Analysis, use, and application of ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrolysis: a cross-sectional study
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Abstract
Objective: To analyze the clinical application of percutaneous electrolysis (PE) among physiotherapists, evaluating its frequency of use, adverse effects, application criteria, technical parameters, and perceived effectiveness.
Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study through an anonymous online survey aimed at physiotherapists trained in PE. Demographic data, clinical practice information, and safety data were collected using closed and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used with frequency analysis and measures of central tendency.
Results: Forty-nine physiotherapists participated, with a mean age of 32.9 ± 8.4 years. 69.4% had more than 60 hours of PE training, and 95.8% used ultrasound guidance. The most frequent adverse effects were pain during application (45.8%) and minor bruising (10.2%). 36.7% of the physiotherapists interviewed reported having caused a vasovagal syncope on some occasion. 87.5% applied intensities of 1–3 mA, with durations of 1–3 seconds. 91.7% combined PE with other invasive techniques or therapeutic exercise. The majority considered PE to be more effective than other non-invasive treatments for pain reduction, functional improvement, and structural changes.
Discussion: In clinical practice, a high level of homogeneity in the application criteria is observed, although the sample is influenced by the training methodology and the low representation of the initially calculated sample. Emphasis is placed on the need to establish more standardized protocols.
Conclusions: PE is perceived as safe and effective in the studied sample and is commonly used in combination with other therapies, both invasive and non-invasive. The results support its use and safety, although larger studies are required, as the lack of a representative sample limits the extrapolation of the results shown.
Keywords
- ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrolysis
- invasive physiotherapy
- national survey
- clinical practice
- effectiveness
- safety
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