THE USE OF ULTRASOUND IN PHYSIOTHERAPY University of Split, 8.5.2016.

OUTLINE What is an ultrasound? History Tehnique of application Therapeutic benefits and effects Indications Equipment

WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND? Ultrasound (sonography) is a method of stimulating the tissue beneath the skin's surface using very high frequency sound waves It does not use ionizing radiation The frequencies used in therapy are typically between 1.0 and 3.0 MHz (1MHz = 1 million cycles per second)

Vibrating source – a quartz or barium crystal These crystals deform when subjected to varying potential difference – the piezo-electric effect Piezoelectricity is a natural phenomenon; the crystal transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy and in reverse, electrical into mechanical

HISTORY The first large scale application of ultrasound was around World War II In 1938, Raimar Pohlman demonstrated the therapeutic effects of ultrasonic waves in human tissues He suggested that the power of the transducer should be limited to 5 W/cm^2,

TEHNIQUE OF APPLICATION Direct contact - ultrasound is applied using a transducer or applicator that is in direct contact with the patient's skin Gel is used on all surfaces of the head to reduce friction and assist transmission of the ultrasonic waves The treatment head of the transducer is moved in small concentric circles over the skin in order to avoid concentration at any point

Water bath – the bath is filled with distal water Ordinary tap water presents the problem that gas bubbles dissociate out from the water The technique of application is that the treatment head is held 1 cm from the skin and moved in small concentric circles

THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS AND EFFECTS There are three primary benefits to ultrasound: The first is the speeding up of the healing process from the increase in blood flow in the treated area The second is the decrease in pain from the reduction of swelling and edema The third is the gentle massage of muscles tendons and/ or ligaments in the treated area because no strain is added and any scar tissue is softened

The two types of effects are: Thermal effects - due to the absorption of the sound waves Non thermal effects – from cavitation, microstreaming and acoustic streaming Cavitational effects are used to directly stimulate cell membranes therefore enhancing the cell-repair effects of the inflammatory response

Indications Soft tissue shortening Pain control Surgical skin incisions Tendon injuries Resorption of calcium deposits Bone fractures Carpal tunnel syndrome

EQUIPMENT - outdated

EQUIPMENT - newer

CONCLUSION Ultrasound is beneficial for its thermal and healing effects Its usage dates to the early 1940’s The safest and easiest method Used mainly in cases of muscle, ligament and tendone injuries

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