Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Iontophoresis WorksCommon UsesProcedureWhat to ExpectSide EffectsContraindicationsEvidenceA Word From VerywellFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Iontophoresis Works
Common Uses
Procedure
What to Expect
Side Effects
Contraindications
Evidence
A Word From Verywell
Frequently Asked Questions
Iontophoresis is a type ofelectrical stimulationused in physical therapy. A negatively- or positively-charged current is applied to skin treated with a medicated solution with the same polarity. The current and the solution repel each other, pushing the medication deep into tissues. Iontophoresis can help manage scar tissue, decrease swelling and inflammation, and treat conditions like bursitis and tendonitis.
In general, ionic charges that are alike will repel one another, while ions that are oppositely charged will be attracted to one another.
So if you have a medicine in a solution that is negatively charged and you apply a negative electrical charge to it, the medicine in the solution will be repelled (pushed away) from the negative electricity. When usingiontophoresis, your physical therapist is using electricity to push medicine into your injured tissues.
Themedication used in iontophoresisis ionically charged. So if your physical therapist introduces negatively charged medication into your injured tissues via iontophoresis, they will use a negative current to drive that medication into your body.
There are many different uses for iontophoresis.
These include, but are not limited to:
Your PT will work with you to decide on the treatment goals and the rationale for using iontophoresis.
Before applying iontophoresis, your PT must first decide on which type of medication to use. The medication used in iontophoresis depends on the goals of the treatment. Different medications have different effects on the body, and your PT will decide on the best medication for your specific condition.
Iontophoresis can be used in physical therapy for the local delivery of anesthetics (such as lidocaine), cortisteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs. and analgesics to inflamed joints, muscles, and subcutaneous tissues.
Many states require that your PT obtain a prescription from your healthcare provider before administering the medication into your body via iontophoresis. Don’t be surprised if your therapist contacts your healthcare provider or asks you to contact your healthcare provider prior to administering iontophoresis medication.
A direct current electrical stimulation unit is used to apply iontophoresis. The unit has two electrodes; one electrode is for the negative current, and one is for the positive current. Your PT will apply medication to either the positive electrode or the negative one, depending on the type of medication that is being used for iontophoresis.
When your physical therapist applies iontophoresis to your body, they use an electrical stimulation device. When the electrical current is turned on, you will likely feel a slight tingling sensation.
Sometimes the stimulation feels like a tiny bee sting. If you are uncomfortable during the iontophoresis treatment, notify your physical therapist and adjustments can be made.
A typical iontophoresis treatment takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the amount of medication that your PT is administering to you. When your iontophoresis treatment is completed, your PT will remove the electrodes and inspect your skin. Don’t be surprised if your skin is red where the medication electrode was placed; this is common after iontophoresis.
Once you receive your iontophoresis treatment, your PT will give you specific instructions. Many times, withholding ice or heat treatments after iontophoresis is recommended since these temperature changes alter circulation to the injured area. This altered circulation might “wash away” the medication that was just introduced to your body. If you have any questions about what to do after iontophoresis, be sure to ask your physical therapist.
In theliterature reviewof 25 iontophoresis studies, including 13 randomized trials, rates of adverse skin reactions varied widely but were mostly mild and did not require treatment.
Keep in mind that iontophoresis is a passive treatment, and the mostsuccessful physical therapy programsrequire you to be actively involved in your care. Active exercises are often the most important component of your rehabilitation, so be sure that your PT gives you a strategy to manage your condition when you are not in the physical therapy clinic.
Due to the lack of research into its affect on fetal health, iontophoresis is contraindicated in pregnancy. It is also contraindicated if you have a pacemaker, metal implant, cardiac arrhythmia, a skin rash, or skin disease.
If your physical therapist considers using iontophoresis for your treatment, you should know if it is likely to be of benefit for your condition. Studies investigating iontophoresis have been performed, some of which are promising.
A 2015 study published in the journalPhysiotherapyexamined the role of lidocaine iontophoresis in the treatment of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Thirty children were randomized to one of two groups: those who received PT and iontophoresis, and those who only received PT. The group that received iontophoresis showed greater improvements in certain walking variables compared to the PT-only group.
Another study examined the effect of iontophoresis for shoulder impingement syndrome. Eighty-eight subjects with shoulder impingement were randomized into one of three groups: one with placebo ultrasonophoresis and placebo iontophoresis; another with placebo ultrasonophoresis and real iontophoresis; and a third with a real ultrasonophoresis and placebo iontophoresis. The group that received only iontophoresis (without ultrasonophoresis) showed no significant improvements when added to the standard treatment.
In terms of systemic drug delivery, a2013 studypublished in theBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacologyconcluded that iontopheresis is “theoretically promising” and, depending on the aims of treatment, may offer advantages over a transdermal patch.
Iontophoresis, a form of electrical stimulation, can be an important part of yourphysical therapy treatment. It is used to introduce medication into your body to achieve specific therapeutic goals. Iontophoresis may be one treatment that can help you return to normal activity quickly and safely after injury.
Medications Used in Iontophoresis
Frequently Asked QuestionsIontophoresis treatments used with anti-inflammatory medicines can help relieve soft-tissue injuries, joint swelling, and pain related to sprains or bursitis. The advantage of using iontophoresis instead of some other treatments is that it’s non-invasive; it’s also faster to administer and it’s easy to control the dosage.Learn MoreCommon Ways Physical Therapists Treat Sports InjuriesIontophoresis involves electrical currents going through an area of your body. This can cause a tingling sensation while the machine is on. You shouldn’t feel pain or a serious electrical shock, though.Learn MoreTypes of Electrical Stimulations Used in PTThe number of sessions of iontophoresis you need to help with an injury depends on the injury and your overall health. Research has shown that six sessions of iontophoresis can result in improvement.Learn MoreWhat You Should Know About Knee Pain
Iontophoresis treatments used with anti-inflammatory medicines can help relieve soft-tissue injuries, joint swelling, and pain related to sprains or bursitis. The advantage of using iontophoresis instead of some other treatments is that it’s non-invasive; it’s also faster to administer and it’s easy to control the dosage.Learn MoreCommon Ways Physical Therapists Treat Sports Injuries
Iontophoresis treatments used with anti-inflammatory medicines can help relieve soft-tissue injuries, joint swelling, and pain related to sprains or bursitis. The advantage of using iontophoresis instead of some other treatments is that it’s non-invasive; it’s also faster to administer and it’s easy to control the dosage.
Learn MoreCommon Ways Physical Therapists Treat Sports Injuries
Iontophoresis involves electrical currents going through an area of your body. This can cause a tingling sensation while the machine is on. You shouldn’t feel pain or a serious electrical shock, though.Learn MoreTypes of Electrical Stimulations Used in PT
Iontophoresis involves electrical currents going through an area of your body. This can cause a tingling sensation while the machine is on. You shouldn’t feel pain or a serious electrical shock, though.
Learn MoreTypes of Electrical Stimulations Used in PT
The number of sessions of iontophoresis you need to help with an injury depends on the injury and your overall health. Research has shown that six sessions of iontophoresis can result in improvement.Learn MoreWhat You Should Know About Knee Pain
The number of sessions of iontophoresis you need to help with an injury depends on the injury and your overall health. Research has shown that six sessions of iontophoresis can result in improvement.
Learn MoreWhat You Should Know About Knee Pain
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Batheja P, Priya B, Thakur R, Rashmi T, Michniak B, Bozena M.Transdermal iontophoresis.Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2006;3(1):127-38. doi:10.1517/17425247.3.1.127
Khan AP, Yasir MP, Asif MP, et al.Iontophoretic drug delivery: History and applications.Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science.
Hölzle E, Alberti N.Long-term efficacy and side effects of tap water iontophoresis of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis–the usefulness of home therapy.Dermatologica. 1987;175(3):126-35. doi:10.1159/000248810
Hegazy F, Salem Y, Aboelnasr E.Lidocaine iontophoresis combined with physical therapy interventions for children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.Physiotherapy. 2015;101. doi:10.1016/j.physio.2015.03.3369.
García I, Lobo C, López E, Serván JL, Tenías JM.Comparative effectiveness of ultrasonophoresis and iontophoresis in impingement syndrome: a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial.Clin Rehabil. 2016;30(4):347-58. doi:10.1177/0269215515578293
Roustit M, Blaise S, Cracowski JL.Trials and tribulations of skin iontophoresis in therapeutics: Skin iontophoresis in therapeutics.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2014;77(1):63-71. doi:10.1111%2Fbcp.12128
International Hyperhidrosis Society.Iontophoresis.
Clijsen, R.; Taeymans, J.; Baeyens, J. et al.The Effects of Iontophoresis in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Drug Delivery.2012:2(3). DOI: 10.2174/2210303111202030180.García, I., Lobo, C., López, E., Serván, J. L., & Tenías, J. M. Comparative effectiveness of ultrasonophoresis and iontophoresis in impingement syndrome: a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial.Clinical rehabilitation,30(4), 347-358.Hegazy, F., Salem, Y., & Aboelnasr, E. Lidocaine iontophoresis combined with physical therapy interventions for children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.Physiotherapy,101, e554-e555.Huisstede, B. M., Hoogvliet, P., Franke, T. P., Randsdorp, M. S., & Koes, B. W. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Effectiveness of Physical Therapy and Electrophysical Modalities. An Updated Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation.Rousit, M.; Blaise, S.; Cracowski, J. et al.Trials and tribulations of skin iontophoresis in therapeutics.Brit J Clin Pharmacol.2014;77(1):63-71. DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12128.
Clijsen, R.; Taeymans, J.; Baeyens, J. et al.The Effects of Iontophoresis in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Drug Delivery.2012:2(3). DOI: 10.2174/2210303111202030180.
García, I., Lobo, C., López, E., Serván, J. L., & Tenías, J. M. Comparative effectiveness of ultrasonophoresis and iontophoresis in impingement syndrome: a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial.Clinical rehabilitation,30(4), 347-358.
Hegazy, F., Salem, Y., & Aboelnasr, E. Lidocaine iontophoresis combined with physical therapy interventions for children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.Physiotherapy,101, e554-e555.
Huisstede, B. M., Hoogvliet, P., Franke, T. P., Randsdorp, M. S., & Koes, B. W. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Effectiveness of Physical Therapy and Electrophysical Modalities. An Updated Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Rousit, M.; Blaise, S.; Cracowski, J. et al.Trials and tribulations of skin iontophoresis in therapeutics.Brit J Clin Pharmacol.2014;77(1):63-71. DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12128.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
