2. INTRODUCTION
• Phonophoresis is a physical therapy technique that combines ultrasound
and topical medications.
• A topical medication is a medication that's applied directly to your skin.
Ultrasound waves then help your skin absorb the medication into the
tissues beneath
• Phonophoresis treats inflammation and pain in your muscles, ligaments,
and joints. It’s similar to iontophoresis.
• Iontophoresis delivers topical medications through your skin using
electrical currents instead of ultrasound
• Phonophoresis may be used alone or as part of a treatment or therapy
plan.
3.
4. • Phonophoresis is the use of ultrasound to enhance the delivery of
topically applied drugs.
• Phonophoresis has been used in an effort to enhance the absorption
of topically applied analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents through
the application of ultrasound.
• Ultrasound is a modality which generates high frequency sound
waves and transmit through the skin to the structures desired to be
affected.
5. • Ultrasound waves help skin to absorb the medication into the tissues
beneath.
• How it works
• First, they will apply a medicated ointment or gel to your skin near an
injured or inflamed joint or muscle. Medications commonly used in
phonophoresis include hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, and
lidocaine.
• Next, they will apply ultrasound gel to the area where the topical
treatment has been applied. This gel helps the ultrasound waves
travel through the skin.
• Finally, they will use an ultrasound head tool on the area where the
topical treatment and gel have been applied. Ultrasound wave
frequencies deliver the medication through the skin into the tissue
beneath.
6.
7. • Some conditions which respond well to phonophoresis include;
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Osteoarthritis of the knee
• Ulnar neuropathy
8. • NB; the affected area should be cleaned thoroughly and the
medication is applied. After treatment the skin should be cleaned
9. Additional treatments
• Treatments may involve:
• RICE method. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are used to
reduce pain and swelling after an injury.
• Corticosteroid shots. Cortisone drugs are injected into your muscle or
joint tissue to help relieve inflammation.
• Manipulations and exercises. Your doctor or therapist uses directed
movements on your affected joints or muscles by hand to help you
regain mobility. Your doctor may also recommend exercises you can
do at home to get your joints and muscles moving more easily.
• Medication. You may need medications for pain and discomfort.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used for
pain.
