Ultrasound Flashcards
Longitudinal waves
Therapeutic wave
Shear waves
Reflected right angle from longitudinal wave hitting a solid surface
Attenuation
Decrease is ultrasound intensity as it passed through tissue
Depth of ultrasound
1 Mhz - 5 cm
3 Mhz - 1-2 cm
Ultrasound thermal effects
Reduce pain
Alt nerve conduction velocity
Increase metabolic rate
Increase blood flow
Enhance immune
System response
Increase soft tissue extensibility
Decreased viscosity of tissue fluids
Selectied heating
Ultrasound Non-thermal effects
Enhanced tissue healing
- Increased skin and cell membrane permeability
- Increased intracellular calcium levels
- Promote macrophage responsiveness
- Increase rate of protein sythesis
- Increase blood flow
- Assit bone fx healing
Cavitation
immediate formation and implosion or liquid (bubbles)
Indications for Ultrasound
Thermal: joint contractures
Muscle spams
Musculoskeletal pain
Sub-acute/chonic traumatic and inflammatory conditions
Before stretching shortened soft tissue
Reduce pain
Non-Thermal: Tissue healing
Tendon injuries
Bone fractures
Acute conditions where thermal is contraindicated
Ultrasound Contraindications
Acute infections
Impaired circulation
Impaired sensation
Cognitive impairments
Malignancy
Pregnancy belly
Very young/old
Joint cement, plastic prosthetics
Fx, thrombophelbitis
Over eyes, carotid sinus, spinal cord
Skin exposed to radiation
Ultrasound Precautions
Metal implants
Osteoporosis
Plastic implants
Over scar tissue
Over recent surgically repaired ligaments and tendons
Over breast implants
Adverse Effects of ultrasouns
Burn
Generation of standing waves
Blood cell stasis
Cross contamination and infection
Frequency
Lower frequency for deeper tissues (5cm)
Higher frequency for more supericial tissue (1-2cm)
Sub acute condtions
Lower intensity than chronic
.5 - 1 cm2
Discontinue treatment
No positive response after 3x
Significant adverse RXN
When problem solved and function restored
After course or 12- 15 tx (2 wks rest)
Phonophoresis
Use of mechanical forces to deliver drugs
