Intelect® Transport Combo
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
12
INDICATIONS, CONTRAINDICATIONS, AND ADVERSE EFFECTS FOR ULTRASOUND (CONTINUED)
Potential for Burns
It is possible for ultrasound therapy to cause burns if the therapy is
not properly performed. Skin burns can result from one or more of
the following:
If the intensity (power) is too high.
If you are using too low a frequency.
Using a stationary technique (holding the sound head in one
place).
Moving the sound head too slowly.
Treating an area with sensory nerve damage (or the loss of
normal skin sensations).
Desensitized areas can be overheated or burned without the
patient’s knowledge. Use extreme caution with these patients
(e.g., diabetes, neural damage, etc.).
Bony prominences are especially vulnerable: they reflect sound
waves and increase intensity to the periosteum.
Preventing Overheating of the Sound Heads
To prevent the sound head from becoming overheated, do the
following:
Check to be sure proper contact is being made throughout the
treatment.
When treating in water, make sure that the sound head is
completely under water.
For direct coupling, you may need to apply more conductive gel
or lotion during the treatment to achieve better coupling.
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You can also reduce the power or duty cycle during the
treatment if you are treating an area where it is difficult to obtain
good coupling.
Preventing Adverse Effects
Perform the following procedures to avoid the negative effects of
ultrasound therapy.
Sound Head Movement
If movement of the sound head is too slow, the patient may feel
periosteal pain characterized by a deep ache or pain. If motion is too
fast, or if the sound head does not maintain good contact with the
skin, the therapeutic effect of the sound waves will be reduced and
the sound head may overheat.
Patient Susceptibility
Some patients are more sensitive to ultrasound output and may
experience a reaction similar to a heat rash. Be sure to inspect the
treatment area during and following treatment. Discontinue if an
adverse reaction occurs.
Output Power
Choose a lower watt setting to reduce output or select a pulsed
duty cycle. Higher output levels have a greater potential for patient
discomfort.
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