Ultrasound Therapy

Question 1

What is ultrasound (US)?

Answer 1

• Sound passes into the tissue and causes molecules to vibrate
• Increases the activity of the cells (may enhance healing)
• Can also heat tissues at high doses.
• Mechanical vibration (energy) = sound
• Not imaging
  (1-3 million Hz or 1-3 MHz)

Question 2

What are some contraindications of Ultrasound?

Answer 2

• Impaired communication
• Eyes
• Malignancy
• Impaired cognition
• Acute injury/inflammation
• Suspected DVT

Question 3

What are some precautions of Ultrasound?

Answer 3

• Pregnancy
• Local circulation problems
• Implants
• Poor tissue quality

Question 4

True or false…
The applicator head (ultrasound) must be kept moving throughout the treatment.

Answer 4

True

Question 5

How many MHz should be used superficially (<2cm) with an ultrasound treatment dose?

Answer 5

3 MHz

Question 6

How many MHz should be used deep (2-5 or 6 cm) with an ultrasound treatment dose?

Answer 6

1MHz

Question 7

What pulse ratio should be used with an acute ultrasound treatment dose?

Answer 7

Pulse 1:4/3
(20%, 25%)

Question 8

What pulse ratio should be used with a sub acute ultrasound treatment dose?

Answer 8

Pulse 1:2/1
(33%, 50%)

Question 9

What pulse ratio should be used with a chronic ultrasound treatment dose?

Answer 9

Pulse 1:1/Continuous
(50%, 100%)

Question 10

What is the intensity required at the lesion to be used with an acute ultrasound treatment dose?

Answer 10

0.1-0.3 W/cm2

Question 11

What is the intensity required at the lesion to be used with a sub acute ultrasound treatment dose?

Answer 11

0.2-0.5 W/cm2

Question 12

What is the intensity required at the lesion to be used with a chronic ultrasound treatment dose?

Answer 12

0.3-1.0 W/cm2

Question 13

How long should be aimed for ultrasound treatment per head area?

Answer 13

1 minute