Electra – four-cell galvanic bath

Electra is a four-cell (limb) galvanic bath made by Chirana Progress in Piešťany, Slovakia, with two foot tanks and two hand tanks. It is designed to apply galvanic, diadynamic and faradic currents through water to the upper and lower limbs in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

The device has 9 electrodes (8 in the tanks, 2 in each, plus 1 external electrode that can be applied to parts of the body outside the tanks), a current range of 25–500 mA per tank and a cross-tank current of 0–30 mA. Available waveforms include galvanic DC, diadynamic, Faraday, triangle and saw waveforms, including Träbert’s analgesic and spasmolytic currents; the BALANCE function allows modulation of selected waveforms in 18 stages (−9 to +9). It is operated via a 7″ full-colour touch screen with 30 individually adjustable and 5 built-in programs, which can be stored in up to 5 series of 5 procedures each. Air massage (4 × 13 jets with air blower) is optional; specifications are also listed for the version without electrotherapy.

How the limb galvanic bath works

The limb galvanic bath is designed to apply therapeutic current from water to the upper and lower limbs. As the current flows from one limb to another, tissue polarization occurs, which can be regarded as a temporary intracellular and extracellular disturbance of the dynamic metabolic balance. The body responds with a neurohumorally controlled reaction. This polarization manifests primarily as hyperaemia, mainly in the capillary area.

The limb galvanic bath is most often indicated for:

• disorders of the nervous system such as vertebrogenic pain syndromes, neuralgia, polyneuritis, flaccid paresis and states of increased or decreased excitability of motor and sensory nerves,
• degenerative and chronic inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system, especially of the small joints of the hands and feet, muscular rheumatism and other forms of small-joint rheumatism, post-traumatic conditions,
• vasoneuroses, calf muscle cramps, restless legs syndrome, later stages of Sudeck’s atrophy and reduced muscle tone of the limbs,
• pre- and post-operative treatment of the musculoskeletal system, conditions after stroke, spinal and spinal cord injuries with spasticity and peripheral vascular disorders of the lower limbs.

So-called descending currents have an overall calming effect: the upper limbs are connected to the positive pole and the lower limbs to the negative pole of the source. With reversed polarity the application has a stimulating effect on the vegetative nervous system.

According to the instructions for use, contraindications include, among others, febrile conditions, infectious diseases, acute inflammatory processes, pacemakers, metal material in the body, sensory disorders (anaesthesia) and open skin wounds. The device is intended for patients weighing up to 150 kg and may be operated by physicians or medical staff specialised in physiatry, balneology and rehabilitation.

The indication, parameters and duration of the treatment are determined by a physician or physiotherapist.

For whole-body application, see the Electra CG full-body galvanic bath; for the limbs we also offer the Kneipp bath and the combined 4-chamber Hauff and Kneipp bath. All devices are listed in the Electrotherapy category; contact us for a quotation.