How does polarity influence tissue healing in HVPC therapy?

• A. Polarity determines cellular responses; negative polarity is commonly used early to promote healing and reduce edema, with positive polarity used later for epithelialization and edema control depending on tissue.
• B. Polarity has no effect on healing.
• C. Positive polarity always used first.
• D. Negative polarity is never used.

Answer: (A)

Polarity in HVPC directs how cells respond to an electrical field, guiding the healing process. The monophasic nature of HVPC means the current delivers a single polarity to the tissue, and which pole is active influences cell behavior and the wound environment. Using the negative polarity in the early stage of healing tends to help reduce edema and support inflammatory cell activity and cleanup, creating favorable conditions for tissue repair. As healing progresses toward proliferation and epithelialization, shifting to positive polarity can promote epithelial cell migration and tissue maturation, while also helping manage remaining edema depending on the tissue situation. The exact choice can vary with tissue type, but the pattern of starting with negative polarity and then using positive polarity later is a common, practical approach because it aligns with the changing needs of the healing process.