What is percutaneous intratissue electrolysis?
Intratissue percutaneous electrolysis, or IPE, is a minimally invasive technique used in physical therapy that activates a series of mechanisms that remodel and regenerate tissue. It is a type of complementary therapy.
How is EPI performed?
An acupuncture needle is inserted into the injured area or zone that the therapist wishes to treat, and a galvanic current is introduced into the tissue. The general procedure is as follows:
First, cryotherapy is performed, it is a jet of cold air that is applied to the skin, numbs it and helps make the puncture as painless as possible.
An ultrasound is performed to locate the area on which the therapist should focus. Once one of the ultrasounds has been performed, that is when the EPI procedure can be performed and the needles can be inserted.
After the needles are removed, a high power laser is applied to the treated area.
Why is an EPI performed?
An EPI is performed to relieve pain related to:
- Muscle tension
- Tendonitis
- Tendinosis
- Tendinopathies
Studies conducted in Spain, where the treatment was developed, promise that damaged tissue has the potential to be treated with EPI instead of surgery, meaning that the affected tendon or the affected area can recover without invasive surgery.