

Phonophoresis is a therapy that involves usage of ultrasound so that the drugs that are applied topically can be absorbed effectively at a faster rate.
The topical medication that is present inside or beneath the ultrasound gel are driven to reach deep down inside the tissue by making use of the sound waves of the ultrasound.
Phonophoresis can help bring about profound results compared to the medicines that are applied by means of the hands.
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 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.
For many pain related conditions such as pain in muscles, headache, sprains in ankle, knee, neck, elbow, foot etc; backache, etc many of us often 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 target and treat the affected injured area.
How is the treatment done? The affected area is cleaned thoroughly and the medication (which is in the form cream) is then applied onto it. The area is then treated with ultrasound waves for several minutes and then 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 hardly 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 that you may happen to go through may vary according to the injury. However, you can expect positive results after the first or the second session.
How does phonophoresis work? Phonophoresis makes use of ultrasound waves to deliver the medicines at the targeted areas underneath the skin to the damaged tissues that lie below it. The blood circulation in that area increase, 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 healed by means of phonophoresis. The depth of the treatment as well as the duration depends upon the severity of the problem.

Since it is a non-invasive treatment, it involves very miniscule chances of risks. However, it should not be administered on broken skin or fractured bone.
Not every cream can be used for this treatment and it should only be performed by a trained professional such as a physiotherapist.

Top 5 Reasons to consider Phonophoresis
Non-invasive: One of the best non-surgical treatments that can easily treat even the deepest areas of concern under the skin. Each treatment lasts for no more than fifteen minutes and you can immediately feel the difference.
Alternative to injections: Many injuries are treated by means of injections, however, with phonophoresis you have the added advantage of painless treatments. Injections have the ability of treating health problem intravenously; while phonophoresis has the capacity to deal with health problems transdermally.
Fast recovery: The treatment is highly accurate and ensures fast recovery from pain. Acute and chronic patients can benefit greatly from it.
Pain relief: The patient will not feel free from pain but also find improvement in the normal functionality in the affected area. This will help greatly in getting back to normal life quickly.
Recommended therapy: Since satisfactory results are seen during the first or the second session, more and more physiotherapists are advising patients to go for phonophoresis therapy.