I-Tech UT1032 User Manual page 10

circulation, which allows the dissipation of one part of the heat produced.
After that there are also non thermal effects related to the propagation of
ultrasonic waves: the mechanical effects are due to the strength applied by
the sound waves on the cells that thus undergo micro-displacements towards
areas with less pressure, getting into torsion and rotation phenomes, with
consequent formation of small vortices in the interstitial fluids (streaming).
These pressure variations generate biochemical and biological effects, that
occur like possible alterations of the permeability of cellular membranes.
Finally, closely related to the biochemical effect is phonophoresis, which
consists of the ability of ultrasounds to introduce a drug into tissues.
Another non thermal phenomena is that of cavitation. Cavitation is a physical
phenomenon which consists into formation of steam zones within the fluid.
The dissolved gasses within the fluid they aggregate as a result of the
lowering of pressure realized by the ultrasound, forming bubbles or cavity
containing vapor and subsequently they implode for the displacement in
zones with a greater pressure. The energy which is then free produced
reactions in the surrounding zones.
In therapeutic field ultrasounds are obtained in an artificial way using the
proprieties of dilatation and compression of some mineral crystal when they
are subject to the action of an electric field. So the ultrasonic irradiation
generate vibrations and a consequent micro-massage of remarkable intensity,
acting in depth into tissues. The heat is therefore generated by this micro-
massage, whom consists in the impact and friction of the cellular and
intracellular structures affected by the beam
of ultrasonic waves.
The ultrasonic therapy is particullary
indicated for all the patologies of the
locomotor system in which is desired an
antalgic effect, i.e. in general in the sciatalgia
and neuritis, in the periarticular
calcifications, in the Duplay disease, in the
Dupuyten disease, organized hematomas
and scar tissues, tendinitis, muscle
contractures.
39 MNPG549-00