Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Phonophoresis is one of the possible forms of rehabilitation. It is recommended for people with a history of injuries, inflammation and osteoarthritis. The therapy is carried out by emitted ultrasounds, which support regeneration and introduce drugs into the body along with micromassage. How long does the therapy last and what are the contraindications?
Physical therapy and ultrasound
Ultrasounds they are increasingly used in modern medicine. They include, among others electrophonophoresis and phonophoresis. Ultrasounds they are vibrations inaudible to the human ear. During physical therapy, waves with a frequency of 1 or 3 MHz are used to penetrate deep into the tissue. The treating specialist can control the depth of penetration of the waves by varying the frequency. This process is also called micromassage. Mechanical vibrations act locally, warming up the tissue, improving metabolic and regenerative processes in cells, and increasing the permeability of cell membranes.
Phonophoresis – what is it?
Phonoforeza enters the area of physiotherapy. During the procedure, ultrasounds are used and appropriate drugs are applied. The procedure is completely painless. As a form of treatment phonophoresis it is used topically for various problems and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. The indications for this form of rehabilitation may vary from injuries to symptoms such as osteoarthritis. Physical therapy improves regeneration and healing of wounds, increases the nutrition and blood supply to tissues and helps to reduce pain. Phonoforeza due to a number of contraindications, it requires consultation and a medical interview as well as a written referral to this form of rehabilitation.
Phonophoresis – healing effect
Phonoforeza consists in introducing a drug into the body using ultrasound. Acoustic waves can be continuous or pulsed. As a consequence, mechanical vibrations cause tissue micro-massage. The healing effect of the procedure and consequently indications to carry it out are very broad. Ultrasound reduces muscle tension, dilates blood vessels, changes nerve conduction, reduces pain. In addition, metabolism and regenerative processes are stimulated. The skin increases its permeability, so medications are administered in the form of a gel fonoforezy they reach deeper, up to 8 cm deep into the body. Under such conditions, the drug is also able to penetrate the bone tissue. Besides phonophoresis affects the biochemistry of tissues. It warms up, improves the course of cellular respiration, changes the pH and improves collagen synthesis.
Phonophoresis – the course and duration of treatment
Before going for rehabilitation, it’s good to know what physical therapy looks like. After consulting a doctor and receiving a referral, you do not need to prepare yourself for the procedure. We can choose any physiotherapy office or treatment center in which they have the appropriate equipment. Phonoforeza must be repeated several times. Usually, a medical referral gives us about 10 appointments, and the time of the procedure is also specified. During it, we need to reveal the part of the body that is to be treated. The physiotherapist applies the drug in the form of a gel to the head of the ultrasound device and topically to the skin. Then he puts the device against the body. A single treatment is painless and takes up to 10 minutes.
Indications – when to decide on therapy?
The indications for physical therapy are wide. Phonoforeza it is used in many cases of injuries and diseases related to elements of the musculoskeletal system, including the treatment of:
- inflammation of joints and periarticular areas,
- post-traumatic conditions resulting from sprains, fractures, sprains, strains,
- osteoarthritis,
- nervousness,
- post-amputation pains, muscles, spine, joints,
- muscle contractures,
- soft tissue calcification,
- enthesopathy (including tennis elbow, jumper’s knee),
- Sudecka team,
- halluksów,
- heel spurs,
- scars,
- trismus.
Contraindications – should a doctor be consulted?
Before the procedure, it is important to interview the patient to find out if there are potential ones contraindications for ultrasound treatment. Phonoforeza should not be performed if you have:
- severe diseases of the heart and circulatory system,
- tumors,
- acute inflammation with fever (postoperative, bacterial or viral),
- urological and nephrological diseases,
- tuberculosis,
- problems with blood clotting,
- neurosis,
- gastrointestinal bleeding
- metal implants,
- allergy to the drug administered during the procedure,
- epilepsy,
- pregnancy.
Phonophoresis – drugs applied during the procedure
During therapy ultrasound different medications in the form of a gel are used, depending on the health situation of the patient. During fonoforezy both weaker agents and stronger non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used. Among the substances used, there may also be peloid gel and scar softening substances.