It is often used to treat a variety of different conditions.
The specific medication that is used in iontophoresis depends upon the goals of treatment.
Below is a list of common iontophoresis medications and their uses in physical therapy.
Illustration by Lisa Fasol, Verywell
Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is a common anti-inflammatory medication used during iontophoresis treatments in many physical therapy clinics.
It is helpful in decreasing localized inflammation that occurs in musculoskeletal conditions such as tendonitis or bursitis.
Inflammation causes pain, decreased tissue mobility, and swelling.
The dexamethasone helps to decrease the inflammatory process to decrease your pain and improve your mobility.
It has also been shown to help improve local blood flow to tissues when used in iontophoresis.
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium sulfate is a medication that is often used to help treat muscle spasm.
Iontophoresis administration of magnesium sulfate may also help decrease localized muscle pain.
Stretching can help keep muscle spasms at a minimum.
Hyaluronidase
Hyaluronidase is a medication used to help treat soft tissue edema or swelling.
Before administering any medication using iontophoresis, your physical therapist should review all other medications that you are taking.
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