Phonophoresis

By
Faisal Mehboob

Introduction
Phono means sound
Phoresis means introduction of ions through a
membrane by the action of ultrasounds.
Phonophoresis is defined as ' movement of the
drugs , through the skin into the subcutaneous
tissues under the influence of ultrasound.
It is also known as sonophoresis, or
ultrasonophoresis.

Principle
Phonophoresis relies on perturbation of the tissue
causing more rapid particle movement .
so encourage more rapid drug absorption.;

Effects
1. thermal effects , inc permeability
2. acoustic pressure created by ultrasonic beam
drives medications into the tissues.
3. continuous ultrasonic + intensity (great enough
to produce thermal effect) can induce a
proinflamatory response.
4. Pulsed ultrasonic + intensity (low) can decrease
inflammation.

Penetration of drugs
once the drug passed through the epidermis , it is most
likely to dispersed into the circulation .
it depends on the vascular supply of the area.
ultrasonic machines with frequency 0.33 or 0.25Mhz
were found to be more effective.
low frequency leads to be more effective.
high frequencies are more effective where the
ultrasound is largely absorbed in the superficial
tissues.
This type of absorption can be seen by applying
ultrasound at frequency at 1.5 and 3 MHz.
And it shows better absorption of the local analgesics
than that on 0.75Hz.

Drugs used in phonophoresis

Hydrocortisone
Steroids
Antibodies such as pencilin
Lotions containing zinc oxide, tannic acid and
menthol

Method of Application
Mix the drug into a suitable gel
smear it on to the skin with spatula
use treatment head onto the skin
Relatively of high intensities ranges from 1 to
1.5W/cm2
time of the treatment depends on the area selected
1 min for every 10cm2 area
After treatment , it is important to remove the drug
from the patients skin and the transducers head.

Contraindications.
1. If local skin anesthetics are being used to apply on the
patient skin, it must be remembered that skin sensation
under the treatment head will gradually loss its
sensation, so patient will not be able to tell about the
skin burn, so keep intensity low.
2. If skin irritation and itching occurs, it should be
reported . the antidote for it is antihistamine.
3. Patients sensitive to metal should not be treated with
zinc.
4. reaction of mecholyl with casomotor shifting,
administer a simple stimulant such as black cofee.
5. Reaction to the hydrocortisone are commonly occur.
6. Do not treat patient with salicylate , if he or she are
sensitive to aspirin...........

For More Notes and Past Papers of

Physio Subjects.

Contact on . 03052258725