ultrasound

can be used for diagnosis, functional restoration, healing of soft tissue and for tissue destruction

are mechanical pressure waves that are described in terms of their frequency

depth of penetration is inversely related to thefrequency of the ultrasonic energy

• higher- less penetration
• lower- greater penetration

• absorption of sound as it penetrates the tissue
• higher frequency greater att in superficial structures
• lower frequency greater att in deep tissues

• bone
• cartilage
• tissue
• skin
• blood vessels
• muscle
• fat
• blood

material of one density to another

is the deflection of energy waves

speed at which the sound wave or ultrasound vibration travels through a medium is directly related to the density of the medium

• a device that converts one form of energu into another
• made up of a metal plate with piezoelectric crystal

converts electric energy into sound energy (mechanical energy) and vice versa

contract/compress

expand/release

• effective radiating area
• portion of the surface of the transducer that generates the sound wave (smaller than head)
• effectiveness is in an area that is 2 to 3 times the ERA

• continuous
• pulsed

sound intensity remains constant

• a wave that is intermittently interrupted
• 1 wk- no heat acute
• 2 wk- 10%-20% acute
• 4 wk- 50% subacute
• 5 wk- 80% subacute
• 6wk continuous chronic

time the wave is on and time off

• duration of pulse time (time on)/ pulse period (time on and time off)
• during the off time the heat generated dissipates ad mechanical effects are produced

• inc collagen tissue extensibility
• inc blood flow
• inc pain threshold
• inc enzymatic activity
• dec muscle spasm
• dec joint stiffness
• change in nerve conduction velocity
• change in contractile activity of skeletal muscle

• change in membranes of cells leading to inc permeability
• cavitation
• acoustical streaming
• standing wave phenomenon
• separation of collagen

vibrational effects on gas bubbles that may be present in the blood or tissue fluids

mvmt of fluids along boundary of cell membranes as a result of the mechanical pressure wave

waves go in and reflect back ip and bounce back and forth when the head is held in one spot

can cause inc extensibility of tissues

• the rate of which energy is delivered per unit and is expressed in units of watts per square centimeter (w/cm²)
• greater intensity greater elevation of temp
• pt should feel slight warmth
• higher intensity in areas of extensive fat and less intensity in areas of no fat

• soft tissue shortening muscle, jt capsule, scar tissue
• subacute and chronic inflammation where inc blood flow is needed
• pain trigger points, spasm and other musculoskeletal pain
• post traumatic neuromas

• infections
• malignacies
• over spine, eye, reproductive organs, pregnant uterus, pacemaker
• dec sensation to pain and temp
• acute inflammatory
• tendon undergoing healing
• growth plate of growing bones
• jt replacement

• proper positioning and draping
• treat area 2 to 3 times ERA for 5 min
• use a coupling medium- conductive gel or water
• cut power off before removing head

• location
• duration
• frequency (CW, % pulsed) w/cm2

process in which whole medicinal molecules are driven across the skin and into the subcutaneous tissue by means of ultrasound