Galvanisation is a physical therapy treatment in which a direct current of low, constant intensity flows through the tissues, delivered via two electrodes placed on the skin. It improves blood flow, may reduce pain and influences nerve excitability. It is used, among other things, for nerve pain and chronic pain. In Rydułtowy the treatment costs 15 PLN.
Below we explain how direct current works, which conditions it is used for, what the patient feels during the treatment, who cannot have it and when pain requires a visit to a doctor first.
In brief
- Galvanisation uses direct current – it flows continuously in one direction, without pulses.
- Under the electrodes you feel tingling and the skin turns red, which usually disappears after the treatment.
- The main contraindications are metal in the treatment area, a pacemaker and damaged skin.
- The treatment costs 15 PLN; a physiotherapy consultation 180 PLN.
- The clinic is open Mon–Fri 7:00–20:00, private visits only (not covered by NFZ, the Polish public health fund).
Contents
How does direct current affect the tissues?
Direct current causes ions in the tissues to move towards the electrodes. The result is widening of the blood vessels and better blood flow in the skin and tissues under the electrodes, which lasts for some time after the treatment. Under the positive electrode nerve excitability decreases, which is used for pain relief, while under the negative electrode it increases.
That is why the placement of the electrodes is not random – the physiotherapist chooses it according to the aim of the treatment. The electrodes can be placed opposite each other, e.g. on both sides of a joint, or lengthwise along a limb, following the course of a nerve. Direct current is also the basis of iontophoresis, i.e. delivering a medicine through the skin, which we describe in our post iontophoresis.
When is galvanisation used?
Galvanisation is most often used for nerve pain, e.g. of the sciatic or intercostal nerves, for radicular pain and chronic neck and lower back pain, in chronic conditions after soft tissue injuries, for circulation problems and as a supporting treatment in peripheral nerve palsies. The treatment complements exercise and manual therapy rather than replacing them.
Scientific evidence for the effectiveness of galvanisation on its own is limited, so we treat it as a supporting method. The physiotherapist decides after an examination whether it makes sense in your situation. You will find a comparison with other currents, including TENS and interferential currents, in our post electrotherapy – types of current.
What does the treatment involve and what does it feel like?
The physiotherapist places two electrodes with thick, moistened pads on the skin and secures them with a strap. The intensity is increased slowly until you feel a distinct but pleasant tingling. You lie or sit comfortably throughout the treatment. Strong burning or stinging must be reported immediately, because too high an intensity can irritate the skin under the electrode.
The moist pads protect the skin from the products of electrolysis, which build up directly under the electrodes. After the treatment the skin may be red, which is a typical reaction. A blister, a small wound or an itchy rash where the electrode was require a break from the treatments and should be reported to the physiotherapist. Do not apply cream to the skin before the treatment and do not shave it just before the visit.
Who cannot have galvanisation?
Galvanisation is not performed if there is metal in the treatment area, e.g. a joint replacement, a plate or screws, a pacemaker or other implanted devices, damaged or diseased skin, sensory disturbances at the treatment site, over a tumour, with a fever, thrombosis or acute inflammation, or over the abdomen and pelvis during pregnancy.
Before the treatment, tell the physiotherapist about any implants, heart conditions, diabetes with sensory disturbances and pregnancy. You will find a full list in our post contraindications to physical therapy modalities.
Physical therapy modalitiesgalvanisation, iontophoresis, TENS and other physical treatments chosen after an examinationPLN 15 per treatmentPrices valid from 08.2026.
When should you see a doctor first?
Galvanisation can ease pain, but it does not explain its cause. You need to see a doctor first if the pain started after an injury or a fall, wakes you at night and comes with weight loss or a fever, if a limb becomes noticeably weaker, if you have numbness in the groin area or problems passing urine. Sudden weakness on one side of the body and speech problems are a reason to call 112.
A visit to a doctor is also needed if nerve pain gets worse despite the treatments or if a rash with blisters appears along the course of a nerve, typical of shingles.
Good to know: bring your medical records from the doctor and a list of your medicines to the first treatment, and if you have implants – information on exactly where they are.
Summary
Galvanisation is a direct current treatment that improves blood flow in the tissues and may reduce pain, especially in nerve pain and chronic pain. It is not performed if there is metal in the treatment area, a pacemaker or damaged skin. In Rydułtowy the treatment costs 15 PLN, and the physiotherapist assesses whether it is appropriate after an examination.
Frequently asked questions
How does galvanisation differ from iontophoresis?
Both treatments use the same direct current. Galvanisation uses only its effect on the tissues, mainly improved blood flow and an influence on nerve excitability. In iontophoresis a medicine is added under the electrode, and the current carries it through the skin. The medicine for iontophoresis is prescribed by a doctor, while galvanisation does not require any preparation.
Is galvanisation safe for older people?
Age in itself is not a contraindication to galvanisation. However, older people more often have joint replacements, pacemakers, sensory disturbances or thin, delicate skin. That is why, before the treatment, the physiotherapist takes a thorough medical history, examines the skin and checks sensation, and increases the current intensity carefully.
How many galvanisation treatments are needed?
The physiotherapist decides on the number of treatments individually after the consultation, taking into account the type of complaint, the skin’s reaction and whether the treatment reduces pain at all. Galvanisation is usually part of a wider plan with exercises. If there is no change despite the treatments, it is better to go back to the doctor than to repeat the same method.
Do I need a referral for galvanisation?
No. The “W zdrowym ciele” clinic sees patients privately, with no referral needed and not under the NFZ. Before the first treatment, the physiotherapist takes a medical history and checks for contraindications. If you have a referral or recommendations from a doctor, bring them to the visit, as they make it easier to choose the treatment, position the electrodes and assess whether galvanisation is right for you.
Sources
- Mika T., Kasprzak W., Fizykoterapia, Wydawnictwo Lekarskie PZWL, 2013.
- Straburzyńska-Lupa A., Straburzyński G., Fizjoterapia z elementami klinicznymi, Wydawnictwo Lekarskie PZWL, 2008.
- Watson T., Electrotherapy: Evidence-Based Practice, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2008.
- Robertson V., Ward A., Low J., Reed A., Electrotherapy Explained: Principles and Practice, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2006.
About the author: Tatiana Grabowska, MSc – master’s degree in physiotherapy, licence to practise number PWZFz 11646 (Polish physiotherapist licence). Since 2013 she has run the “W zdrowym ciele” physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinic in Rydułtowy; she has about 12 years of professional experience. Physiotherapist’s profile.
- Consultation180 PLN
- Referralnot needed
- ReceptionMon–Fri: 7.00–20.00
Google: 4.9ZnanyLekarz: 5.0
Booksy: 4.9197 patient reviews
