Advantages of Ultrasonic diathermy | Disadvantages of Ultrasonic diathermy
This page covers advantages and disadvantages of Ultrasonic diathermy and its basics. It mentions benefits or advantages of Ultrasonic diathermy and drawbacks or disadvantages of Ultrasonic diathermy.
What is Ultrasonic diathermy?
The diathermy uses electric current to generate heat deep inside targeted tissue. It can reach areas as deep as two inches from the skin's surface. There are various techniques by which heat is generated in the targeted body part. The methods include short wave, long wave, microwave, ultrasonic and laser diathermy.
Ultrasound diathermy uses high frequency sound waves to treat deep tissues. The heat is generated by vibration of the tissue. This promotes blood flow into the area. It is used for many types of musculoskel strains and fractures.
Ultrasound diathermy devices use high frequency sound waves in 1 to 3 MHz range. 1 MHz is used for deep depetration (5 cm). 3 MHz is used for superficial penetration (2cm).
The figure depicts ultrasonic diathermy equipment with its internal modules. Let us understand working of ultrasound diathermy device. It works on the principle that sound waves are absorbed by high protein tissues such as tendons, ligaments, joint capsules and muscle. A huge amount of these waves are absorbed by bone. Ultrasonic waves generate high speed mechanical vibrations in the cells of absorptive tissues. These provides micro level massage to the tissues.
Ultrasonic diathermy uses piezoelectric crystal which generates ultrasonic energy when oscillator output is applied to it. It is possible to control the depth of penetration of the ultrasound energy so that desired tissues can be treated. Ultrasound diathermy can be done in two modes viz. pulsed mode and continuous mode.
Benefits or advantages of Ultrasonic diathermy
Following are the benefits or advantages of Ultrasonic diathermy:
➨It helps to reduce chronic inflammation and local swelling. It promotes healing of bone fracture.
➨It is inexpensive, quick and non-invasive treatment method. It can be used to detect fetus problems.
➨It is used in continuous mode to heal dense collagenous tissues.
➨Ultrasound energy causes rapid contraction and expansion of micro-scopic gas bubbles around
the affected tissue. This speeds up healing process by use of ultrasonic diathermy.
➨There are no hazards to patient and operator.
➨Intensity and frequency of ultrasonic waves can be controlled.
This helps in treatment of specific tissues by controlling the energy to desired part and at appropriate depth.
Drawbacks or disadvantages of Ultrasonic diathermy
Following are the drawbacks or disadvantages of Ultrasonic diathermy:
➨Ultrasonic diathermy equipment can not generate ultrasonic frequency above 3 MHz.
Moreover frequency of oscillations depends on temperature.
➨It is not recommended for treatment of patients with open wounds or
women who are pregnant.
➨Ultrasound therapy can not be used in areas which contain gas e.g. lungs.
➨It provides wrong results in detecting physical abnormalities as it doesn't pass through bones.
➨Ultrasound has limited use in head and neck region as sound waves are absorbed by bone. The use of ultrasound is restricted to superficial structures.
➨Also refer advantages and disadvantages of Ultrasound >>.
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