Ultrasound is one of the most well-known and applied forms of therapy in physical technology. The energy is transmitted to the tissue in the form of a sound wave by means of a “head” or transducer. The frequency with which this occurs is typically between 0.8 and 3 MHz. Not all tissue absorbs the ultrasound energy to the same degree. The effectiveness therefore strongly depends on the type of tissue that is being treated. The greatest effect of ultrasound occurs in that tissue where the energy is absorbed in an efficient manner. This is connective tissue (collagen) with a high degree of denseness such as ligaments, tendons, fascia, joint capsules and scar tissue.

Although ultrasound has an effect on other tissue (for example, muscle tissue), the effect of ultrasound on an acute muscle rupture is less pronounced than the effect on an acute ligament injury. Knowledge of the type of tissue that is affected is of essential importance for the clinical decision-making process. In a recent study no significant effects could be demonstrated in the treatment of very acute muscle contusions while positive effects were observed in the treatment of ligament injuries].

Effects of Ultrasound

Ultrasound can be applied both in a thermal as well as in a non-thermal manner. A thermal effect is in place if a temperature of 40-45°C is reached in the tissue, which must continue for at least 5 minutes. Excessive thermal effects, which could particularly occur at higher levels of intensity, could damage the tissue. The non-thermal effects of ultrasound (including cavitation and acoustic microcirculation) would play a more important role than the thermal effects in the treatment of  soft spot injuries. Cavitation occurs when gas-filled bubbles alternately swell and compress in tissue fluids under the influence of pressure differences (caused by ultrasound). This gives rise to a current movement in the tissue of the surrounding tissue. Due to this microcirculation the cell structure and permeability changes, which is considered as an explanation of the fact that ultrasound has a positive effect on wound healing.

There are two forms of cavitation:

• Stable (non-inertial) cavitation
• Unstable (inertial) cavitation

For more information please go to

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.

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
• Ultrasound should not be used on unconscious patients

Please consult the Instructions for Use for more information on indications and contra-indications and for warnings and recommendations.

The above indications and contra-indications originated from the 4-Series Operating Instructions EN 1498751-41.pdf.

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