Safety Considerations
Contraindications
Therapeutic (not diagnostic) ultrasound may not be applied in the following situations:
- over a uterus during pregnancy
- over the gonads or eyes
- on malignant or precancerous lesions
- on irradiated skin
- in areas with vascular abnormalities (deep vein thrombosis (DVT), arteriosclerosis)
- ove an acute infection
- in the cardiac area when there is advanced heart disease.
Remember, ultrasound promotes tissue proliferation, collagen formation, and circulation. Therefore in conditions where there is circulatory or vascular disease, or when tissue growth could increase the spread of disease or result in burns, do not apply ultrasound.
Precautions
Ultrasound is a physical agent that may effect tissue properties. Precautions when preparing to apply ultrasound include
- impaired cognition - impact reliability in ability to accurately report sensory experiences
- peripheral vascular disease - systemic circulation disease may adversely effect tissue healing; may have intermittent sensory loss
- advanced age - tissue components are more fibroid, less hydrated, susceptible to heating quickly
- previous experience with ultrasound - some patients have had negative effects (e.g., hot spots) and will decline further ultrasound
- pain with pressure - patients with hypersensitivities may not be able to tolerate the pressure and weight from the transducer
