21
4.2 Intended Use Ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound is a mechanical energy consisting of high-frequency vibrations applied by means of an
ultrasound applicator. These vibrations pass through the tissue of the body and are gradually absorbed
and transformed into heat. The resulting temperature increase triggers biological changes to occur in the
tissue for the relief of pain, relaxation of muscle spasms and reduction of joint contractures.
4.2.1 Indications Ultrasound
• Ultrasound is indicated for conditions that benefit from the application of deep heat: relief of pain,
muscle spasms and joint contractures. The objective of therapeutic ultrasound in the treatment of
selected medical conditions associated with the chronic and sub chronic conditions of
bursitis/capsulitis, epicondylitis, ligament sprains, tendinitis, scar tissue healing and muscle strain,
is to reduce pain.
4.2.2 Contra-indications Ultrasound
• The established contra-indications to heat therapy itself
• In an area of the body where a malignancy is known to be present
• Over or near bone growth centers until bone growth is complete
• Over the thoracic area if the patient is using a cardiac pacemaker
• Over a healing fracture
• Over ischemic tissues in individuals with vascular disease where the blood supply would be
unable to follow the increase in metabolic demand and tissue necrosis might result
• In the presence of metal implants of any type
• Patients with sensory loss on the area to be treated
• The gonads or to the developing fetus
• The heart
• The brains
• The testicles
• The eyes
• Facial sinus as this exposes the eyes to the same hazards
• Ultrasound should not be used on unconscious patients
4.2.3 Precautions and Warnings Ultrasound
• Precaution should be taken when using therapeutic ultrasound on patients with hemorrhagic
diatheses.
• Ultrasound treatment presents a potential safety hazard in patients whose pain response has
been decreased because of disease, previous surgery, ionizing radiation therapy, chemotherapy,
general or regional anaesthesia. It may cause burns. Do not use on insensitive areas or in the
presence of poor circulation.
• Large thermal doses may result in regions of thermal aseptic necrosis which may not be apparent
on inspection of the skin.
• See also chapter 3, Precautionary Instructions, for general Warnings and Precautions.
4.2.4 Relevant Hazards Ultrasound
• Use of ultrasound in treating areas above the shoulders may pose relevant hazards. While it is
recognized that certain specific conditions involving the eyes can and have been treated by
specialists qualified by training, knowledge and experience to administer such treatments, such
application carries with it recognized hazards of applying heat to the eyes.
• Treatment of the facial sinus exposes the eyes to the same hazards.
• Treatment of the thyroid, as well as lymph nodes in the neck, may expose the patient to as yet
undetermined effects, in as much as the safety of such treatments has not yet been established.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
