II. Indications
- Physical therapy modality to treat tendon or Muscle injuries
III. Contraindications: Locations over-which to avoid Ultrasound application
- Breast Implants
- Epiphyseal Plates
- Eyes
- Malignancies
- Pacemakers
- Thrombophlebitis
- Laminectomy sites
IV. Types
- Continuous Ultrasound
- Thermal effect to warm superficial tissues
- Frequency of Ultrasound waves effects depth of tissues effected
- Lower frequency waves penetrate tissues as deep as 2 inches or 5 cm
- Indication: Symptomatic relief in chronic injuries lasting beyond 2 weeks
-
Pulsed Ultrasound
- Non-thermal effect theoretically speeds tissue healing at the cellular level
- Indication: Potential to speed healing when applied in first few days after injury
- Phonophoresis
- Transcutaneous medication (typically Corticosteroid) delivered to tissue via Ultrasound
- Indication: Localized inflammation of a tendon, bursa or joint
V. Protocol: Phonophoresis
- Apply medication (e.g. Dexamethasone or Ketoprofen) 10% concentration in aqueous base
- Apply continuous Ultrasound at 1-2 watts/cm