7 ULTRASOUND Flashcards
WHAT IS ULTRASOUND?
Therapeutic ultrasound.
Sound waves to the body for certain physical effects.
HOW IS IT PRODUCED?
Electricity in a machine produces the vibration of a quartz crystal.
As the crystal expands, causes compression of the waves.
As the crystal contracts, causes rarefaction waves.
DUTY CYCLE
Like the on-and-off time of muscle stimulation.
Percentage of time that the US is generated over 1 pulse measured in percent.
Continuous: 100% (thermal effects)
Pulsed: 20%, 50%, 80% (non-thermal effects)
ULTRASOUND BEAM
ERA (Effective Radiating Area): the larger the head the more focused or collimated/parallel the beam. The smaller the head the more divergent/different the beam.
ULTRASOUND EFFECTS ON TISSUES (2)
- Thermal effects: covered in heat/cold.
- Non-thermal: mechanical effects, chemical and biological effects.
ULTRASOUND CONSIDERATIONS
Size of head.
Frequency used.
The intensity of the current.
Time applied.
Coupling medium used.
The angle of the head to the surface.
Depth of the structure.
Tissues being transmitted through.
Risk factors.
ULTRASOUND APPLICATIONS
Recent injuries.
Scar tissue, won’t break it down. Makes it more pliable.
Chronic indurated edema.
Chronic inflammation.
Wound healing.
Bone healing.
Decrease pain.
Plantar warts.
Phonophoresis/anti-inflammatory and US.
ULTRASOUND CONTRAINIDICATIONS
Vascular conditions.
Tumors/malignancy.
Pregnancy.
Pacemaker.
Reproductive Organs.
Eyes.
Spinal cord and CNS tissues.
Joint cement.
Metal/cement/plastic implants.
ULTRASOUND PRECAUTIONS
Lack of sensation.
Epiphyseal areas.
Fractures.
Breast Implants.
ULTRASOUND ADVERSE EFFECTS
Burns, tattoos.
Unstable cavitation/ leading to pain.
Damage to equipment.
Cross-contamination.
PARAMETERS
Duration: how long.
Intensity: W/cm2
Duty cycle: percentage or ratio.
Frequency: 1MHz- 3MHz.
