Potential Hazards and Possible Safety Precautions in Electrotherapy

Abstract

The use of various electrotherapeutic modalities in physiotherapy is known to offer beneficial effects for patients for whom the modality has been found to be clinically suitable. However, there are a few grey areas that need to be addressed in order to maximize the benefits derived from the use of these modalities. Though these modalities have direct benefits for the patients, the physiotherapist, support staff and students, and even the patient are exposed to some danger from, or related to, their use, unless certain safety  precautions are instituted. This article presents the potential dangers associated with different electrotherapeutic modalities and the possible preventive measures that could be undertaken to protect individuals likely to be exposed to these dangers.

KEYWORDS: hazards, safety, precaution, electrotherapy