New Technique in Tendon Sport Recovery. Percutaneous Electrolysis Intratissue (EPI®)

Abstract

Based on the literature and clinical experience we know that the technique of percutaneous electrolysis intratissue (EPI ® ) has positive effects on the recovery of human tendinopathies. The application of the technique, together with the completion of eccentric exercise, give benefits leading to anatomical and functional recovery in the that can be appreciated by ultrasound using the scale of Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-patellar tendon (VISA-P). Due to clinical knowledge, damage to is accompanied by increase in oxidative stress, cell death and inflammation at the damaged area. The EPI ® technique produced a galvanic current inside the tendon, with an acupuncture applicator, producing increase in cell death, inflammation and oxidative stress in the first days of treatment. After these days, the recovery of is quickly and higher than without EPI ® technique used. Galvanic current is produced in a salad solution producing chemical reaction with salt decomposition (NaCl) and H 2 O 2 in its chemical constituent elements. After they form new substances, such as NaOH, H 2 and Cl 2 , they change the reactions inside the damage. The NaOH has vital importance because it is high caustic and destroy collagen and mixed substances in damage area. EPI ® is a basic technique giving a chemist process without boil electrocution of tissue. When EPI ® is used, an increase in inflammatory response of the tissue is also detected. In chronic tendon, with the unique possibility of recovery by surgery, EPI ® technique has recuperation of without surgery. EPI ® technique, in European countries, has been used in the last decade with wonderfully results to recovery pathological tendons from athletes in competition. Furthermore, it is known that after recovery from injury in damaged area, neo-vascularization occurs. It is intent of to obtain more energy to recover damage tissue. Valles and its collaborators have demonstrated the molecular mechanism of action of EPI ® technique (1). First of all, an increase in oxidative stress and inflammation occurs in the chronic damage. After, we appreciate a neovascularization in the damage area with increase in inflammatory mediators. As we know in damage tendon, in first days of lesion, an increase in inflammation and vascularization are detected, but sometimes recovery occurs with a non-excellent distribution of the tissue. With the EPI ® ® technique. In research with rats, we have demonstrated an increase in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor VEGFR-1 and 2, demonstrating an increase in neovascularization in the damage area. Also we detect, days after application of EPI ® technique an increase in PPAR-γ production, anti- inflammatory protein produced after inflammation occurs in damage tissues. With all, we want to note here the importance of this technique in the future to recover damage in sport population and in football players in particular.