Amanda Burns
HNC1B
LO3
Electrotherapy Machines
Tutor- Sharon Bain

Contents:
High frequency
Galvanic (face and body)
Vacuum suction (face and body)
Faradic
Infra - Red
Paraffin Wax
Audio Sonic
Health and Safety Legislation
Bibliography

Electrotherapy is a range of beauty treatments that use electrical currents passed through the skin to produce many therapeutic effects. In this report I have researched and written about nine machines and the effects they have on the body.

High Frequency.
The high frequency machines can be a small table top unit or a large free standing unit, with many of the larger units housing a number of different electrical equipment. Most units have two switches: one on/off and the other to control intensity. Once the unit is switched on it produces an electrical impulse which passes through an electrode that delivers a current to the client.
There are several electrodes which fit into the handle that is attached to the machine via a lead.
Each electrode is made of glass, normally with a metal end which is pushed into the handle. The electrode has a small amount of either air, neon, or mercury sealed within.
Once the machine is switched on the current flows from the unit to the handle and connects to the electrode via the metal end. The air or gas within the electrode becomes ionised and is dispersed into the tissue area. The electrode will glow:
Violet-Air
Orange-Neon
Blue violet-Mercury
There are two methods of application direct and indirect. Each using different electrodes for different effects. The electrode used within the indirect method is the saturator which is placed in the handle of the unit. The client holds the handle in one hand whilst the saturator is in the other. Current passes through the handle into the saturator and charges the client, the therapist then completes the circuit and current is drawn off through the fingers as they massage. Contact with the client must be kept at all times whilst the unit is switched on.
Facial Bulb(large)- Used for high frequency facial and body work, particularly used for larger areas. Also for sparking treatments.
Facial Bulb(small)- This electrode is used for direct facial high frequency treatments and is ideal for working on difficult areas such as the nose and ear.
Neck Electrode- This direct high frequency electrode is used for working on the neck area but can also be used on any curved area.
Fulgaration-Sparking-This high frequency electrode is designed for sparking and cauterizing of individual pores or blemishes. The open end of the electrode is placed over the spot to be treated and a gentle current is applied.
Roller Electrode- This electrode is very versatile and can be used for both face and body work. No quaze or sliding agent is needed. This electrode will not spark when lifted off the skin therefore is ideal for nervous clients.
Saturator- This electrode is used for Indirect High Frequency. The metal spiral inside the glass ensures that only a gentle current is required to give maximum effect.
Current.
These units use a high frequency alternating current of around 250rhz but with a low current flow. This current is rapid, producing short pulses which can pass through the skin and produce a warming effect. This current will not stimulate muscle contraction as the pulse duration is too short.
Direct High Frequency Method.
The direct method is renowned for its cleansing benefits and is ideal for clients with greasy, oily and acne skin due to the stimulating drying effect it produces. Clients with dry or dehydrated skin can also benefit from this method as it will stimulate the sebaceous gland but treatment time will be shorter.
With this method the chosen electrode is placed in the handle and the glass electrode is slowly moved across the area in circular motions. The current passes from the electrode and is dispersed over the tissues generating warmth.
Mediums used in this process are talc or a special cream called Oxygenating Cream which helps produce more ozone. Gauze can also be placed over the area.

High Frequency Direct Application.
When high frequency currents is passed through oxygen it produces ozone. This occurs between the electrode and the skin. The current jumps across the gap forming a spark, oxygen in the air is ionized and forms he ozone which kills bacteria and promotes healing.

Sparking Process.
The electrode is lifted very slightly off the skin about ¼ inch. Sparking occurs for a few seconds over the blemished area. Care should be taken to not damage the skin.

Benefits.
To dry and improve the condition of seborrheic skin
Improves the condition of blemished skin
Destroys bacteria and aids healing on acne skin by using sparking. On dry/dehydrated skin, the sebaceous gland is stimulated. Treat for only 4-5mins as any longer would cause drying.
Dilates the pores, removing impurities.

Indirect High Frequency.
This method is an ideal relaxation treatment. The electrode used for this method is a Saturator and is designed for this which uses the current for relaxation and sedation. Unlike the direct method the current flows through the surface of the body and is drawn off by the therapist during a massage which completes the circuit. It is ideal or clients with dry, mature skin as it has a regenerating action

Benefits.
Improves the condition of dehydrated skin
Improves sluggish circulation
Improves the condition of tired skin with fine lines
Aids relaxation

Before using the glass electrodes, they must be washed in warm, soapy water and put in the UV steriliser to ensure they are clean and free from bacteria. After the treatment they should be washed and wiped over with disinfectant and sterilised again.

