Therapeutic ultrasound
| Therapeutic ultrasound | |
|---|---|
| Intervention | |
| ICD-10-PCS | 6A7 |
| ICD-9-CM | 00.0 |
Therapeutic ultrasound refers generally to any type of procedure that uses ultrasound for therapeutic benefit. This includes HIFU, lithotripsy, targeted ultrasounddrug delivery, trans-dermal ultrasound drug delivery, ultrasound hemostasis, and ultrasound assisted thrombolysis.[1]
[edit] Physical Therapy
Therapeutic ultrasound in physical therapy is alternating compression and rarefaction of sound waves with a frequency of >20,000 cycles/second. Therapeutic ultrasound frequency used is 0.7 to 3.3 MHz. Maximum energy absorption in soft tissue occurs from 2 to 5 cm. Intensity decreases as the waves penetrate deeper. They are absorbed primarily by connective tissue: ligaments, tendons, and fascia (and also by scar tissue).[2]
Therapeutic ultrasound may have two types of benefit: thermal and non thermal effects. Thermal effects are due to the absorption of the sound waves. Non thermal effects are from cavitation, microstreaming and acoustic streaming. Cavitational effects result from the vibration of the tissue causing microscopic air bubbles to form, which transmit the vibrations in a way that directly stimulates cell membranes. This physical stimulation appears to enhance the cell-repair effects of the inflammatory response.[3] Effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound for pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and soft tissue lesions remains questionable. [4]
[edit] References
- ^ Therapeutic Ultrasound: A Promising Future in Clinical Medicine
- ^ Watson, T. (2006). "Therapeutic Ultrasound". (see here for a pdf version with the author and date information)
- ^ Wilkin, H. D., et al. (2004). Influence of Therapeutic Ultrasound on Skeletal Muscle Regeneration Following Blunt Contusion. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 25, 73-77.
- ^ A Review of Therapeutic Ultrasound: Effectiveness Studies
[edit] External links
- Watson, T. (2006). "Therapeutic Ultrasound". (see here for a pdf version with the author and date information)
- International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound
- Ultrasound Use in Physiotherapy
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