EPA - electrophysical agents Flashcards
LLLT/PBM definition
athermic use of low lever laser and superl-uminous light for treatment
LLLT devices (3)
single diode with base unit
cluster ray (shower head) wand
scanner - for larger areas/animals
LLLT Rx parameters
power (mW) - on head
pulse (Hz) - on base unit, acute <200, chromic >200
wavelength (nM) - on head
dosage (J), per area (j/cm2) - power x time
Therapeutic effects of LLLT
enhanced replication and cytokine rxns, release GF, angiogenesis, changes in BF, pain inhibition, accelerated healing, increased protein synthesis, enhanced ATP production.
Overall: decreases pain, enchances healing (accelerate regeneration), decreases inflammation.
LLLT contraindications
Gonads, pregnancy, eyes, malignancy, open/bleeding wounds, TB, thrombosis
LLLT precautions
wounds, epilepsy, impaired cognition and communication, carotid sinus on ant neck, infection
Ultrasound therapy (US) - defintion + purpose
application of mechanical sound waves to the body for therapeutic effect. for chronic pain + tissue healing
US - mechanism
piezoelectric crystals vibrate and emit frequency when current is applied to them.
Crystal’s sound waves are transmitted to tissue via transducer.
tissue molecules oscillate at freq and in direction of wave travel.
US - parameters
power determined by intensity (w/cm2).
intensity
- rate at which energy is delivered to tissue
- acute <0.5 W/cm2
- chronic 0.5-1 W/cm2
mode
- continous = thermal
- pulsed = athermal
frequency
- changes with head
- 1-3MHz (deep - superficial)
US application steps
- prepare patient, check contras.
- prepare machine - position, plug and switch on at wall.
- switch dose dial to min
- give warnings
- apply gel
- select continuous/pulse ratio
- position transducer head and start small circular motion
- set Rx time, intensity
9.maintain good contact at all times, slow and continuous application
10.remove transducer head, clean, clean patietn - replace head in holder with cover on
- reassess and record treatment
US tissue distribution
hold perpendicular to tissue to avoid refraction + flection
more dense tissue = more absorption
1MHz deeper, 3MHZ superficial
US standing wave
areas of refraction on bone causes areas of concentrated energy which is detrimental for tissue
US contraindications
DVT
malignant tissue
eyes/ant neck/gonads
exposed Nervous tissue
ischemic tissue
fractures
impaired sensation/cognition/coms
pregnancy
open wounds/bleading
pacemaker/metal implant
US precautions
joint replacement
implants
damaged skin
epilepsy
US - acute issue
low power, pulse
