Electrotherapy in tissue repair

Abstract

Research into treatment techniques for tissue repair has undergone tremendous discus­ sion and growth in recent years. There are many treatment facets to consider when addressing the healing process. Treatment options may range in scale from global concerns to effects produced at a cellular level. Global tissue repair issues include health care coverage, reimbursement, and the in­ teraction of health care professionals on a wound care team. Client-centered matters may also affect healing. For example, health care professionals may choose to use a team approach including the client, family, and other care givers in the management of tissue healing. Other client-centered factors that af­ fect the healing process include injury, disease, nu­ trition, and compliance. Last, there are treatment components affecting the tissue or wound environ­ ment. Previous articles in this journal have covered many cellular aspects of tissue and wound environ­ ment issues with regard to tissue healing and re­ pair. Electrotherapy influences tissue repair at the level of the wound environment. This article dis­ cusses research findings and the clinical use of electrotherapy in tissue repair. A brief review of the theories and current scientific rationale for use of electrotherapy in tissue healing is provided. Included is a brief examination of research dealing with electrotherapy and tissue healing. Clinical treatment decisions-involving types of electrical current, polarity, electrode placement, and other pa­ rameters as well as precautions and contraindications -are discussed. This article summarizes recent de­ velopments and trends in the use of electrotherapy for tissue repair in order to facilitate clinicians' de­ cision-making capabilities and their understanding of treatment options.