Ultrasound
Also written as: US
Physical therapy modality using sound waves to promote tissue healing and reduce pain.
Full Definition
Therapeutic Ultrasound is a physical therapy modality that uses high-frequency sound waves to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and decrease pain. The treatment involves applying a transducer with coupling gel to deliver thermal or non-thermal effects to targeted tissues. Continuous ultrasound produces thermal effects, while pulsed ultrasound provides non-thermal mechanical effects. Parameters include frequency, intensity, duty cycle, and treatment duration, which must be adjusted based on tissue depth and treatment goals.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify parameters (frequency, intensity, duty cycle, duration) in documentation.
In Context
- "Ultrasound treatment at 1 MHz, 1.0 W/cm², continuous mode for 8 minutes to the lateral epicondyle." — Treatment note