eleCTroTheraPy InformaTIon and usage CauTIons
DYNATRON® 25 SERIES™ | OPERATOR’S MANUAL
22
Current Density
This is the amount of current being delivered to the patient divided by the area through which the current is being delivered
(the surface area of the electrodes being used).
Electrode Condition
Worn or dried out electrodes cause the current to concentrate in small areas of the electrode instead being evenly distributed
over the entire surface of the electrode. This has the effect of concentrating and increasing the current density into small
areas.
Patient Susceptibility
Some patients’ skin is more sensitive to electrotherapy currents. This can cause a reaction similar to a heat rash.
Electrotherapy treatment can result in a rash, burn, or blister. The tendency to do this is dependent upon the factors listed
above and can be minimized by applying the following guidelines:
1. Use only moderate current
It is not always necessary to raise the treatment intensity to just short of the patient’s pain threshold to achieve
adequate results. Below is a chart comparing the size of the self-adhesive and carbon electrodes with their suggested
maximum intensity levels.
For Biphasic or Russian stimulation treatments intended to effect a muscle contraction, it may sometimes be
necessary to exceed these recommended limits to achieve the desired results. However, use caution when doing so to
ensure that the patient can feel and can comfortably tolerate the electrical current. Also observe all other precautions
in this section concerning leads and electrodes to ensure the higher intensity setting is not necessary as a result of
defective accessories. In any case, do not exceed patient tolerance in setting the intensity. Consult published medical
literature for more information about treatment protocols using each of these electrotherapy modalities.
Use as large an electrode as is practical for the application.
NOTE: The intensity settings should be considered maximum and not target intensities. These suggested settings
apply to Interferential and Premodulated treatments. For High Voltage pulsed stimulation the intensity is displayed
in volts; therefore, these suggested settings do not apply.
NOTE: The current density in a 1.25" square electrode is over FOUR TIMES the current density in a 1.75" by 3.75"
electrode for the same intensity setting. Using larger electrodes allows current to be delivered over a larger area of
the body keeping the current density as low as possible and minimizing the possibility for adverse reactions. Below
are recommended intensities that correspond to electrode sizes.