PPE
Percutaneous intratissue electrolysis (PIE) is an advanced physical therapy technique for treating soft tissue injuries such as tendons, muscles and ligaments. It uses an ultrasound-guided needle that applies galvanic current, generating changes in the damaged tissue. This activates healing mechanisms, decreases pain, controls inflammation and promotes tissue regeneration.
Indicated for tendinopathies, fasciopathies and muscle injuries, EPI requires few sessions and must be performed by specialized physiotherapists. After treatment, it is essential to follow guidelines such as rest and guided exercises.
What is percutaneous electrolysis or EPI in physiotherapy?
Percutaneous intratissue electrolysis is an advanced physiotherapy technique. It is an invasive procedure focused on the treatment of soft tissue injuries. This technique must always be performed under ultrasound guidance as it is a percutaneous technique. In this way we guarantee the safety of our patient and the precision of the approach performed.
As Dr. Jose Manuel Sanchez explains to us, physiotherapist and creator of the EPI technique, this procedure consists of applying a galvanic current through an acupuncture needle using the EPI Alpha device in order to produce changes in the target tissue (tendons, muscles or ligaments). These electrochemical changes that are generated will result in the activation of the healing and regeneration mechanisms of the injured tissue.
Effects and benefits of percutaneous intratissue electrolysis
The EPI technique offers a series of effects and benefits making it an innovative and effective technique for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.
Physiological effects
- Pain reduction.
- Controlled inflammation: Stimulates natural repair processes.
- Destruction of degenerated tissue: Denatures proteins in damaged fibers.
- Increased vascularization: Promotes the supply of oxygen and nutrients.
- Increased cellular activity: Activates fibroblasts and promotes the formation of better quality collagen.
Clinical benefits
- Regeneration of damaged tissue.
- Rapid pain relief.
- Quality rehabilitation.
- High effectiveness in chronic injuries.
- Targeted treatment, minimally invasive and combinable with other treatments.
Indications – Pathologies that can be treated with EPI
As we have mentioned previously, percutaneous electrolysis is a technique indicated for soft tissue injuries, especially those where there is chronic degeneration or alteration of the tissue.
Percutaneous electrolysis is a great therapeutic option in musculoskeletal pathologies related to tendinopathies, muscle injuries and some ligament and fascial injuries.
- Tendinopathies (Patellar tendon, Achilles, supraspinatus, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, posterior tibial, gluteal...).
- Muscle injuries (Ripples or micro-ripples, fibrotic scars, etc.)
- Fasciopathies (Plantar fasciitis, myofascial pain syndrome…)
- Ligament injuries (sprains…).
- Others: Bursitis, periostitis…
How many EPI or percutaneous intratissue electrolysis sessions are necessary to achieve its benefits?
The number of interventions with this technique to achieve therapeutic success will depend on several factors such as the state and regeneration capacity of the injured tissue, the genetics and metabolism of the patient or compliance or non-compliance with the guidelines indicated by the physiotherapist after its application.
Like any other treatment, it can be combined with other techniques to enhance its effects. Changes can occur in just a few treatment sessions (3-4) or require a few more applications (6-8) for complete recovery. The use of percutaneous intratissue electrolysis should never be exceeded and the treatment should be reconsidered if the desired effects are not achieved.
After applying PPE, what measures should be taken?
After an application of percutaneous intratissue electrolysis, it is important to follow a series of guidelines to maximize its benefits and ensure optimal recovery:
- Initial relative restAvoid intense activities for the first 48-72 hours, as the tissue suffers minor damage and the body begins a regeneration process.
- Perform specific exercise of the structure treated under the guidelines of the physiotherapist in order to improve function. Isometric-Eccentric-Functional.
- Hydration (water) and rest so that the body can repair itself effectively.
- Progressive loading to the activity.
- Follow-up with the therapist.
Where to receive physiotherapy treatment with EPI in Alcalá de Henares
As this is a new and invasive physiotherapy procedure, it must be applied by physiotherapists who are experts in this type of approach and always using a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine such as the one we have at Clínica Evolution Fisioterapia.
Located in Alcalá de Henares, we have qualified professionals who are up to date with percutaneous intratissue electrolysis treatments, with whom you can benefit from all the therapeutic value that this technique can provide you.
Contraindications and precautions of the EPI technique
Although EPI (electrolysis) is a very effective and safe technique, it should not be used in:
- People with pacemakers or implanted electrical devices.
- Patients with coagulation disorders or under treatment with anticoagulants.
- Focal infections in the treatment area.
- Pregnant women (areas near the abdomen or pelvis).
- Tumor lesions or serious systemic diseases in the affected area.
- Metal prostheses or implants.
- Severe generalized lymphedema of the extremities.
- Belenophobia: fear of needles.
- Depressive symptoms and generalized anxiety.
- Heart disease.
- Bone fractures.
