How is electrical stimulation thought to facilitate wound healing?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Electrical stimulation is thought to facilitate wound healing by decreasing the bacterial load and promoting granulation of the wound. This is believed to occur through enhanced blood flow to the wound site, improved oxygenation and nutrient delivery, and increased production of growth factors that support tissue repair. Electrical stimulation may also activate immune cells and improve the rate of cell proliferation and collagen synthesis in the wound bed. While inflammation is a critical part of the wound healing process, excessive inflammation can hinder healing, so it is unlikely that electrical stimulation would increase the amount of inflammation present in the initial phase. Electrical stimulation may facilitate movement of the involved extremity in some cases, but this is not its primary mechanism for promoting wound healing. Similarly, while electrical stimulation can affect the flow of electrolytes between cells, it is unlikely that this is a key driver of wound healing.

How Is Electrical Stimulation Thought to Facilitate Wound Healing