The hydrogalvanic baths provide a tool for the combined application of warm fresh water and low frequency electric current. These procedures are suitable for both systemic and local treatments. The mechanism behind their therapeutic action is based on synergistic effect of two therapeutic agents. This article presents the literature and historical review of the method as well as the current concept of hydrohalvanic therapy. The history of its development is associated with the improvement of the technical equipment and accumulation of clinical experience. Numerous studies carried out up to the present time have demonstrated that hydrohalvanic therapy can be effectively applied for the treatment of diabetic angiopathy, rheumatoid and gouty arthritis, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis. At the same time, the high potential of this method remains underestimated. At present, one of the most promising approaches to its clinical applications is the treatment of lumbosacral radiculopathy caused by degenerative vertebral disk lesions. The hydrogalvanic baths have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant effects, improve microcirculation, and reduce sensory impairment. It is necessary to continue clinical investigations to obtain further evidence of the effectiveness of the method under consideration for the treatment of lumbosacral radiculopathy and to evaluate its short- and long-term effects. Their results will hopefully provide an opportunity to include the hydrogalvanic baths in the programs of medical rehabilitation of the patients presenting with lumbosacral radiculopathy.

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The article presents programs for the treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of patients with osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis of the spine using techniques based on the use of seaweed. The developed new technologies expand the indications for treatment and recovery of patients with degenerative diseases of the joints and spine, and increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation. They can be included in comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation programs for this category of patients as a method of local and / or general exposure.

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Hydrogalvanic bath is a method of combined application of warm fresh water and low frequency electric current. Procedures can be both general and local. Mechanism of therapeutic action is based on synergistic effect of two therapeutic agents. For the moment various studies show that hydrogalvanic therapy is effective in the treatment of diabetic angiopathy, rheumatoid and gouty arthritis, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis. One of the most prospective applications is treatment of lumbosacral radiculopathy due to degenerative disс disease. The present study presents preliminary results achieved in an investigation of hydrogalvanic baths as a monotherapy. Twenty-nine patients (20 women and 9 men) with lumbosacral radiculopathy lasting more than 3 months due to degenerative disc disease were included in a present prospective study. The obtained results confirm the efficacy of hydroelectric therapy in lumbosacral radiculopathy. Hydrogalvanic baths have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant effects. They can improve microcirculation and reduce sensory impairment. Further trials are needed to determine the long-term efficacy and to compare results of hydrogalvanic bath therapy patients with control group patients receiving medication treatment only. The results will provide an opportunity to include hydrogalvanic baths in a medical rehabilitation program of patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy.