2. Objectives:
1. To present the physical principles and
biophysical effects of Ultrasound
2. Discuss the clinical conditions for which
ultrasound is effective
3. Discuss the clinical procedures for the
application of ultrasound
4. Present guidelines for the safe use of
ultrasound, including a discussion of the
contraindications and precautions for
treatment with this agent
3. Ultrasound
◦ Is used in medicine for diagnosis (
imaging of internal structures)
◦ Physical therapy (functional restoration
and healing of soft tissue ailments)
◦ Tissue destruction
4. Physical Principles
Nature of Sound
◦ Sound is a non-ionizing radiation, it is
propagation of the vibratory motion.
5. Frequency
◦ Number of oscillations a molecule
undergoes in 1 second
◦ Hz
◦ Human ear – 16 Hz and 20, 000 Hz
◦ Greater than 20,000 Hz is Ultrasound
◦ Ultrasound beams is collimated
◦ 85 KHz and 3 MHz
6. Attenuation – reduction of acoustical
energy as it passes through soft
tissue.
◦ Scattering
◦ Absorption - attenuation
frequency
7. Sound Velocity
◦ Is the speed at
which the vibratory
motion is
propagated through
a material
◦ 1540 m/s –soft
tissue
◦ 4000 m/s –
compact bone
8. Wavelength
◦ Distance between 2
successive peaks in the
pressure wave
◦ Phase shift – time delay
◦ Condensations – the
concentration of
molecules increase in
the regions
◦ Rarefactions –
decrease in alternating
regions
12. Duty cycle = duration of pulse (time on)
pulse period (time on + time off)
< 50% is Pulsed US
13. Intensity
It determined the strength of an US
beam
It is the rate at which energy is delivered
per unit
Watts/square centimeter
W/cm²
The greater intensity result greater
Temperature elevation
PT – 0.25 to 2.0 W/cm² (therapeutic
application)
- 1 to 3 W/cm² (Sullivan&Siegelman)
14. Spatial Average Intensity
Total Power Output (watts)
area (cm²)
Spatial Peak Intensity – the greatest
intensity anywhere within the beam.
15.
16. BNR (beam non-uniformity ratio)-
defines the maximum point intensity
on the transducer to the average
intensity value across the transducer
surface.
2:1 and 6:1
Low BNR – more even energy
distribution and less risk of tissue
20. The Piezoelectric Effect
2 forms
A. Direct Piezoelectric effect
B. Reverse Piezoelectric effect (indirect)
21. Direct Piezoelectric Effect
Is the generation of an electric voltage
across a crystal when the crystal is
compressed.
22. Reverse Piezoelectric Effect
Is the contraction or expansion of a
crystal in response to a voltage
applied across it face.
23.
24. The Transducer
Is any device that converts one form of energy into
another
Piezoelectric crystal is a transducer that converts
electrical energy into sound energy, and vice versa.
1 cm² to 10 cm²
5 cm² most commonly used
ERA (effective radiating area) –the area of the faceplate
(crystal size), which is smaller than the sound head.
25.
26. Biophysical Effects
1. Thermal
Those effects produced by the ability of
ultrasound to elevate tissue temperature.
2. Non- Thermal
Those effects that must be attributed to
mechanism other than an increase in tissue
temperature.
27. Thermal Effects
Increase collagen tissue extensibility
Alterations in blood flow
Changes in nerve conduction velocity
Increased pain threshold
Increase enzymatic activity
Changes in contractile activity of
skeletal muscle
28. 3 MHz – most of the energy is
absorbed within a depth of 1 to 2 cm
1 MHz – absorption in deeper tissue
- deeper than 2 cm from the
skin surface
31. Cavitation
◦ is the vibrational effect on gas bubbles by
an US beam.
◦ Stable cavitation – result diffusional
changes along cell membrane and alter
cell function.
◦ Unstable or transient cavitation – the
violent collapse of bubbles within the
sound field result tissue destruction.
32.
33.
34. Mechanical
◦ Acoustical streaming – refer to the
movement of fluids along the boundaries of
cell membranes
Increase fibroblastic activity
Increase calcium fluxes
Alteration of cell membrane activity
Increased cell wall permeability
Increased protein synthesis
40. Moving vs. Stationary Applicator
◦ Stationary
◦ Moving – slowly ~ 4 cm/s
- longitudinal stroking or circular
movements can be used
- total area covered – 2-3x the size of
the irradiating crystal for every
5 minutes exposure.
