophy, degeneration and fibrosis.
oFibrillation (shivering-no complete contraction and
relaxation)
Electrical stimulation of muscle fibers using galvanic current
may slow these changes .

10. • Galvanic current use in facial treatment
Reduces Dullness And Makes Skin Glow.
Reduce Fine Lines And Wrinkles and tightness of face.
Improves The Elasticity Of Your Skin.
increases oxygen supply to your face.