Indications/Contraindications
Indications
Ultrasound for use in applying deep heat can be used for treatment of selected medical conditions such
as the relief of pain, muscle spasms and joint contractures. Those conditions may be associated with
adhesive capsulitis, bursitis with slight calcification, myositis and soft tissue injuries. The Intelect
®
Legend
Ultrasound can provide therapeutic deep heating between 40° and 45° C in all of its operating modes,
while using any of the applicators available for this device.
Contraindications
Ultrasound should not be used over:
• An area of the body where a malignancy is known to be present.
• The eyes
• The reproductive organs
• An acute infection or sepsis
• A pregnant uterus
• A deep vein thrombosis
• An arterial disease
• An anesthetized area or condition that causes impairment of sensation, such as chemotherapy.
• The epiphyses of skeletally immature children.
• The thoracic area if the patient is using a cardiac pacemaker.
• A healing fracture
• Ischemic tissues in individuals with vascular disease where the blood supply would be unable to
follow the increase, in metabolic demand and tissue necrosis might result.
• Patients with an implanted neurostimulation device must not be treated with or be in close
proximity to any shortwave diathermy, microwave diathermy, therapeutic ultrasound diathermy or
laser diathermy anywhere on their body. Energy from diathermy (shortwave, microwave, ultrasound
and laser) can be transferred through the implanted neurostimulation system, can cause tissue
damage and can result in severe injury or death. Injury, damage or death can occur during diathermy
therapy even if the implanted neurostimulation system is turned "off."
Precautions
Precautions should be taken when used:
• For acute conditions of bursitis and tendonitis that can be exacerbated by the use of ultrasound.
• Over an area of the spinal cord following a laminectomy (i.e., when major covering tissues have
been removed).
•
On patients with a tendency toward hemorrhaging.
Warnings
• Always keep the applicator sound head in constant motion.
• Always keep the sound head in full contact with the patient’s skin or submerged under water when
setting intensity.
• Use ample conductive gel to ensure good coupling throughout the treatment. If needed, apply when
setting intensity.
• Be sure to read all instructions for operation before treating a patient.
• DO NOT drop the sound head on hard surfaces. DO NOT cool the sound head with ice water or ice
packs. DO NOT allow the sound head to overheat repeatedly. All of these conditions are
likely to damage the sound head crystal.
•
CAUTION:
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous exposure to ultrasonic energy.
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