ULTRA SOUND

Ultrasound Physiological Effects

Indication for ultrasound:

Soft tissue shortening (joint contracture, scarring, and adhesions).

Subacute and chronic inflammation.

Muscle guarding, sprain/strain, bursitis and tendonitis.

Tissue healing.

Edema (swelling) reduction.

Thermal effects:

Increased local temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

Portion of energy from the ultrasound wave is absorbed into the tissue structure and converted into
heat energy.

Amount of heating is determined by the frequency and intensity of the ultrasound.

Decrease local adhesion formation and nerve conduction velocity.

Increased connective tissue elasticity.

Non-thermal effects:

• Mechanical: increase cellular diffusion, membrane permeability, collagen synthesis and break down of soft tissue adhesions.
• Acoustic streaming: physical forces of the sound waves that provide a driving force capable of
  displacing ions and small molecules.
• Mechanical pressure applied by the wave produces unidirectional movement of fluid along and around
  cell membranes.
• Chemical increase in enzyme activity, ATP activity, cell membrane permeability, and tissue repair.

Source: Physical Assessment by Dr. Nikita A. Vizniak