Final Post - Summary

Thank you for joining us for our final blog post on HVPC. After today, we feel confident that you will know everything that you need to in order to effectively treat a patient using HVPC. We have covered a lot in the series of blog posts, so today we will give you a one paragraph summary with the essential information to hopefully tie it all together and answer any lingering questions you have left.

High voltage pulsed current (HVPC) is an estim device named after the fact that as pulse duration decreases, higher voltage or current is needed to illicit a response. The pulse duration for these devices are generally permanently set to a duration of 20-200 µsec – a pulse duration range that targets soft tissue. The device gives off a twin peak pulsed monophasic current; the second peak occurs within the refractory period and does not stimulate a physiological response, but is perceived to provide patient comfort. Some charge accumulation occurs in the tissue due to its current which aids in its purposes. Uniquely, HVPC devices use 4 active electrodes and 1 large dispersive pad to compete the circuit. HVPC devices also have a polarity switch, positive (+) or negative (-), which gives the operator options depending on its purpose for treatment. The evidence supporting the use of HVPC are generally old, use animal subjects and are of poor design and quality. In saying that, there are a few interesting case studies and the general summary is HVPC is effective for wound healing (its best indication for use), reducing edema and pain modulation. HVPC has fallen out of favour as a treatment of choice for physiotherapists and are not commonly seen.

We would like to thank everyone who has been following our posts. We hope that you have enjoyed our blog and that it has been informative.

Signed,

A & M