Iontophoresis to Aid in Releasing Tendon Adhesions

Excerpt

Tendon gliding is often difficult for patients after they have had divided tendons repaired. The very process by which an injured tendon heals also causes it to adhere to the surrounding tissues and prevents gliding of the tendon. Adhesions are a frequent complication of tendon repairs because active exercise does not always mobilize the tendon. Surgical tenolysis to free the adhered tendon is often indicated, although occasionally patients are able to perform their own tenolysis by active and resistive exercises.

I used iontophoresis on one of our patients as an adjunct to active and resistive exercises to aid in reducing scar tissue from repair of the extensor digitorum tendon to the right middle finger. Some authors have written about the physical effects of the galvanic current used in iontophoresis.^1,2 Clinicians must have an understanding of these effects before attempting to use iontophoresis.