Ultrasound & Laser Flashcards
what is ultrasound
- therapeutic modality where high fq sound waves are transmitted through a wand or probe into the body
- sound waves lead to vibrations of the molecules in the body
- waves either reflected, refracted or absorbed
what equipment is used with ultrasound
- two main components
- generator and applicator
generator for ultrasound
- US device
- generates the high fq alternating current that is transmitted through the applicator
applicator for ultrasound
sound head and piezoelectric crystal
beam nonuniformity ratio
ratio of spatial peak intensity and spatial avg intensity
spatial peak intensity
power of beam at highest point of effective radiating area
spatial average intensity
W/cm^2
total power across the transducer head usually what is recorded for intenisty during treatment
absorption
when the kinetic energy of movement is absorbed by tissue and transformed into thermal energy
refraction
ultrasound signal is deflected from a straight path and the angle of deflection is away from the transducer
reflection
ultrasound waves are deflected toward the transducer
standing waves
- reflected waves interacting with waves going in and creates more energy
- reduced by keeping sound head moving
intensity
power of ultrasonic energy
attenuation
reduction of acoustical energy as it passes through soft tissue
what affects attenuation
absorption, reflection and refraction
when is absorption highest
in tissues of greater density
reflection of acoustic waves can create what
standing waves –> increasing intensity
frequency
of waves per second delivered
3 mHz =
up to 2.5cm deep
greater heat production in superficial layers due to increase in scatter of sound waves in superficial tissues
1 mHz
5cm deep
heats deep layers due to less scatter in superficial tissue, more energy able to penetrate deeper
duty cycle
mode
fraction of time the US energy is on over one pulse period
continuous US
thermal
US is applied at a constant energy level, duty cycle 100%
pulsed US
non-thermal
duty cycle range from 5-50%
indications for use for US
modulate pain increase connective tissue extensibility reduce muscle spasm increase tissue temp increase blood flow facilitate healing
contraindications for US (8)
impaired circulation impaired cognitive fxn absent sensation cancer joint cemet directly over plastic components over vital areas pregnancy