Medical expert of the article
New publications
Galvanization
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Galvanization is a method of local exposure to direct electric current through electrodes and moist hydrophilic pads (or using an electrically conductive gel) applied in contact to the skin surface or mucous membranes of certain areas of the patient's body.
Galvanization has a current density of 0.01-0.1 mA/cm2, voltage of 30-80 V.
The peculiarities of the factor's action consist of the occurrence of electrodynamic changes, the main ones of which are the following:
- electrical polarization in various structures and environments of the body and, as a consequence, the appearance of electromotive force in these structural formations;
- electrolytic dissociation in the form of ion movement: negatively charged ions (anions) move or are oriented toward the anode (+), and positive ions (cations) toward the cathode (-);
- electroosmosis - the movement of liquid towards the cathode;
- electrolysis - the loss of charge by ions upon reaching electrodes and their transformation into electrically neutral atoms or molecules.
[ 1 ]
What effects does galvanization have?
Galvanization has clinical effects that are a consequence of the direct action of direct electric current on tissues and organs due to electrodynamic changes and subsequent conformational rearrangements of the corresponding structures. For possible biological reactions, an important role is played by the fact that an acidic environment is formed in the anode area, which promotes tissue dehydration, wrinkling and compaction of cells, and an alkaline environment is formed in the cathode area, which causes swelling and loosening of tissues.
Main clinical effects:
- anti-inflammatory (in the area of application of the anode, due to tissue dehydration);
- anesthetic;
- sedative (in the area of application of the anode);
- antispasmodic (in the area of application of the anode);
- vasodilator;
- stimulation of secretory function (in the area of cathode application);
- activation of metabolism.
Galvanizing apparatus
"Potok-1", "Nion" (differs from "Potok-1" by the presence of a timer), "GR-2" (for galvanization of the oral cavity), "GK-2" (a device for galvanization and electrophoresis through an aqueous medium in a 4-chamber bath), "Elfor-prof", "Elfor", "Eter" (multifunctional device), "DTGE-70-01" (multifunctional device), "Stiadin-01" (multifunctional device).