Diadynamic currents.
Dr/ Amal Mohamed Abd El Baky
Mr. Chandrasekar.L
353 RHPT - 1st 1435-1436 / ELECTROTHERAPY 2
Lecture outlines
2

Definition & Physics of diadynamic current

Physiological effects, therapeutic effects of
diadynamic current

Indication, Contraindication, of diadynamic
current

Technique of application of diadynamic
current
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Learning Objective
3
 Define & outline about the different types &
basic physics of diadynamic.
 Describe, memorize & recall the operation of
apparatus, physiological & therapeutic effects,
indication , contraindication, of diadynamic.
 Demonstrate safely the application of
diadynamic in certain conditions or disorders
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Definition
 Diadynamic currents (from the Greek, dia through and dynamis - force) were first
described and used in clinical practice in 1950
by Pierre Bernard, a French dental surgeon.
 These currents are monophasic sinusoidal
current which are of rectified main type.
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These currents have two basic forms
Half wave rectified
sinusoidal current
known as monophase fixe (MF)
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Full wave rectified
sinusoidal current
known as diphase
fixe (DF)
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Monophase
fixe (MF)
Diphase
fixe DF
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This consists of a serious of 10 msec
half sine wave shaped pulses with
10 msec pulse intervals
This is continuous serious of 10 msec
sinusoidal pulses resulting in
frequency of 100 Hz
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Types of diadynamic current:
Monophase fixe –
MF
Diphase fixe –DF
Courtes Periods – CP
Longues Periods – LP
Syncopal rhythm- RS
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Courtes Periods – CP:
It combines MF and DF currents which are
applied alternately for I s each the
resulting current is called CF module.
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Longues Periods – LP
 This is when the MF are applied so that one series of
pulses occupies the pulse interval of the other and
one is of constant intensity while the other is surged.
 The length of each surge and the surge interval
usually remains at five or six seconds.
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Syncopal rhythm- RS
This consists of a 1s phase of MF
followed by a 1s rest phase.
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Physiological effects
Sensory stimulation – Prickling sensation
Motor stimulation - Muscle contraction
- ↑ in intra muscular blood flow
Chemical changes due to the
unidirectional nature of the current
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Physiological effects
Effects on Blood flow - Vasodilation
Altering the ionic distribution around the
cell
Tropic changes
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Therapeutic effects
Pain relief
Decrease of inflammation
Muscle reeducation and strengthening
Increase of local circulation
Facilitation of tissue healing
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Pain relief
This can be occur through:
 Stimulation of sensory nerves – Pain gate mechanism
 Removal of the noxious metabolism from the area
by increase blood flow which is enhanced by
muscle contraction and the placebo effect.
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Decrease of inflammation
 Decreased inflammation and swelling due to the increased muscle
pumping action and increased local circulation; changes in cell
membrane permeability
Muscle re-education and
strengthening
 Muscle contraction lead to strength which can be used for movement
re-education.
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Increase of local circulation
Reduced sympathetic tone leading to
Vasodilation and the release of histamine-like
substances because of the unidirectional
effects.
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Facilitation of tissue healing
 Due to the local circulatory changes
and the polar effects leading to
increased cell activity.
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When not to use diadynamic current
(contraindication)
 acute inflammation
 active bone, joint, and other organ
tuberculosis
 malignancy illnesses
 diseases that cause cachexia
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When not to use diadynamic current
(contraindication)
 decompensated heart condition
 hemorrhaging or hemorrhaging-prone
condition
 metal in the tissue (after the injury,
endoprosthetics, osteosynthesis etc.)
 pregnancy
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Technique of application
 Metal plate or carbon rubber electrode may be used with a pads
 Electrode may be of equal size or small electrode is applied on the
trigger site with a large electrode proximal to it.
 Testing of machine and patient preparation.
 Intensity will be gradually increased to produce muscle contraction.
 To avoid tissue damage current reversal during treatment is
followed
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Parameters to consider
1. Duration of Treatment – limited to 10 min – electro 
chemical reactions – Maximum 4 – 5 min.
2. Amplitude – within the pain threshold limit. 
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Methods of electrode application
 - The choice of application of electrodes should
be based on the clinical problems presented.
Pain spot
application:
Paravertebral
application:
Nerve trunk
application:
Vasotropic
applications:
Myo-energetic
application:
Transregional
application
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Pain spot application
 Bipolar technique:
-
Anode applied over the pain spot and the cathode adjacent to it.
 Monopolar technique:
- The cathode may be applied proximally on the limb, or over the
nerve root supplying the painful area.
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Nerve trunk application
 - The two electrodes are placed along the course
of the appropriate peripheral nerve where the
nerve is superficial.
 - The patient feels a tingling sensation in the area
supplied by the nerve stimulated.
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Paravertebral application
 - The electrodes may be applied on the both sides
of the spine at the level of the nerve root supplying
the painful area. If several nerve roots are
involved,
the
electrodes
may
be
applied
alongside the spine at the highest and lowest
nerve root levels.
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Vasotropic applications
 - The electrodes are applied along the
vascular
paths
affected
in
the
circulatory disorder being treated.
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Myo-energetic application
 - To produce muscle stimulation the two electrodes
are positioned at each end of the muscle belly.
 - Alternatively, a monopolar technique may be used
with one electrode on the motor point of the muscle
and the other proximally to it.
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Transregional application
 to treat a joint, electrodes may be positioned on
opposite sides of the joint
 N.B: electrodes are presented in deferent size, types.
The electrodes should be separated from the skin by
used moist sponge pads.
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Important Points
1. This diadynamic current is particularly suitable for 
treating PAIN in small joints. (e.g. finger joints & wrist
joints).
2. Segmental application of diadynamic current gives 
outstanding results in REFLEX DYSTROPHY & in
SUPERFICIAL HYPERALGESIA.
3. MF – Good analgesic effect – treating painful 
conditions.
4. DF – Strong analgesic effect – Connective tissue 
toning
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Important Points
5. CP – Effective in oedema & hematoma & 
decreasing pain.
6. LP – Strong & long lasting analgesic effect 
(Electroanalgesia) – Painful syndromes & extraarticular rheumatism.
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