Phonophoresis

Phonophoresis is a therapy that involves usage of ultrasound so that topical drugs can be absorbed effectively and at a faster rate.

The topical medication that is present inside or beneath the ultrasound gel is driven to reach deep down inside the tissue by making use of the sound waves of the ultrasound.

Phonophoresis can help achieve profound results compared to medicines applied by hand.

For many conditions such as muscle pain, headache, sprains and backaches, most of us resort to oral pain killers. Though it may provide relief from pain, oral medications can affect other parts of the body where the action of the pain killing drug is not needed.

With the application of ultrasound, the medicines are applied on the affected area deep inside the skin tissues. It is a completely painless procedure which involves no side effects. Medicating the whole body can lead to unhealthy complications. Phonophoresis is an effective way to only target and treat the affected injured area.

How is the treatment done?

The affected area is cleaned thoroughly and the medication (in the form of a cream) is applied.  The area is treated with ultrasound waves for several minutes. After treatment, the skin is cleaned.

Usually, a phonophoresis treatment lasts for five to eight minutes depending upon the size and the condition of the affected site. The whole procedure takes fifteen minutes.

What are side-effects of phonophoresis?

There are no significant side effects associated with phonophoresis. However, the treatment should not be done on cancerous tissues or tumors, infections, metal parts implanted inside the body, vascular abnormalities, and sensitive areas such as eyes, groin, skull and abdominal region of the pregnant woman.

How many sessions are needed for phonophoresis treatment?

The number of sessions needed will vary according to the injury. However, you can expect positive results after the first or second session.

How does phonophoresis work?

Phonophoresis makes use of ultrasound waves to deliver medicines at targeted areas underneath the skin to the damaged tissues that lie below it.  While blood circulation in that area increases, tissue relaxation and breakdown of scar tissue takes place.

Can I benefit from it?

Anybody suffering from conditions like tendonitis, swelling, joint pain and muscle sprains can be treated by phonophoresis. The depth and duration of the treatment depends upon the severity of the injury.

Coverage Options

pt Health therapy services are covered by most extended health insurance companies and in some cases Veterans Affairs and Medicare - such as OHIP (Ontario), Alberta Health Care and Medical Service Plan MSP (British Columbia). Not sure if you're covered? No problem. We can help you find out (and usually within the hour). Just call us toll free at 1-866-749-7461.

At pt Health we believe your health should come first. We take care of the paperwork so you can focus on getting better, plus we offer direct insurance billing, saving you time and up front costs.

Learn more about coverage options available at pt Health

Ready to feel your best? Schedule an appointment at any one of our convenient locations near you.

A study conducted by researchers from the University School of Physical Therapy, Izmir, Turkey concluded  that iontophoresis and phonophoresis of naproxen are equally effective electrotherapy methods in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Another study conducted at the University of Virginia revealed that a phonophoretic effect occurred with dexamethasone when its application saturated the skin.

A research study was conducted to examine the therapeutic effects of phonophoresis with ketoprofen in gel form in patients with enthesopathy of the elbow and it was found out that the results support the application of phonophoresis with ketoprofen in the treatment of epicondylitis.