Galvanic.
Galvanic machines come in small and large sizes. Large sizes are usually multi-functional units. The machine has a number of attachments which brings the current to the client. For facial treatment, face electrodes are used and for body electro-pads, which are held in place by straps are used. Each machine will have a number of controls. On and off, intensity, and normal, reverse polarity switches alongside a millimetre which show the current flow. The galvanic current is formed between the positive (anode) and negative (cathode) electrodes and on an active substance.
Galvanic treatment has two methods of application, Desincrustation and Iontopheresis. Desincrustation provides a deep, cleanse drying effect softening and relaxing the blocked pores which helps with extraction. It is ideal for clients with oily or acne skin types. An acid base solution is placed on the skin. The client holds the positive electrode while the therapist uses the negative electrode. Once the galvanic current is added it creates a reaction that emulsifies, the serum. This process is called Saponification. This means that when the current interacts with the salt in the skin it produces a chemical called Sodium Hydroxide. This substance helps dissolve excess oil, skin blockages and desquamation whilst at the same time softens the skin. Iontopheresis is the method used to penetrate specialist products deep into the skin with an electric current. These products (gels, serums) are water soluble products containing ions. The solution reacts and releases charge to the ions. This process is called Ionisation.
Desincrustation-
Deep cleansing and skin blockages
Softens the skin
Prepares the skin for further treatment.
Iontopheresis-
Used to help penetrate special creams, serums or solutions into the skin.
Galvanic Body Iontopheresis-
Softens and aids the dispersal of cellulite when used alongside specialised anti-cellulite products.
Body Galvanic-
Softening effect under the cathode when using sodium hydroxide under the electrode used to treat cellulite.
Polarity.
Both methods have two fundamental principles, the polarity of the product used on the skin and the polarity setting of the machine. The penetration of the product into the skin only occurs with the action of the ions and current.
Same poles repel each other
Opposite poles attract.
The galvanic current is used along with the specialised creams, oils and gels which contain ions. These are placed on the skin. The polarity needs to be checked on the product. If the polarity is the same they will not attract meaning the ions in the cream will be attracted to the non-active electrode and will penetrate the skin to reach it. The therapist has a negative electrode, the serum on the clients face is negative and the client is holding the positive pole. The therapist works the serum into the skin, the positive pole attracts which will penetrate the skin to perform a complete circuit.
If the polarity is wrong the serum will be attracted to the therapists electrode and will not penetrate the skin leaving the client with no results from the treatment. The machine changes mains alternating current (230voltsAC mains unit) into a constant direct current with low voltage(100voltsDC). This current is measured in milliamps.
Galvanic current has to make a circuit either by the use of body pads or by using electrodes with the client holding the connection. The electrodes are the conductors through which the current flows. One electrode has a positive (anode) charge which attracts negative particles, the other has a negative (cathode) charge which repels the negative ions onto the skin. The negative electrode is called the cathode. It also causes the production of alkali which can be irritating to the skin causing a drying effect and it neutralises the acidity of the skin which affects the acid mantle and the germicidal properties. The positive electrode or positive pole is an anode.
Benefits-
Softens the skin
Increases circulation
Stimulates nerve endings
Closes pores
After use the faradic applicators should be washed in hot soapy water and dried then placed in the steriliser.

Vacuum suction (facial)
Facial vacuum suction is a treatment applied to the surface tissues causing lift and stimulation of the under-lying structures. The machine consists of a unit with an on/off switch, a pressure control, a tube attachment and various sized suction caps.
No current is used in this treatment. Vacuum suction of the face improves the condition of dry skin as the sebaceous glands are stimulated and the dead skin cells removed. It reduces non- medical swelling and puffiness and also improves the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It can also help with the removal of fatty deposits around the jaw and chin area and improve the overall condition of the skin. It also helps with sluggish lymphatic circulation by draining the waste products from the tissues.

Vacuum suction(body)
Vacuum suction is the mechanical method of lymphatic drainage, removing waste products and toxins from the skin and effectively deep cleansing the skin.
Benefits-
Erythema
Increased temperature
Reduced appearance of oedema
Improved posture and increased range of movement in muscles.
Firms the body
After treatment suction cups should be washed in warm, soapy water then wiped over with surgical spirit. They should be sterilised in the UV cabinet before being used on next client.

Infra-Red.
The infra- red lamp has a coil of wire embedded in the fireclay and is placed in the centre. Once the lamp is switched on the coil becomes hot, heats up the fireclay and emits the rays which pass through the air and is absorbed by the skin. The infra-red lamp produces heat but no visible light. The lamps come in different sizes from small table top lamps to free standing la,ps.

Current.
The wavelengths of the infra-red rays are longer, meaning less irritation and lower energy. These are measured in nanometers with the infra-red wave being 770nm to 400,000nm using a low frequency which is measured in hertz. The distance of the lamp is vital as UV rays cannot be felt and we must ensure that the lamp is not placed so close to the client that it could cause harm.

Effects-
Erythema
Rise in temperature
Induced Perspiration
Desquamation
After use, and lamp has cooled down it should be cleaned with a clean, dry cloth to ensure they are dust free. The emmiters should be cleaned with pure alcohol to make sure they are grease free.

Paraffin wax.
Paraffin wax comes in many forms. Blocks, pellets and bars. The wax is placed in a wax heater, the melting point is between 46oc and 68oc. Many come with automatic temperature controls. As the wax melts it transforms into a liquid. Once the wax is applied it will immediately reform and as it cools down it forms into a smooth coating transferring the heat onto the area. The wax heater looks like a mini bath. The control consists of an on/off switch and a dial for the temperature control. Many have just the one control, low heat- the middle setting to maintain the temperature and keep wax in liquid form. The top setting for melting the wax. The wax pellets or blocks are placed in the bath, the dial is turned to melt and this has to be done before the client comes in for treatment. Once the wax is converted into a liquid turn the dial to the middle setting and leave it to cool before doing a thermal test on yourself.

Current. There is no current involved with this treatment however the wax temperature must be monitored and thermal test done on client.

Benefits-
Softens skin
Increases fatigued or sore muscles
Heat penetration
Increases blood circulation
The best method of cleaning the wax bath is to remove the adhering wax with a spatula and wipe clean with surgical spirit. The wax bath should be on and wax melted as this makes it easier to clean.

Audio sonic.
The audio sonic is shaped like a hammer. The external head is directly attached to an internal electromagnetic coil or vibrator whose action causes the applicator to move in and out at frequencies in the audio spectrum. The adjustable knob on the back or top of the unit is designed to restrict the distance that the applicator travels thereby controlling the intensity of the massage application.
Ball massage head-used to intensify the action of the vibrations in small areas
Plate massage head-used to evenly apply the vibrations over the largest possible area.

It is generally used to relieve nodules of tension in the muscles. It is a small handheld vibrator that emits soundwaves which produce a humming noise. These waves penetrate 6cm or more into the bodys tissues and as the effects penetrate deep down its ideal for sensitive skin. The action of the massager appears very gentle as it does not move up and down on the skin. It can only be used in small areas at a time due to its size.

Benefits-
Increased oxygen and nourishment to cells
Erythema
Increased temperature
Improves condition of muscles
The audio sonic instrument should be wiped over with surgical spirit and put back in appropriate box.

Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
This piece of legislation gives responsibilities to both the employer and employee. Electricity at work regulations act 1992
This act states that:
*You should always check electrical equipment before use. *A qualified electrician should check all pieces of electrical equipment in the workplace annually. *Any equipment that is broken or damaged should not be used. This includes things such as exposed wires, cracked sockets etc. *Sockets should never be overloaded.

Precautions/Checks that should be followed when using electrical equipment *Equipment must comply with British safety standard. *The equipment must be wired correctly and checked by a qualified electrician every 12 months- a sticker would indicate this. *Place electrical equipment on a solid, stable trolley. *Place equipment within easy reach to prevent overstretching of wires. *No liquid should be placed near the electrical equipment. *Leads must not be dangling. *Equipment must be cleaned regularly. *Always check the equipment is working properly before use- remember it is your responsibility to check the equipment everytime. *Dials should be returned to back to zero or turned off each time after use. *Always insert batteries correctly to avoid damaging the equipment. When purchasing a piece of electrotherapy you should consider the following:*Only purchase from a reputable company.*Look for the CE mark to show that the machine meets with the electrical safety standards. * Check that the machine has a guarantee. *Consider if the manufacturer provides support or training. *Investigate if the manufacturer supplies a replacement machine if the machine becomes faulty. *if unsure ask for a demonstration-exhibitions are good places to research electrical equipment and observe demonstrations.

Bibliography: www.sandsphysio.co.uk/how-we-treat/electrotherapy West College Scotland Handouts for Electrotherapy
Rosser M. Section4 Chapter5 High Frequency Treatments: Body Therapy &Facial work 3rdEdition.Hodder Education 2006
www.beautyelectrotherapy.com