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Therapeutic Ultrasound

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Therapeutic Ultrasound, Continuous Ultrasound Therapy, Pulsed Ultrasound Therapy, Phonophoresis

  • See Also
  1. Musculoskeletal Injury Management
  2. Iontophoresis
  • Indications
  1. Physical therapy modality to treat tendon or Muscle injuries
  • Contraindications
  • Locations over-which to avoid Ultrasound application
  1. Breast Implants
  2. Epiphyseal Plates
  3. Eyes
  4. Malignancies
  5. Pacemakers
  6. Thrombophlebitis
  7. Laminectomy sites
  • Types
  1. Continuous Ultrasound
    1. Thermal effect to warm superficial tissues
    2. Frequency of Ultrasound waves effects depth of tissues effected
      1. Lower frequency waves penetrate tissues as deep as 2 inches or 5 cm
    3. Indication: Symptomatic relief in chronic injuries lasting beyond 2 weeks
  2. Pulsed Ultrasound
    1. Non-thermal effect theoretically speeds tissue healing at the cellular level
    2. Indication: Potential to speed healing when applied in first few days after injury
  3. Phonophoresis
    1. Transcutaneous medication (typically Corticosteroid) delivered to tissue via Ultrasound
    2. Indication: Localized inflammation of a tendon, bursa or joint
  • Protocol
  • Phonophoresis
  1. Apply medication (e.g. Dexamethasone or Ketoprofen) 10% concentration in aqueous base
  2. Apply continuous Ultrasound at 1-2 watts/cm
  • Adverse Effects
  1. Burn Injury
  • References
  1. Robertson (2001) Phys Ther 81:1339-50 [PubMed]
  2. van der Windt (1999) Pain 81:257-71 [PubMed]