High voltage pulsed current (HVPC) is an electrical therapeutic modality that has various effects. One effect of HVPC is positive influence of tissue healing, especially in wound care physical therapy settings for patients with pressure ulcers. A pressure ulcer is a localized injury to the underlying tissue over a bony prominence, usually as a result of prolonged pressure, or prolonged pressure in combination with shear forces to the tissues. HVPC improves tissue healing through several physiologic mechanisms, including stimulating the release of proteins that are important to the repair of the wound, increasing circulation, and decreasing pain and inflammation in the affected area. The purpose of this project is to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of implementing HVPC in patients with pressure ulcers. If efficacy of HVPC is found, then appropriate parameters relative to the application of HVPC will also be provided.
