Rev. 02 of 10/12/04
5/24
Ch ap . 2
– I N D I C A T I O N S / C O N T R A I N D I C A T I O N S
This Chapter lists the main situations where the use of ultrasounds is advisable, and the
restrictions on the use of this therapy.
2 . 1
– I n d i c a t i o n s
The most common pathologies treated by ultrasounds are those involving the bone,
muscle and tendon system, fats. They are especially indicated for:
Therapy:
periostitis;
tendinitis;
arthrosis;
muscular contractures;
scarring;
organized oedemas.
Aesthetics:
Celulitis;
Lymphatic draining;
Local thinning;
Skin pathologies.
Ultrasounds today also have proven validity in the treatment of such extra-articular
rheumatological alterations as
scapulohumeral periarthritis
, elbow epicondylitis and
other pathologies, thanks to their anti-pain, fibrolytic and decontracturing effect.
The structures involved suffer their main traumas especially during physical activity;
however, in many cases, they may also be due to aging (rheumatisms, muscular
hypotrophy, lack of balance due to little movement); these cases are increasing steeply
due to the progressive rising of the average age, not accompanied by a suitable
improvement of the quality of life.
In sports, the most frequent traumas affect the articulations of the knee and the ankle and
can be cured by ultrasounds through daily applications, repeated in several sessions. The
treatments are especially performed for anti-pain purposes and are preparatory for
kinesitherapy sessions.
2 . 2
– C o n t r a i n d i c a t i o n s
Ultrasounds have the same contraindications as any physical media which act through
endogenous production of heat:
degenerative osteoporosis;
presence of metal fragments;
varicose veins
acute thrombosis and thrombophlebitis;
obliterative arteriopathies haemorrhages;
menstruations;
neoplasms;
tuberculosis;
acute inflammatory processes;
skin injuries;
altered sensitivity.
During applications with ultrasound techniques, use on the following is not advisable:
