Overview of Ultrasound: The Physiological Effects of Sound
I've also created some videos for you here to help illustrate how ultrasound is converted within biological tissue
Now, these videos pull it all together in an example of treating a soft tissue injury with continuous ultrasound and pulsed ultrasound
Review of Non-Thermal Effects
Non-thermal effects are produced when the duty cycle is 20% (1:5) and may be included in the plan of care to support tissue repair. Some thermal effects are produced while ultrasound is pulsed (e.g., 50%), however, these effects result in minimal tissue heating.
- enhanced inflammatory response - plasma and cells which promote tissue regeneration may increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the inflammatory response
- enhanced elimination of debris and bacteria - the rate with which cells (macrophages - "giant eaters") break down exogenous (foreign) substances is increased, thus increasing the rate of tissue healing.
- enhanced formation and propagation (growth) of cells (fibroblasts and collagen) which repair and reconnect previously damaged tissue
- increased rate of capillary growth and regrowth - increased and improved circulation (blood flow) to the healing area
