One of the most effective physiotherapeutic procedures is ultrasound phonophoresis, which implies simultaneous action on the body tissues by ultrasound (mechanical action) and drug substance (chemical effect).
Benefits of the procedure
Ultrasound penetrates into tissues, transforming into thermal energy, therefore substances used in parallel with it (lidase, caripain, hydrocortisone ointment, etc.) are better absorbed, and their time of action increases.
Among the advantages of ultrasonic phonophoresis are:
- saturation of tissues with oxygen, due to which the connecting fibers become more elastic (the effect of lifting);
- activation of metabolic processes, creation of lymphatic drainage effect;
- long-term exposure to a medicinal product;
- anti-inflammatory effect;
- regeneration of tissues and removal of puffiness.
The procedure is designated as a method of combating:
- cellulite ;
- stretch marks;
- scars;
- overweight;
- aging of the skin;
- scars.
Ultrasound is also used in medicine for the treatment of circulatory disorders and lymph drainage, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, gastrointestinal tract.
How is phonophoresis done?
The procedure is carried out in medical cents or physiotherapy rooms:
- During the preparation phase, the skin area to be treated is thoroughly disinfected.
- Then the selected zone is lubricated with gel for phonophoresis - this is the most convenient form of release of the drug. Use also ointments.
- The skin processed by the medicine is supplied with ultrasound, the frequency of which varies between 800 and 3000 kHz, and the intensity is no more than 1 W per square centimeter of skin. The procedure does not cause discomfort, the patient feels only a weak vibration.
The ultrasound phonophoresis lasts 10 to 30 minutes, and the full course is up to 12 procedures that are performed every other day or even every day.
Medications for phonophoresis
- Hydrocortisone , penetrating deep into tissues under the influence of ultrasound, relieves pain in arthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, helps with peripheral CNS disorders. Cosmetologists recommend phonophoresis with hydrocortisone ointment as a method of deep moistening of the skin. After the procedure, the effect of lifting is noted, fine wrinkles disappear.
- Caripain showed itself well in the fight against keloid scars. The procedure allows you to relieve pain and inflammation with radiculitis, osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia, arthrosis. Phonophoresis with caripain improves the conductivity of nerve fibers, blood circulation in tissues.
- Lidase has the property of splitting collagen fibers, which form scar tissue. Therefore, the procedure of phonophoresis with lidase is shown after operations as a way to combat scars, as well as with Dupuytren's contracture, rheumatoid arthritis.
- Hyaluronic acid is recognized by cosmetologists as an effective means of rejuvenation. To combat the withering of the skin, injections are used, but the problem of delivering the drug to the deeper layers of the skin can be solved in a less painful way. So phonophoresis with hyaluronic acid provides micromassage and lymphatic drainage effect, the skin is tightened due to oxygen supply and stimulation of nerve endings.
Be careful!
Like any physiotherapy procedure, phonophoresis has contraindications, including:
- skin diseases;
- oncology;
- endocrine dysfunction in severe form;
- paralysis of the facial nerve;
- Stage 3 of arterial hypertension;
- exacerbation of internal diseases and inflammatory diseases;
- second half of pregnancy.
Many people are interested in the possibility of carrying out phonophoresis in the home - this is really realistic, because a portable ultrasound device is on sale. However, a qualified physiotherapist can perform the procedure without risk to health.