41. Exposure Factors
◦ 5 minutes – increase tissue extensibility
◦ General use – it should be:
an appropriate frequency for the depth of the
tissue to be treated
A continuous wave or pulsed wave – according
to treatment aims
The lowest intensity and duration that achieved
desired result
43. Technique of Phonophoresis
Medication is rubbed directly onto the
surface of the skin
Coupling gel spread over the
medication
Then sonation is initiated
46. 3 different examples of shoulder
dysfunction
1. Capsular shortening or contracture
2. Supraspinatus tendinitis
3. Muscle-guarding spasm and pain
2°to degenerative joint dse.
47. Treatment Precautions
1. Should not be applied over the eye
2. Irradiation over the heart should be avoided
3. Over pregnant uterus
4. Over testes
5. Over malignant tissue
6. Impaired sensation
7. Impaired circulation
8. Impaired cognitive function
9. Over thrombophlebitis
10. Over epiphyseal area in children
11. Over exposed or unprotected spinal cord
48. Clinical Decision Making
1. Stage of inflammation and repair
2. Site of pathology
3. Total amount of tissue to be heated
4. Presence or absence of orthopedic
implants
50. Joint Contracture and Scar
Tissue
A 28 year old man sustained partial
lacerations to the extensor tendons to
the ring and small fingers over the
metacarpophalangeal joints when he
cut his fingers on a knife in dish water.
The tendons were surgically repaired
and immobilized for 2 weeks 2° to
wound infection. You are now seeing
the patient 4 wks.postop.
52. Reduction of Pain and Muscle
Spasm
The patient, a 45 year old woman, has
had pain in the right cervical and
interscapular area for ~ 2 wks. The
onset of pain was caused by repetitive
activity during spring cleaning.
53. US
◦ 1.0 MHz/0.5 W/cm²/p 20%/5 min.
◦
◦ Lying in prone or
◦ Seated with UE well supported
54. Bursitis and Tendinitis
A 26 year old male patient has a
patellar tendinitis. The insidious onset
of pain occurred ~ 3 wks. ago. The
patient was told to place ice on the
area, rest, and do range of motion
exercises.
56. Phonophoresis
The patient, a 38 year old man, has a
lateral epicondylitis. His symptoms,
which first began after prolonged
hammering, have continued for ~ 6
weeks. He was instructed to use ice
on the affected area and to rest. In
addition, anti-inflammatory medication
was prescribed.
58. Chronic Wounds
A 40 year old male factory worker
sustained a sprain of the lateral ankle.
This occurred when he overturned his
foot 1 day ago. Rest, ice,
compression, and elevation were
recommended to the patient by the
company nurse.
59. US
◦ Days 1-5 = 3.0 MHz/0.5 W/cm²/p 20%/5
min
◦ Days 6-14 = 3.0 MHz/1.0 W/cm²/p 20%/5
min
60. References :
Thermal Agents in Rehabilitation by
Susan L. Michlovitz 3rd edition
Physical Agents in Rehabilitation
From Research to Practice
by Michelle H. Cameron 2nd edition
NPTE Review & Study Guide
by O’ Sullivan & Siegelman
Editor's Notes
A deep heating agent
Employed in medicine for over 50 years
Wood and loomis in 1927-biologic effect in tissue to US
1930 germany –application of US
1940 – Unuted states
Lowest intensity – use for diagnostic
High intensity – use for tissue destruction
Ionizing radiation – cause cancer production and chromosome breakage
Acoustic radiation= US
1 Hz = 1 cycle/sec.
1 kHz = 1000 cycles/sec
1 MHz = 1 million cycles/sec.
Collimated beam that oscillating crystal produces sound waves with little dispersion of energy
1.0 MHz most use for deep penetration
3.0 MHZ widely used for superficial
Absorption highest muscle, tendons, ligaments and capsule
Scattering – reflection and refraction
The more rigid the material= the greater the velocity of sound passing through it
Wavelength is inversely related to frequency
V= FxW
LW- the direction of motion of the molecules is parallel to the direction of wave propagation
TW-is perpendicular
No TW in gases and liquids
Solids= LW & TW- is found in bone
CW- sound intensity is constant – use to achieve thermal effects – chronic conditions
PW – intermittently interrupted – used when non thermal effects are desired – acute soft tissue injuries
Duty cycle- fractions of time in pulsed wave
Pulsed mode -0.05 (5%) to 0.5 (50%)
20% is most commonly used – 2msec. On time and 8 msec.off time
51%-99%- it produces less acoustic energy and less heat
Pulsed mode –duty cycle is important
Continuous US – spatial characteristic is predominant
SPI – hot spot – using moving technique and pulsed lower the SPI
Temporal peak intensity or pulse average intensity- maximum intensity in pulsed
Temporal average intensity –US power average over 1 pulsed period
Tgemporal average intensity- on period+off period
Pulsed –minimize heating needed- like stasis ulcers and acute coft tissue injuries
Hot spots =can cause damage to the insonated tissue
Moving applicator technique
SAI – 0.25 to 2.0 W/cm used therapeutic application
10.0 W/cm used to destroy tissue surgically
0.1 W/cm used for diagnostic purposes
Parasitic radiation –therapist result acute pain in hand fingers
Is any device that converts one form of energy into another
Piezoelectric crystal is a transducer that converts electrical energy into sound energy, and vice versa.
Has a variety of sizes
Conversion – mechanical energy produces by sound waves
Increase temp-5 cm or more
High dose = retard long bone growth, damage spinal cord tissue, destroy other tissue
Thermal using Continuous mode
Tissue with high collagen absorb a large amt.of US beam
Attenuation of a 1 MHz Ultrasound Beam
US as deep heating – elevate temp 40 °C to 45 °C
Using pulsed mode
Rarefactions- small bubbles expand
Condensations- bubbles compressed
SC – resonate without tissue damage
USC- high temp.
Result mechanical pressure wave
Ion fluxes- streaming
Protein systhesis
Heat and stretch
45 degrees C- elevate tissue temp
Ratio of the acoustic power to the intensity is constant ERA –effective radiating area
Quality control – calibrated and electrically safe
Coupling medium to transmit US energy from transducer to irradiated surface
Water soluble gel
Eliminates the air to minimize the amt of sound entering the body
Immersion technique -0.5 to 3.0 cm from the body
Direct contact
Used stationary if the area is too small with low intensity
Hot spots= tissue damage
Rapid- decreased the amt.of enrgy the tissue absorb
Distribute the energy even
Heat – inadequate coupling medium
Not moving
Choice of transducer
Tx.time 3-10 mins
Irregular body parts
Plastic container-less reflection
1 cm from skin surface – ryt angle
Wipe off bubbles
Nor widely used but can used as alternative for immersion
Then the part placed in water bath
80%
Anti inflammatory drugs – cortisol, dexamethasone, salicylates, lidocaine
Pulsed mode 20%
0.5 -0.75 W/cm²
1- glenohumeral jt-affected abduction and ER-position of the pt.shpoulder
2- supraspinatus insertion – abducted and ER –acromion process
3- comfortable and relaxed position
Can produce cataract
Retina’s destruction
2- study ECG changes happened
Cardiac pacemaker
3- abnormality sich as low birth wt., brain size reduction, orthopedic abnormalities (study)
10 days after the onset of menses – ok
4- temporary sterility
5- metatasis- increase tumor growth
Not over healing fracture
Factors need to be considered
2- depth , location
Adjunct with HMP
But cold should not be given prior to US
9-12 US should be given then discontinued for 2 weeks
Problems: decreased gliding of the tendon
Wound infection and slow healing
Limited functional activities
Assessment –ROM, wound/scar eval, functional daily activities
Goals – Increase tendon gliding, ROM, FA
Superficial
Subacute
Measure ROM after tx.
HP= AROM
Scar- fiction massage and ROM
Problems: pain, limited ROM
Assessment: pain quality, quantity, location
Functional activity
Cervical ROM
Goals:
Reduce pain, Increase FA, ROM
Deep tissue
Subacute
Pulse mode- pain relief
Problem: persistent pain, limited FA
Assessment: Pain, FA
Goals: reduce pain, increase FA
Deep
Subacute
Pulse- healing, pain
Problem: temporary relief, aggravation with activity, limited FA
Assessment: pain, FA
Gials: reduce pain, incA use of involved side
In order to induce dexamethasone
3MHz- less than 2cm deep
Subacute to chronic
Thermal effect to increase diffusion of the drugs
Problems: swelling, bruising of the ankle, pain, decrease ROM, limited FA
Assessment: volumetrics of ankle, pain, ROM, FA, gait
Goals: decrease swelling,reduce pain, increase ROM foot and ankle, strength, improve gait, FA
Low dose US to reduce edema and increase mast cell degranulation
Superficial
healing