Iontophoresis.
A needle-free way to deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to where you hurt. Iontophoresis uses a gentle electrical current to drive medication through your skin to the inflamed tissue — fast relief without injections or pills.
Medication without needles.
Iontophoresis is a clever treatment that uses a mild electrical current to push medication (most commonly dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory) through your skin and into the inflamed tissue underneath. The medication delivers directly to the problem area without going through your stomach or bloodstream — which means rapid local relief without the systemic side effects of pills.
It's used most often for conditions where targeted anti-inflammatory action would help — tendinitis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and other soft tissue inflammation. For the right conditions, patients often notice meaningful relief within a few treatments.
Because iontophoresis is needle-free, painless, and has minimal side effects, it's an attractive option for patients who can't tolerate cortisone injections or oral anti-inflammatory medications.
What this treatment can do.
- No needles required
- Targeted delivery directly to the inflamed area
- Minimal systemic side effects
- Painless treatment
- Often produces noticeable relief in 3–6 sessions
- Can be repeated more safely than cortisone injections
Common applications.
- Tennis elbow / golfer's elbow
- Rotator cuff tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Wrist and hand inflammation
- Patellar tendinitis
- TMJ inflammation
Your iontophoresis session.
Your therapist places two electrode pads on your skin — one over the painful area (with the medication beneath it) and another nearby. A small device then delivers a very gentle electrical current for 10–20 minutes.
You may feel a slight tingling or warmth, but most patients feel almost nothing. The current is so mild that you can read or chat during treatment.
After treatment, your skin may be slightly pink for an hour or two — that's normal and resolves on its own. Most patients receive 3–6 iontophoresis treatments spaced 2–3 days apart, alongside other physical therapy interventions.
Frequently asked questions.
Is iontophoresis as effective as a cortisone injection?
For mild to moderate cases, often yes — and with fewer side effects. For severe inflammation, an injection may be more powerful. Many patients try iontophoresis first because of its safety profile.
Are there side effects?
Minimal. Mild skin redness or itching at the electrode site is the most common, and resolves quickly. Because medication is delivered locally, systemic side effects (like those from oral steroids) are rare.
How long does the relief last?
When combined with appropriate physical therapy to address the underlying mechanics, relief is typically long-lasting. As a stand-alone treatment, results are more variable — which is why we always pair it with active treatment.
Is iontophoresis covered by insurance?
Yes. Iontophoresis is a covered physical therapy treatment under Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans.
Can I have iontophoresis if I have a pacemaker?
No. Iontophoresis is not safe for patients with pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, or certain other medical devices. We screen for these before treatment.